What is disrespectful in Samoa?
Never speak ill about a person’s family without them being present or spread gossip. Samoans believe this to be deeply disrespectful. Do not disrespect or go against the word of a Matai (chief). Many Samoans bestow a high amount of respect on a Matai.
What does no fa a Samoa mean?
The Samoan Way
The term Fa’a Samoa means “The Samoan Way,” and it refers to the longstanding belief that Samoans should follow their community and ancient traditions.
How do you greet a Samoan Matai?
Afio mai, maliu mai and sūsū mai are used to greet our matai (chiefs) and other important people, but which of these phrase we use depends on the rank or type of matai we are welcoming. Learn more about how to greet important people and Samoan matai at One Samoana.
How do Samoans support themselves?
There are three main pillars to Samoan society – the church, close and extended family, and the tribe/village you are part of. Rather than functioning in a nuclear way where individuals/small groups largely fend for themselves, life in Samoa is all about being part of a larger community that looks after each other.
Do Samoans eat with their hands?
Many Samoans eat with their hands, but will often offer cutlery for guests. Taking a second serving is thought to be rude. Take everything you plan to eat on the first serving. As a sign of appreciation and respect, try every dish offered.
What are some Samoan values?
Within the family, giving and receiving tautua (service), fa’aaloalo (respect) and alofa (love) are crucial in Samoan social relations. Young people are expected to serve and show respect to elders, and can expect to receive love, protection, honour, a name to be proud of, and defence by the family when it is needed.
What do Polynesians do when someone dies?
Some people choose burial and some cremation; it depends on the individual’s personal beliefs. Appropriate Samoan funeral attire includes a lavalava (skirt wrap), a muumuu or puletasi (dress), or a white shirt, jacket, and tie.
How much do you give for a Samoan funeral?
These important cultural and religious Lauava (food for funeral participants) $6,000 Gravesite, funeral parlour, casket, transport, etc $6,500 Sua (monetary gift to ministers and guests) $550 Gift for deceased’s husband from Samoa $2,000 Total $15,050 Page 12 12 | Page enactments demonstrate a way of honouring their …
How do you respond to Talofa?
Etymology. The Official Government Website of American Samoa says: “Talofa is short for ‘Si o ta alofa atu,’ — which means, ‘I am happy and delighted to give you my love. ‘ When you respond, ‘Talofa lava!’ you are reciprocating with a full grant of your love and affection.”
What is a Tulafale?
: a Samoan chief functioning as an adviser and debater on matters of public policy and expected to be thoroughly informed on matters of traditional lore.
Why are Samoan people so big?
Because they didn’t have guns and didn’t appear to fight with any sophisticated weapon, then their raw brute strength and durability likely played a large role in their ability to beat up and kill another Samoan population. Over time through this method they became much bigger and solid on average.
What race are Samoan?
Polynesian
Ethnic groups Samoans are mainly of Polynesian heritage, and about nine-tenths of the population are ethnic Samoans. Euronesians (people of mixed European and Polynesian ancestry) account for most of the rest of the population, and a tiny fraction are of wholly European heritage.
What kind of contact does a Samoan have?
Physical Contact : The amount of touching that is appropriate during conversations depends on the relationship. Public displays of affection between genders, such as kissing and hugging, are generally regarded as inappropriate. Generally, Samoans are modest and will limit the amount of physical contact.
What kind of affection does a Samoan have?
Public displays of affection between genders, such as kissing and hugging, are generally regarded as inappropriate. Generally, Samoans are modest and will limit the amount of physical contact. Touching among friends and family, such as a light slap on the arm, is more common.
How do Samoans use nonverbal cues to communicate?
In Samoa, instead of using your pointer finger to signal someone to come towards you, Samoans use their whole hand face down and bring their fingers and hand towards the ground at the same time. The sea, coconut tree, orator’s staff, sinnet fly whisk, and a wooden bowl (where the beverage kava is prepared) show the authority of traditions.
How is body language used in Samoan culture?
Body Language in Samoan Culture. Tattooing or Pe’a is a ritual in Samoa and can show their cultural identity to people. Tattoos in Samoa are done a little differently than they are in America. They are more painful. A Samoan usually get their tattooing when they receive their title of the Matai. Whistling in Samoa is frowned upon for two reasons.