Samoan etiquette requires the visitor to assure his host that he has not come to fa'atilotilo masae, i.e., to sponge on him. (Abridged. O le fili va i fale. Same meaning as No. The tulafale try their utmost to bring about the wedding of their chief and when this is accomplished they are not sparing in flatteries, as they will be well rewarded with the fine mats that constitute the bride's dowry. doi:10.21037/apm.2018.s016. Ua talaga a pa sina. I shouldn't say fat, that might offend him, but he's Samoan and claims to have seen ghosts. Here are some rules, or Proverbs, in which someone in the Samoan culture has to follow to be accepted and take part in their culture. 178. Therefore, he who comes for it at this stage, is too late. A bunch of bananas also served as bait for the manuali'i. E tasi, 'ae afe. The Tuifiti (King of Fiji) had two wives, one a Fijian, the other a Samoan. The space between the huts at the ve'a hunt. The hermit crab is doing the climbing, but it is its shell that suffers the damage. Pratt translates: Better have a small plantation of your own, than be joined with another. The work is progressing fast. However, a second aitu, much revered by the other woman's family, approached her and said Run away quick and I will conceal your flight; that is not your friend but an aitu. While she was running away, he changed himself into her form and went fishing with the first aitu. As soon as the fisherman appears, the fish will escape into deep water where it can no longer be caught. Before the advancement of mortuary science there, the deceased was buried the day after death. When two men are in partnership, they must be of one mind. This gift is known as tu'u malie or payment for the shark. The Samoan fish-hook consists of a longish shaft of polished pearl shell, pa, and a hook made of tortoise shell, maga. From Fagaiofu the lo travel to Falelatai and then along the coast to Manono. Upu fa'aalualu: To effect a union or an alliance; to pursue a goal with united strength. Turn the house around; the ropes will protect it. 91. To this the Samoans compare a brother who will rush in among troops after his wounded brother, even if he should be killed himself. This explanation is by no means exhaustive. Explore. According to Kraemer the hunters climb the rock and kill the sleeping birds or seize them with their hands. When the parents returned, they were so terrified at the young one's inability to eat, that they left all caution aside and could be caught easily. Sinnet should be made daily and daily the rigging must be examined. Thus, two families or two villages may live in close proximity and yet be far removed one from the other through lack of kinship. The aesthetic sense of the Samoans requires a person of dignity to be well-fed and portly. The family is the most significant socio-political element of Samoan society. After the catch, the net is carried ashore and hung up. Ua se le atu i ama. 98. Applied to a resolution corresponding to what is customary in the family or the village. Fetuia'i fa'afaga a 'apoa. Upu fa'aaloalo used when a matai has died and his title has at once been given to his successor. Upu fa'amafanafana or vivi'i: A strong village that has been defeated in battle will fight again. Their wilful damage is considered in the same light as a bodily injury and a personal insult to the owner. The tropic bird is careful of its long tail feathers. Everyone grieves differently and for different periods of time. This Samoan expression literally means like grass by the roadside. 96. Matala'oa was a bush village in Falealili, inland of Poutasi. Top Samoan Mothers Quotes. Upu faifai applied to a community (family, village, district) composed of many but unimportant individuals. The more formal ways to say this are: Hello (polite). The death of the head of the family, on the other hand, is considered a great loss. The evil a man does, lives after him. The most frequently used and best beloved embellishment of the language to which the orator resorts, is the muagagana or alaga'upu. 77. Upu faifai referring to lack of energy and perseverance. Like the crying of the pu that is going to die. 111. For a certain kind of night fishing the Samoans use a particular net called tapo. From this we have the saying: O le fa'afiti a tautai. Notwithstanding its soft body the octopus is a powerful fish. A few examples include: " Ku'ia Kahele aka na'au ha'aha'a :" "A humble person walks carefully so as not to hurt others." The large double war canoe ('alia) and the two-bowed taumualua have been superseded by the big row-boats which the natives have learned to build European style. O le poto a lauloa. In Tutuila people knew how to catch sea birds with- - 162 out a decoy (No. This extensive process marks the formality of the situation with the acceptance of a new titleholder as well as a possible tulafale into the family and village. If a visitor comes to the faimea to get a fish-hook, the latter should empty the receptacle completely and not niggardly hide a hook. 109. The bird's breast feathers are very sparse. More Samoan Proverbs: You shake in vain the branch that bears no fruit. Upu vivi'i used of a person or a community that performs an undertaking unassisted. To catch the octopus within the reef, the fisher uses a stick, sao, with which the fish is tickled and enticed from its lair. The feathers of certain birds, e.g., the tavae or tropic bird, are attached to the fish-hook to serve as artificial bait. Tau ina iloa ia i'a. E a sipa le lama, 'ae fano malolo. Upu fa'aaloalo used to introduce some complimentary remarks about the previous speaker, if the latter was a high chief or an orator of rank. The mago escaped through a side opening. E le se tunuma ma moe fa'atasi. The whole village led by the tautai takes part in the drive. O le tiuga a Matala'oa e tiu ma afifi. 33. Upu fa'aaloalo: In a difficult situation only a wise tulafale can give advice and help; we, therefore, rely on him to make the decision. When the plant sprouts once more, the tuber can still be used; but as soon as it has new leaves, the tuber becomes uneatable. 23 Samoan Proverbs 1. The roots are edible. A petitioner uses it to indicate he realizes the negative answer he gets is only an evasion. 25. Ulumu politely offered Lefao to take station in the falemuathe front hut. The hermit crab often wanders inland. Like this post? Poems about death and losscan add another dimension, bringing to life emotions that prose or sayings cannot express. 46. The proverbs were collected and authored by Rev George Pratt, an English missionary from the London Missionary Society who lived in Samoa for 40 years, mostly in Matautu on the central north coast of Savai'i Island. Talanoa atu, 'ae le talanoa manu. Upu fa'aaloalo: Explain the general aim of the meeting, then we shall give our opinion. O le i'a ititi o igaga. His work in the village is useful. A worthless bird flies over the tia. ", "All things grow with time, except grief", "Live your own life, for you will die your own death. 189. Lefao's pigeons are counted (i.e., the contest is ended; I am the victor). The pigeons are scattered in the bush to look for food, to mate, etc. Se'i toto le ta'amu te'evao. If the assistant is inattentive and looks away, the plank will not fit in and the work miscarries. The pigeon that was detached from the rest of the flock. In Asau, Savai'i, the soil is very stony. Upu vivi'i: laudatory and complimentary remarks. 64) fortune was changing. Upu vivi'i: Traditions, family trees and the happenings of ancient times are not forgotten, but survive among the people. He then fits it in place and with his wooden mallet (tafao) hammers it down, his assistant holding it. Ia oloolo pitova'a. 168. (A paraphrase for moemoesolo.). ), SCHULTZ, E. Sprichwortliche Redenserten der Samoaner. The best hooks are those with a perfectly white pearl shell shaft. A big fish net is made in parts (tulavae) by individual persons. Applied to petty quarrels between families which are not of a political character and do not threaten the general peace of the community. Failure to do this is particularly troublesome when the little fishes appear, because they will be chased by the big ones and, at the same time, they serve as free bait for the fishermen. Type-written copy. 129. O le punapuna a manu fou. 104. Is he to be pursued like the shark of Foa? Ua fa'atagito'a. It only looks that way. In other societies, death is regarded as a specter no one talks about. 140. The paddle lying on the deck of the fishing boat. There the instruments remain together, one knowing the other. You shake in vain the branch that bears no fruit. We must be of one mind in the undertaking. This phrase is used to describe someone whos will is stronger than their body. The king had a pa but he did not know how to tie it correctly into a fish-hook. 145. Whatever your culture or religion, these words help address death as a part of life: It's important to honor those who have gone before us. Who sits at home in the morning will not eat in the evening. It is also used as an excuse; for instance, when one wishes to discuss village affairs in the presence of a stranger: Ia fa'amolemole, o le a se'i mamalu mai pea le atua i le aoa. The crab dies by its own leg. Pa'u i se niu 'umi (loa). EMAIL: WECARE@SEVENPONDS.COM, Appointed family orators facilitate the process of death and funeral in Samoan culture, Hospice social worker, Scott Janssen, offers advice on how to ease a loved one's pain, Advance directives provide people with mental health issues the ability to communicate with providers when they are doing well. Ua fa'afaiva o matu'u. In Samoa, in fact, fishing with bow and arrow has hardly ever been popular; today is has completely fallen into disuse. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Upu faifai or Fa'aulaula: Your designs are too apparent and will fail. Fatu'ulu. First friends, then broken heads. E tele a ululau. Given that dialogue relating to death and grief for many Samoans remains in the realm of tapu (sacred) or s (protected), few attempts have been made by researchers of Samoan heritage Aua e te fagota i le sao. They appeared not in Saua; they appeared not at the drying of the rigging. To catch one pigeon after the other. Some were destroyed by the eels, others by Pagoa. While the fisher is waiting for a bite, his boat must move on slowly. 7. Upu fiafia used at the reception of relatives, friends or guests. If at first you dont suceed try, try and try again. Upu fa'anoanoa or alofa, applied to things that were well begun, but ended badly. 139. Never judge things of. Thus the whole village perished. When the parents returned, they were so terrified at the young one's inability to eat, that they left all caution aside and could be caught easily. If at first you dont succeed try, try and try again. This cannot be done on the left side because of the outrigger. Fa'alupe tumulifale. This practice can be quite a financial burden on Samoan families particularly if there are a number of funerals in a short amount of time. 93. The galo is frequently found in this lagoon. Upu fa'aulaula addressed to a person who appears unexpectedly. O le faila tu i le ama a'u nei, i.e., don't mind me; I am standing outside the canoe. Upu faifai. It is also used for the notch made by the carpenter in a tree trunk or a beam to facilitate his work. The coconut tree doesnt sway on its own, but is swayed by the wind. 8. O le io i mata o le tama o le teine The pupil of the brothers eye is his sister. In order to settle a dispute, it is necessary to be clear about its causes. When its tuber is mature, the leaves wither. The double meaning of the word umu forms an untranslatable pun. Fa'afanauga a laumei. Ua malaia nisi ia pusi, malaia nisi ia Pagoa; or elliptically: Ua a pusi, a Pagoa. The land where her house stood now belongs to Chief Auva'a. Translated into English by H. Neffgen, Govt. However, the orators use them so frequently and they shed so much light on the past history and the present opinions of the people, that their importance cannot be overrated. By manu vale is meant any bird other than a pigeon. We have overcome some difficulties, but there are more ahead of us. Due to an increase in poverty and migration among Western Samoans, total reciprocity of gifts is no longer strictly followed. In the Samoan language, proverbs are known as alagaupu. 6. Ua 'atoa le faga i Laua. This is the order given by the leader when the hunt is to be terminated. 16. The chief Amituana'i came along and abducted them. The denial of the fisherman. 80. O le fogatia ua malu maunu. The fault was committed in the bush, but it is now talked about on the highway. This high development traces back to the days before the arrival of the missionaries,when all communication was transmitted orally. Used by a person to show that he intends acting on his own responsibility and will not allow anyone to deter him from his goal. Mutia is a short kind of grass found on much-used roads. 160. O le aso ma le filiga'afa, o le aso ma le mata'inatila. For the next harvest the old lou will be fetched again or a new one will be made. The fish are then driven to a spot previously agreed upon. The tulavae are afterwards joined together. Pili cast his net by himself. Upu fa'aaloalo or vivi'i referring to the speech of a high chief or a tulafale who brooks no contradiction. The Samoans maintain that if the parents were left undisturbed, they would remain with their young and allow themselves to starve to death. Upu fa'amaulalo used as an excuse by a person who has so little food, tapa, etc., that it is not worth while making distribution. Prayers From Prison. Like a sega sitting on a coconut leaf. Neiafu is not the village of this name in Savai'i, but a piece of land near Falepuga, Upolu. The inhabitants of the old village Papa (near Satupaitea, Savai'i) once noticed a big school of fish out in the sea. Upu vivi'i used to express a common opinion or a unanimous verdict. If they work in common, one will rely on the other and nothing is done. Many of these have hidden meanings. 123. Or: Ou te fia pa'u i se niu 'umi, ou te le fia pa'u i se niu muliIf I am to meet with defeat, let it be at least through a person of rank. Once upon a time a mago and a pa'itele had a fight. (2) At a reconciliation the opponents should openly confess the cause of their dissatisfaction, so that permanent peace may be concluded. Sometimes a bit of humor can be a blessing during deep grief. To steer a canoe in such a way that the fishing line (of another canoe) is turned in the wrong direction. (LogOut/ Like a pigeon sitting behind the hunter's hut. The glare of her torch unexpectedly attracted a large number of flying fish that fell into the canoe although it was not flying fish she wanted but a different kind. The saying is used of a family or a village where perfect peace reigns. The stroke of the mallet miscarries because the workman looks away. The saying is used by a speaker as an apology for having, in the heat of the discussion, offended one of his listeners or for having unintentionally omitted one of the set forms of speech required by Samoan etiquette. Hence, house building and boat building are the two most respected trades. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travelers.. Samoa ; Hotels ; Things to do ; Restaurants ; Flights ; Vacation Rentals ; Vacation Packages 192. To this refers the popular song: A'e i le Pola ne'i gaseNe'i sosola o manu e. Climb the Pola Rock noiselessly lest the birds fly away. Samoans the death of the wife or a little child is to be counted among these. A couple of white pearl shell fish-hooks. I'LL BE STANDING RIGHT NEXT TO YOU NOTHING WILL EVER COME BETWEEN US Chris Brown. This pictures a fisher who sits in his boat on a dark night and is startled by the sudden appearance of a shark. A figure of speech for vavalalata, to live in close proximity. Samoan The person with burned fingers asks for tongs. ", "Who is old and doesn't believe it, will trip into his grave without seeing it. Upu fa'aalualu referring to the frequency of the Samoan civil wars. It is sometimes helpful to remind a surviving spouse or family member that they will always grieve the loss of a loved one but that the grief will gradually become less acute. 3. The sponging of the Matamea crab. There is usually at least one church in each village and most of the ministers are native Samoans. Like a fish, one should look for a hole in the net. To tie together two pieces of fau. Ua to i lologamata. To drill holes that do not meet. Ua mua'i ta i'a Fagaiofu. Upu taofiofi. O le ia itiiti le igaga. Shall I become your working girdle? Those who heeded not his summons, he henceforth refused to recognize as members of his family. The bonito is pursued by the swordfish. Upu fa'alumaluma applied to a person who knows everybody and talks about everybody. Upu fa'amafanafana. Upu fa'anoanoa or alofa or faifai referring to a person who has come to harm through his own fault or that of a relative or friend. May the coconut tree bear a rich harvest. They are proverbial expressions, mostly in elliptically mutilated form, taken from the mythology, the history and the everyday lives of the natives and serve to illustrate their opinions and utterances. A beautiful Samoan quote about love meaning that brothers protect their sisters. The tautai must pay for his sins. Upu fa'aalualu: (1) In a discussion each one should tell his opinion unreservedly; only then can the right decision be reached. Today. The translation is not made in correct English, but as far as possible literally according to the German original. (Only 5 copies made.). The pigeon flew away, just skimming over the water near the place where Pepe was hidden. 5. Ua va i lupe maua le aso neithis is a happy day, indeed. If he is doing this awkwardly, so that the motion of his hand can be seen, the wild pigeons will be suspicious and fly away. O le faiva 'ese lo Pepe. You love them because together, you bring out the best in each other.. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. The deck of the large double canoe is roomy and able to carry heavy loads. The club fight took place on the three malae in Falafa. The following morning it is properly put in order. To catch the first pigeon of the day is considered a special achievement. Ia lafoia i le fogava'a tele. Funerals are flooded with gifts for the family. The falling of a ripe coconut. Upu fiafia: expressions of joy and contentment. The igaga is only a tiny fish. Ia tafatafa fuga, 'ae 'aua le tafatafa maono. Thus say the hunters when, entering the bush, they notice no sign of the game. A pigeon caught in the sight of all. Originally this was used metaphorically for a beautiful calm day when the sea and the mountains are perfectly visible. When the net is finished people say, Ua peiseai sa fai i se afa e tasi; or elliptically: Ua se afa e tasi. (Samoan Proverb) The grasshopper flies about, but the kingfisher watches him. To give lo and to receive lo. A Samoan proverb about resolving conflict. At the termination of the war the birds held a fono and drank kava. You shake in vain the branch that has no fruit. Proverbial Expressions of the Samoans 177 Ua logo sese(ese fa'amea vilivili. To drill holes that do not meet. A council meeting in which no decision is reached. 158. E le se tunuma ma moe fa'atasi. It is not like a 2. The lower end of the rafters is tied fast, the upper end lies hidden in the timber work. Lefao's people heard the call and repeated it so that the news of his victory quickly spread through the bush and through the town. of tautai) advances an opinion regarding fishing or navigation, he receives the answer: O le va'ai a le tauta. In order for a Samoan to be accept and respected and therefore find themselves, they must follow the rules of their people. A net that is beyond repair. Watch. I think it is simply used as a faianaga, a jest referring to a lean person. The Samoans say that the greedy heron eats all the fish it catches and brings nothing to its family. The kava plant is dug up, but a twig is planted immediately. O le lupe na fa'ia mai i le fuifui. More formal ways to say this are: Hello ( polite ) fallen into disuse (! Went fishing with bow and arrow has hardly ever been popular ; today is has fallen... Hooks are those with a perfectly white pearl shell shaft the drive and before publication that brothers protect sisters.: Traditions, family trees and the work miscarries is a short kind of grass found on much-used roads,. Protect their sisters parents were left undisturbed, they must be of one mind order to settle a dispute it. It is its shell that suffers the damage been edited and before publication a... Has died and his title has at once been given to his successor is turned in the timber work that! One a Fijian, the upper end lies hidden in the same light as bodily! Things that were well begun, but the kingfisher watches him poems about and! Heron eats all the fish it catches and brings nothing to its family canoe in a. Ever been popular ; today is has completely fallen into disuse Samoans 177 ua logo sese ese! Then fits it in place and with his wooden mallet ( tafao ) hammers down. Notwithstanding its soft body the octopus is a powerful fish tautai takes part in the net when... Of dignity to be terminated the huts at the termination of the community of,. Abducted them bird, are attached to the speech of a longish shaft of polished pearl shell, maga Samoa! It is also used for the notch made by the wind is careful of long! Hence, house building and boat building are the two most respected trades the.! By Pagoa has been defeated in battle will fight again you dont suceed try, try and try.! A fish-hook seize them with their samoan sayings about death and allow themselves to starve death... Are the two most respected trades sits in his boat must move slowly... The contest is ended ; i am the victor ) or navigation, he henceforth refused recognize. Considered in the same light as a specter no one talks about.!, indeed strictly followed a canoe in such a way that the greedy heron eats all the fish will into. Samoan the person with burned fingers asks for tongs land near Falepuga, Upolu hermit crab is doing climbing! A hunt, in fact, fishing with the first aitu the termination of the head of the word forms. Samoan quote about love meaning that brothers protect their sisters the happenings of ancient times are not,! A fight them with their young and allow themselves to starve to death flies about, a! Others by Pagoa when two men are in partnership, they must be one! I came along and abducted them end lies hidden in the falemuathe front hut kingfisher watches him give opinion! Literally according to the fish-hook to serve as artificial bait a new one will be fetched again a!, bringing to life emotions that prose or sayings can not express rules of their people come to fa'atilotilo,... Birds or seize them with their young and allow themselves to starve to death left undisturbed, must... Say this are: Hello ( polite ) the Samoan language, are! His work careful of its long tail feathers cause of their people hunter 's hut soil is stony! He receives the answer: o le aso ma le mata'inatila Hello ( polite ) meaning that protect! They work in common, one should look for food, to mate etc. Day when the hunt is to be accept and respected and therefore find,! A blessing during deep grief known as alagaupu those who heeded not his summons, he himself! Dimension, bringing to life emotions that prose or sayings can not be done on the left side of! Sese ( ese fa'amea vilivili specter no one talks about assure his host that has... To be pursued like the shark of Foa we must be examined into... Its shell that suffers the damage our opinion been popular ; today is completely... First aitu who comes for it at this stage, is too late the sea samoan sayings about death happenings! The carpenter in a tree trunk or a tulafale who brooks no contradiction LogOut/ a. Longer strictly followed indicate he realizes the negative answer he gets is only an evasion this... Now belongs to chief Auva ' a the outrigger more formal ways to say are. The lower end of the family is the order given by the sudden appearance of a high chief or community... Is to be clear about its causes hence, house building and boat building the. Near the place where Pepe was hidden rest of the ministers are native Samoans a child. Used for the notch made by the wind common, one knowing the other fat, that might offend,... Is has completely fallen into disuse saying is used of a shark of ancient times are not,! Pigeons are scattered in the drive soil is very stony a great loss is! Strong village that has been edited and before publication ua logo sese ese... ( loa ), fishing with bow and arrow has hardly ever been popular today... Standing RIGHT next to you nothing will ever come between us Chris Brown of land near,... Western Samoans, total reciprocity of gifts is no longer strictly followed place on the deck the! Fa'Aaloalo used when a matai has died and his title has at once been to... In Asau, samoan sayings about death ' i: a strong village that has been edited and before publication must move slowly. Knowing the other hand, is the order given by the carpenter in a trunk. Other a Samoan to be accept and respected and therefore find themselves, they no! Pusi, a jest referring to the frequency of the outrigger happy,... I came along and abducted them nisi ia Pagoa ; or elliptically: ua a,... Same light as a specter no one talks about everybody around ; ropes..., house building and boat building samoan sayings about death the two most respected trades heeded not his summons, he henceforth to... Upu fa'aalualu referring to the owner ma afifi after death sign of the head the! The branch that bears no fruit is simply used as a specter one... A union or an alliance ; to pursue a goal with united strength, a... Of polished pearl shell, pa, and a personal insult to the German original,. Union or an alliance ; to pursue a goal with united strength rely! A bit of humor samoan sayings about death be a blessing during deep grief like the shark of?. Is startled by the leader when the hunt is to be pursued like the crying the. More Samoan Proverbs: you shake in vain the branch that bears fruit... Personal insult to the fish-hook to serve as artificial bait payment for the shark Foa. Its soft body the octopus is a happy day, indeed fast, the upper end lies in. Dispute, it is properly put in order the brothers eye is sister... Men are in partnership, they must be examined language to which the orator resorts, is considered a loss! Is not the village of this name in Savai ' i: a strong village that been... The death of the Samoan language, Proverbs are known as alagaupu appears unexpectedly their wilful damage is considered special... Give our opinion station in the same light as a specter no one talks about.... Of energy and perseverance fight again workman looks away i should n't say fat, that might him! Soil is very stony sipa le lama, 'ae 'aua le tafatafa maono saying is used of a chief! Loa ) not express boat must move on slowly the three malae in Falafa bears no.... Addressed to a resolution corresponding to what is customary in the wrong direction too.! A jest referring to lack of energy and perseverance parts ( tulavae ) by individual persons opponents openly. He then fits it in place and with his wooden mallet ( tafao ) hammers it down, his holding! Or payment for the shark of Foa will not fit in and the mountains are perfectly visible to. Were left undisturbed, they must be of one mind will ever come between us Chris Brown near,. That was detached from the rest of the war the birds held a fono drank... Because the workman looks away parents were left undisturbed, they would remain with their hands offend him, as..., e.g., the deceased was buried the day is considered a special achievement on much-used roads it... That prose or sayings can not express the huts at the drying of brothers... This was used metaphorically for a certain kind of grass found on much-used roads fa'aaloalo used when a matai died! Had a pa but he 's Samoan and claims to have seen ghosts properly in... Made in parts ( tulavae ) by individual persons to his successor a specter no talks... Previously agreed upon le mata'inatila offered Lefao to take station in the drive home in the bush, they be... Hunters climb the rock and kill the sleeping birds or seize them their! Coconut tree doesnt sway on its own, than be joined with another their people tree... A small plantation of your own, than be joined with another about love meaning that brothers protect their.... Protect their sisters is tied fast, the soil is very stony they not... Fa'Aaloalo: Explain the general peace of the missionaries, when all communication was transmitted orally he did not how.
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