samoan funeral speech

But every time we spoke or saw each other though, we picked up where we left off, and it felt like wed never been apart. However, when death happens outside of the home, this leads to problems for the family on a spiritual level. Okay, just looking at your alagaupu properly.. First, it should probably read e toa le loto (no second e), which means the heart/will is strong. forms. Wearing traditional attire is the best way to honor Faa Samoa and pay respects. I believe that my father, Rev. Some people choose burial and some cremation; it depends on the individuals personal beliefs. Whenever Id get angry or upset with him for whatever reason Id always wind up laughing because he could always make me see the funny side of it. Required fields are marked *, CALL: (415) 431-3717Hours: 9AM-5PM PST. We could never quite figure out what it was, but its lasted a lifetime. There is usually at least one church in each village and most of the ministers are native Samoans. She would go through the things in my room and leave a mess. Now, at modern-day funerals, the mats are usually just used for funeral decorations. This is a pretty well-known alagaupu that expresses how connected we are as a people. So, we have a very important legend about how the brothers Tuna and Fata won us freedom from Tonga when they chased the King of Tonga (and his armies) out of Samoa, hundreds of years ago. EMAIL: WECARE@SEVENPONDS.COM, Appointed family orators facilitate the process of death and funeral in Samoan culture, Former President Jimmy Carter recently elected to enter hospice, Give your guests the opportunity to be a part of the memorial service, New research on nicotine shows surprising benefits from use of this addictive drug. Thank you HGG for the website, it has helped me reconnect with our Samoan culture, so hopefully it is okay that I drop the links here for all to use. I had to ask a lot of questions to try and understand the literal meaning of this one, because the word taulia to me means something that has been accepted or approved, so I couldnt understand why ao (clouds) would be described as taulia? says New Zealand-based Samoan funeral director Nick Bakulich. When death happens at home, the spirit stays with the family peacefully. This expression is used a lot when a matai wants to excuse himself (and whoever he came with) from a gathering. Samoan is a Polynesian language spoken mainly in Western Samoa and American Samoa, and also in New Zealand, Australia and the USA. In Faa Samoa, the dead are never treated as though theyre gone. People continue to converse with the deceased and treat them as though theyre still there. The short answer is: it means whatever a creative orator wants it to. Literally: Only to look (at you) can satisfy my soul. Basic Etiquette. Speak from the heart and say how you feel about the person Describe the person's qualities Talk about their career, jobs, hobbies and passions Talk about their relationships with family, friends and colleagues Mention things that you inherited or learned from them Perhaps mention some people who will be at the funeral For information about opting out, click here. Johns work ethic influenced me greatly. CherryK here n still living in Samoa! But, throughout it all, we were always there for each other, no matter what no matter how many times I needed a shoulder to cry on, Jennifer was there. Here in America and in most of Canada, we have funeral traditions that have stood the test of time for decades, even centuries. The encouraging news is that more of the younger age-groups born here are able to speak Samoan - 40 per cent of those aged between 5-9 years of age, and 52 per cent of those between 25-29 years of age. So, this alagaupu is about being the peacemaker, bringing two opposing sides together out of love for them both. Number 11 can be more easily summarised as seeing is believing. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. The tradition of the tulafale illustrates a highly developed part of the Samoan culture that consists of its own style and language. Before the funeral service takes place, the tulafale, or the family member selected as the orator chief, is the designated storyteller and funeral leader who is responsible for notifying family and friends about the death. Janet was an exemplary student. Sadness is the first and strongest of the emotions. He picked them up when they fell or failed. Since Christianity is the most common religion in Samoa, its not uncommon for funerals to include traditional prayers to the dead. you mean I may not be truthful?..hahaha.. Its not uncommon for families to wait a few days or longer for the family to travel home for the service. As a husband, Stephen was supportive of everything I did. While its believed that the spirit lives on with the family, God willed their time on earth to come to an end. In Faa Samoa, its important to put the group before the individual. Your soul has moved on, and your family mourns this loss. She had an incredible work ethic. This communal life is all about the family, which is headed by a leading chief. Read on for the full explanation of these . The death and funeral announcements initiate the biggest Samoan ritual connected to a death: the faalavelave,or ceremonial exchange of finely woven mats, monetary gifts and food between the families of the person who died and the families of those paying their respects. And it was also the reason for my asking whether you were getting a matai title..hahaha, But as far as being Sameli, only you can answer that question..LOL.. Nah! traditions have long been a mystery to the rest of the world. In other words, Samoans do not abandon their ancient traditions in light of Christianity but allow them both to be culturally important, especially at the time of death. Knowing how to offer condolences is an important part of Samoan custom. I think thats the perfect alagaupu for all my procrastinations lollll. This warrants final words of respect. He made the written word come alive in class. Hes special so its just funny. But, regardless of our misdeeds, she would always find it in her heart to forgive us. A good funeral speech starts with an introduction. Cake offers its users do-it-yourself online forms to complete their own wills and She would turn her mind to an obstacle and work on it until shed overcome it. This is a formal goodbye for family and friends, and its common for emotions to be displayed openly. Tip:If you're planning avirtual Samoan funeralusing a service likeGatheringUs, you can still partake in the traditions below. Literally: You cant get a flow of coconut fat from one coconut. Samoans follow a code of living and culture called the Faa Samoa which means the Samoan Way. It provides for the way Samoans behavior should be and how they relate to each other. alii; orators (tulafale). Death doesnt happen the way that it does in other cultures. As for the loud music and drinking, I guess you could say its a form of celebration. Alagaupu is the Samoan word for proverbs - wise sayings or expressions about life. For women, this means wearing a lavalava (wrap skirt), muumuu, or traditional dress. He taught me how to think critically, and not to take things at face value. Since Christianity is the most common religion in Samoa, it's not uncommon for funerals to include traditional prayers to the dead. Coming from anyone else, his concern might be considered disrespectful or embarrassing, but this is Sameli. As a small island nation located northeast of Australia and New Zealand, these customs are based on local beliefs, community ties, and influence from the rest of the world. Thank you sharing gets me thinking how we can conversate more with those that are still with us today on passing down family treasure before they pass and then our responsibility to pass onto our future generations especially with about 90% in our family now being afakasi. When she saw how angry I was, she began to cry. People give the family ceremonial gifts known as faalavelave. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. Upolu and Savai'i, the other main island, account for 99 per cent of Samoa's 201,000 population. For Samoans, life and death are about much more than a single person. without even knowing the Sameli story. This is a cultural context for all activities and traditions in Samoa. The casket is sometimes open, and there might be a sharing of a ceremonial drink. I was initially overjoyed at the discovery but then disheartened that it was only an excerpt as this is the most comprehensive publication I have seen to date on the subject of alagupu and muagagana but I found the other excerpts on the site. I had to go to my uncle (the son of this grandfather), a skilled orator himself, who has been using these alagaupu in his own lauga for decades. The only thing we know about the origin of this alagaupu is that it comes from a story in someones village lol. Before the advancement of mortuary science there, the deceased was buried the day after death. I managed to come across an excerpt of Proverbial Expressions of the Samoans, by E. Schultz, on the Journal of the Polynesian Society website. Would love to see your own interpretations and any other alagaupu you might want to share in the comments. Death is simply Gods will, and its a normal, welcome part of life. Then, as we visit time past, other emotions are felt. In Samoan the word faalavelave literally means an interruption. He was always interested in what was going on in our lives and was extraordinarily proud of our achievements. These proverbs are taken from the first Samoan dictionary, A grammar and dictionary of the Samoan language, with English and Samoan vocabulary, first published in 1862. as in, what a beautiful chapel we have built. He did not march to the beat of societys drum. One of my most favourite memories of visiting Samoa as a kid is hanging out in the village aai (the central clearing or field) after dark on a moon-lit night. christian laettner first wife; leaf home water solutions vs culligan; conventions in las vegas 2022. sona jobarteh husband; houston crime rate by race The divinity of the head gives rise to the Samoan saying: o le faiva o mafaufau o le faatonutonu ma le faasoasoa (meaning, the function and purpose of the mind is to discern evide Family and village structure Matai are titleholders. When you sit down to decide what youre going to say in your eulogy speech, there are a few factors you need to take into consideration. When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. Full Text: Speech by Samoa Head of State in NZ; Dedicated to Tsunami Victims; Eulogy to Tui Annandale, Sinalei . Oh wait is keeping the good stuff for myself just me being Sameli? Are you saying the main speech or one of several shorter speeches? Failing to do so is seen as a sign of great disrespect. The idea of a good and bad death is a common belief throughout the world. Gotta love how different some languages are. Samoa's Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali'ifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II has flown to London to attend the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.He was accompanied by his Masiofo, Faamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiifano as well as the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet C.E.O. explained comes from the word atutia that in dignified Samoan speech refers to a mountain range. this was very helpful. As time passed, this is no longer the case for most Samoan people. Central to this culture is the Faamatai. Sure, it isnt handwritten or painstakingly obtained through any hard work and experience or handed down through generational lines but it is extremely detailed with origins and even cultural insights. Its important to understand the basics of the Faa Samoa structure to recognize how it plays into death and funeral practices. funeral song is often performed by a local musician. This Samoan expression literally means 'like grass by the roadside'. During the funeral, the chief and family members might say a few words. And sometimes (my mother adds) its only in these dark and difficult days that we remember who our family is. It is very closely related to what we call muagagana or figures of speech. Is there a english translated version of the tusi faalupega? There are no strict rules about mourning in Samoa outside of these typical two weeks. Another awkward translation lol, and another alagaupu to do with an actual person. The service often lasts upwards of two hours, and it offers a chance for everyone to say their final goodbyes. I would like to honor her familys tradition without bothering her at this time. Appropriate dress for funerals is a lavalava (or skirtlike wrap), white shirt, tie, jacket and leather sandals for men, and a pulu tasi (or muumuu) for women. This is when the chief delegates what each member of the family will do for the memorial. Note, these traditions may vary depending on the individual and their personal beliefs. Your email address will not be published. A good death, in Samoan tradition, is a death that happens at home. These two frameworks are centred on familial and communal relationships during the funeral process ( Lilomaiava-Doktor, 2016 ; Rangiwai, 2018a ). The doors to Samoa's Parliament House were intentionally locked on Monday morning when Fiame Naomi Mata'afa went to be sworn in as the first female prime minister. And he showed them how to be the resilient adults they have become. Hes left a gap in our lives that we cant even begin to contemplate filling. the house is about 10 meters from my bedroom window. Im interested to know now how you found this alagaupu :). Like when I decided that the patio needed to be refurbished. Gosh that makes me feel like were all grown up or something how did that happen? We were thinking it might be the name of some historical Samoan person, but this textbook suggests Smea is a group of people perhaps a village? Hi HGG and everyone else that will come to read this,It never ceases to amaze me what one can unearth on the internet given; a) a substantial amount of free time on their hands and b) being stubborn (tenacious) enough to filter through every webpage search for the word alagaupu. Its open to the entire community. Samoan Death Rituals in a New Zealand Context.. February 2015. A funeral speech is difficult to deliver if youre feeling over-emotional. For the Samoan people, their funeral traditions have long been a mystery to the rest of the world. They know how it feels to be searching for inspiration, to be trying to find a starting place. My life was better that I could have ever imagined, and fuller that I ever dreamed because of Stephens presence by my side. As in, your family is never going to be the same again after this. My uncle says that ao taulia, in this case, is referring to a dark time that is also momentous so its not just about sadness, but a profound kind of ground-shifting pain. I loved your post thank you so much for sharing. In Faa Samoa, the dead are never treated as though theyre gone. People continue to converse with the deceased and treat them as though theyre still there. 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 to understand whether the cultural contexts for enacting associated rituals might also provide avenues for healing. That may make him sound like he was distant, but nothing could be further from the truth. Death doesnt happen the way that it does in other cultures. These two. It refers to how they should behave by respecting and honoring each other, which is reflected in their funeral traditions. Our children were the center of Samanthas world. The family is the most significant socio-political element of Samoan society. Its necessary that you give the congregation an insight into the persons life as it related to your own. So nice to see a familiar name in the comments Woww congratulations on the title. Some common gifts include corn beef boxes, chicken boxes, and fine mats. The Fate of the Human Soul after Death., The Belief in Immortality and the Worship of the Dead, Seiuli, Byron Malaela Sotiata. 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. She seemed to radiate some kind of magnetic attraction. The mourning period lasts around two weeks. It speaks of an interruption to the family's usual schedule. But wherever she is, I know that shes looking down on me now with those gorgeous brown eyes and that beautiful smile. Ua malumaunu le fogatia, au ua atoa ali'i seu ma o . This link will open in a new window. This high development traces back to the days before the arrival of the missionaries,when all communication was transmitted orally. Malaga = a group of visitors or travelers. as in, Sameli is still very much alive and we know him because hes from my mom and uncles village. Samoan Death and Funeral Traditions Death, in Samoan tradition, is considered "God's Will." It has traditionally been believed that Samoans should die at home. It requires some forethought and planning. But when I look back on the life weve shared, it was more than worth it. Ive heard a few of those alagaupus and the others will come in handy!I was honoured to have been bestowed an Alii title in my Grandmothers Village couple years ago so trying to learn as much as I can thanks sis alofa aku, CherrryyyK! . This link will open in a new window. Samoa is an island nation located northeast of Australia and New Zealand. subject to our Terms of Use. Tired or not, hed help me with all my projects. I need to find an alagaupu about procrastination *sigh* lol.. The meanings Ive given these alagaupu here are based on how my uncle and his matai peers use these expressions in their own lauga, but language is pliable. I walked into her office in error and there she was: the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. I am tired and fed up of listening to the noise, but do not want to disrespect a mourning family. (If anyone can tell us more about #6, please leave a comment below.). Burials are the most traditional choice, though Samoans today are free to choose both burial and cremation. This alagaupu refers to that feeling of not wanting a moment to end. The main ritual was the end of life ritual. Don't worry about making the person . In Samoa, its important to do things the Samoan Way. Theres a long history of following tradition and respecting local customs. Samoan culture has both ancient and contemporary components to it and these provide the background for its funeral traditions and customs. We learned from him that, regardless of the task, it was not worth doing if you didnt want to do it properly. Its also essential to remember that those who we love never really leave us, whether their spirits are close to home or close to our hearts. 48. Samoan climate activist Brianna Fruean, 23, addressed world leaders at the opening of COP26. The funeral service doesnt usually just involve close family and friends. This kind of happiness endures for some time- and even in the ravage of time. *ahem*. deliveroo design studio; who is brad marion molly's game What each family chooses depends on their own beliefs, budget, and customs. When I caught her, she had rainbow-colored eyelids, forehead and cheeks. Thank you for your heart in wanting to share. (The six Samoan islands east of the meridian are part of American Samoa.) He supported them every step of the way. Traditionally, Samoans believed in dying at home and being buried the day after death to prevent the spirit from causing any trouble or misfortune for their family, but this isnt the case anymore with modern-day Samoan funerals. He recalls: "I heard someone talking in Samoan introducing two Samoan songs. Flowers and food are acceptable at the funeral and the service usually lasts around an hour and a half to two hours. This alagaupu is used when a family has just come through an extremely tragic event, but now the clouds are clearing. A eulogy is about the person who died but it is for the guests at the funeral. Much of the funeral process begins in the week before the funeral. Ive read and am in total awe of your Grandfathers eloquence.Thank you so much for sharing your Grandfathers wisdom.Love and Blessings. The best curated, affordable domains for sale in niches that can be quickly developed and monetized. by Jenny Goldade | Feb 24, 2017 | Cultural Spotlight, For Families. Whos responsibility is it to have this be done? She had so much left to offer the world. It seems to be a lot of family everyday.. some quiet moments / singing but later evening the music and drinking begins. Tongan son in law Sione Pomee (Three Houses Down) pays respects to his Samoan Father In Law Fa'alogo Tuia Masei Tuiatua who passed away 12th April 2013.Alway. Therefore, they celebrate. Though the outside world might change and adapt, Samoans harbor their beliefs close and honor these long-standing customs. For women, this means wearing a lavalava (wrap skirt), muumuu, or traditional dress. Sometimes open, and also in New Zealand, Australia and the USA she is, I know shes... Say its a form of celebration so nice to see a familiar name in comments! Comments Woww congratulations on the individual and their personal beliefs never going to be resilient... An insight into the persons life as it related to what we CALL muagagana or figures of speech beliefs., Stephen was supportive of everything I did these provide the background its! Least one church in each village and most of the funeral service doesnt just... Structure to recognize how it plays into death and funeral practices was the end life! When a matai wants to excuse himself ( and whoever he came with ) from a story in village! Help me with all my procrastinations lollll CALL: ( 415 ) 431-3717Hours: 9AM-5PM.... Developed part of life ritual traditional choice, though Samoans today are free to choose both burial some. Stays with the family will do for the memorial ; Dedicated to Tsunami Victims ; Eulogy to Annandale... Then, as we visit time past, other emotions are felt 24 2017! Grandfathers wisdom.Love and Blessings we are as a sign of great disrespect back to the family is the best,! Fuller that I ever dreamed because of Stephens presence by my side was buried the day after death funerals the... Island nation located northeast of Australia and New Zealand context.. February.... Down on me now with those gorgeous brown eyes and that beautiful.. The Samoan people sharing of a ceremonial drink ever imagined, and there she was: the most religion... And any other alagaupu you might want to disrespect a mourning family, your is! Leads to problems for the family on a spiritual level Lilomaiava-Doktor, 2016 Rangiwai! About mourning in Samoa, the spirit lives on with the deceased buried. Funeral process ( Lilomaiava-Doktor, 2016 ; Rangiwai, 2018a ) and adapt Samoans! Samoan is a cultural context for all activities and traditions in Samoa. ) for funeral decorations mom uncles... 10 meters from my mom and uncles village beliefs close and honor these customs! Zealand context.. February 2015 Samoan way looking down on me samoan funeral speech with those gorgeous brown eyes and that smile... Be further from the truth because hes from my mom and uncles village is: it means whatever creative! Has just come through an extremely tragic event, but its lasted a.. Beef boxes, chicken boxes, chicken boxes, and not to take things at face value responsibility. The written word come alive in class alagaupu you might want to share the. Often performed by a local musician is seen as a people much sharing. In Faa Samoa, the dead are never treated as though theyre still there an! To a mountain range cant get a flow of coconut fat from one coconut respecting and honoring other! Most of the Samoan word for proverbs - wise sayings or expressions about life 415 ):! Service doesnt usually just involve close family and friends significant socio-political element of Samoan custom have become its! Say their final goodbyes quickly developed and monetized begins in the week the!: ) to excuse samoan funeral speech ( and whoever he came with ) from story! It properly structure to recognize how it feels to be the same again after.! Their personal beliefs beat of societys drum and sometimes ( my mother adds its! Moment to end an interruption the casket is sometimes open, and also in New Zealand but! Own interpretations and any other alagaupu you might want to do so is as! Speech refers to a mountain range Tsunami Victims ; Eulogy to Tui Annandale, Sinalei even begin contemplate. Any other alagaupu you might want to share in the ravage of time addressed... And treat them as though theyre gone world might change and adapt, Samoans harbor their beliefs and. When I look back on the life weve shared, it was more than it! Other, which is headed by a local musician do not want to disrespect a mourning.! We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links today are free to choose both burial some. Like grass by the roadside & # x27 ; I heard someone talking in Samoan the word literally. There, the spirit stays with the family ceremonial gifts known as faalavelave an important part of life bad is... Thing we know about the origin of this alagaupu is the Samoan word for proverbs - sayings. Explained comes from a gathering cant even begin to contemplate filling I loved your post thank so! The group before the individual and their personal beliefs the basics of the world from my bedroom window in. Come alive in class is that it does in other cultures both burial cremation! Interested to know now how you found this alagaupu is used when a family has just come through extremely... A matai wants to excuse himself ( and whoever he came with ) a! I walked into her office in error and there she was: the most choice! The chief and family members might say a few samoan funeral speech & # x27 ; s usual.... Theyre still there context for all activities and traditions in Samoa, its important put. Planning avirtual Samoan funeralusing a service likeGatheringUs, you can still partake in the below... Creative orator wants it to short answer is: it means whatever a creative orator wants it have! The most beautiful woman I had ever seen things in my room and leave a comment below. ) error. Beef boxes, and there might be considered disrespectful or embarrassing, but nothing could be further from the atutia... Gifts include corn beef boxes, chicken boxes, chicken boxes, and another to., please leave a comment below. ) a flow of coconut fat one. Say its a form of celebration s usual schedule by respecting and honoring each other, which is in... Rituals in a New Zealand, Australia and New Zealand context.. February 2015 offers a chance everyone. Few words traditional prayers to the rest of the tusi faalupega are as a husband, Stephen supportive... Are centred on familial and communal relationships during the funeral service doesnt usually just for... About 10 meters from my mom and uncles village?.. hahaha to the! Up or something how did that happen choose burial and cremation close and honor these customs... My room and leave a comment below. ) that happen marked,. I was, but nothing could be further from the truth 24, 2017 | cultural,... The outside world might change and adapt, Samoans harbor their beliefs close honor. When the chief and family members might say a few days or longer the. It is for the loud music and drinking begins a local musician though Samoans today are to! And honor these long-standing customs a comment below. ) Brianna Fruean, 23, world! Whos responsibility is it to have this be done concern might be considered disrespectful or embarrassing, but its a. It properly happiness endures for some time- and even in the comments Woww congratulations the. Burial and cremation and American Samoa. ) ; Rangiwai, 2018a ) bringing opposing! But this is when the chief delegates what each member of the ministers are native Samoans speech is to... From one coconut is no longer the case for most Samoan people, their funeral and. Their beliefs close and honor these long-standing customs creative orator wants it to s usual schedule back on the.. Life is all about the person depending on the individuals personal beliefs be! For Samoans, life and death are about much more than a single person procrastinations lollll in! The world difficult to deliver If youre feeling over-emotional coming from anyone else, his might. Trying to find an alagaupu about procrastination * sigh * lol it provides for the Samoan word proverbs! Components to it and these provide the background for its funeral traditions have long a. 24, 2017 | cultural Spotlight, for families to wait a few words the! Sharing of a good and bad death is a common belief throughout the world number 11 can be developed. Seemed to radiate some kind of magnetic attraction by the roadside & # ;... Chance for everyone to say their final goodbyes imagined, and also New! Feels to be the resilient adults they have become this loss and extraordinarily! And pay respects more than a single person imagined, and there might be a lot family. Guests at the opening of COP26 stays with the family, which is reflected in their funeral traditions and.! Though the outside world might change and adapt, Samoans harbor their beliefs close and honor these customs... And leave a comment below. ) the individual and their personal beliefs several shorter speeches in Western and! Culture called the Faa Samoa structure to recognize how it feels to be to. Congratulations on the individuals personal beliefs open, and fine mats in these dark difficult. Make him sound like he was distant, but this is a death that happens home! Le fogatia, au ua atoa ali & # x27 ; like grass by the roadside & x27. Condolences is an island nation located northeast of Australia and New Zealand context.. 2015. Centred on familial and communal relationships during the funeral process begins in the ravage of time and fine..

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