And not only that, she would have enough faith in us to believe that we would not transgress again. Oh wait is keeping the good stuff for myself just me being Sameli? Some people think this means that our friends can become like our family when times get hard (thats what I thought it meant based on the lyrics in this beautiful song), and I guess it could be read like that, too. True to form, David came up with a plan to make the job easier. I wish Id had more time with her, I really do. Don't worry about making the person . Thank you for your (somewhat uncharacteristically) kind words Im not getting a matai title any time soon, but I gotta put at least a few of those alagaupu bullets away just in case. Now that you understand the basics of Faa Samoa and the concept that Samoan spirits live on, lets talk about specific funeral traditions. Post author: Post published: January 19, 2023 Post category: suzanne charlton obituary Post comments: industrial sociology jobs in zimbabwe industrial sociology jobs in zimbabwe . Lol. Would love to see your own interpretations and any other alagaupu you might want to share in the comments. I am tired and fed up of listening to the noise, but do not want to disrespect a mourning family. And what instances in speech would this be used? Talk with your funeral director or event planner to see what rituals they can adapt for a live stream. But not all us Samoans are the same. says New Zealand-based Samoan funeral director Nick Bakulich. 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. Hi Irene I dont know what your level of Samoan language understanding is, so just want to give you a heads up JJW has given you some great name ideas, but dont use his last 2 suggestions. Tired or not, hed help me with all my projects. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. We could never quite figure out what it was, but its lasted a lifetime. Cake values integrity and transparency. 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. Confession this one is not actually in my grandfathers notebook, but its my favourite alagaupu on this list because it has very recent, very local origins. And Im sure there were times he wished I wasnt his sister. Now you can focus on leaving a legacy instead of a mess. Please find the links below: http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_58_1949/Volume_58,_No._4/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_139-184/p1http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_59_1950/Volume_59,_No._1/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_35-62/p1http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_59_1950/Volume_59,_No._2/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_112-134/p1http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_59_1950/Volume_59,_No._3/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_207-231/p1http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_60_1951/Volume_60,_No._1/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_1-21/p1. With my mother, we went through Grandpas notebook and discussed the meanings of 12 of his listed alagaupu. We cannot give you customized advice on your situation or needs, which would require the service The singing is our form of showing the deceased love and compassion, as well as for the family who are mourning. In Faa Samoa, its important to put the group before the individual. In the first of a series of first-person accounts from the Glasgow summit, she describes what it felt . Cake offers its users do-it-yourself online forms to complete their own wills and My father was a quiet man. Only by dying at home and being buried the day after death with the spirit avoid misfortune. 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. Finally, dont use a funeral speech as an opportunity to settle old scores or tell others about unfinished business between yourself and the deceased. And I couldnt stay angry with her. Anava Samoana is Copyright 2022 by Manaui Media Limited. Upolu and Savai'i, the other main island, account for 99 per cent of Samoa's 201,000 population. Saying a funeral speech is not something that should be undertaken unprepared. But you must be able to get through the speech you have prepared. When someone passes away, their family meets to determine the funeral arrangements. Guests give the grieving family monetary gifts or hand-woven mats in a ceremonial exchange of gifts called faalavelave. He brought the hose and sprinkler indoors and turned it on. Women are divided into two categories . Tributes -- Sometime tributes are interchangeable with eulogies. Ua se moo le sosolo This phrase literally means 'he is a lizard crawling' however it is actually used to describe a disobedient person. I apologize for the inaccuracies, we conducted our research with resources that were available to us online. funeral song is often performed by a local musician. In this guide, well find out. The service often lasts upwards of two hours, and it offers a chance for everyone to say their final goodbyes. But, regardless of our misdeeds, she would always find it in her heart to forgive us. Then, they inform their other family members and friends about the death and funeral details. Your aim is not to deliver a stand-up comedy routine, but rather, a poignant and potentially somewhat humorous view of who the deceased was and what they meant to you. Then, as we visit time past, other emotions are felt. He was a hardworking man who set a great example for my siblings and me. as in, what a beautiful chapel we have built. alii; orators (tulafale). Shed open those beautiful big brown eyes and remind me that she was my flesh and blood. For me, it was a feeling of guilt for both of my parents when they passed. They introduced Christianity to Samoa and their influence has a large effect as far as denomination goes today. Mamea was moved to write the play after listening to a Maori Battalion CD. 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. When she was about ten years old, she got into my makeup drawer and went completely overboard. A collection of useful phrases in Samoan, a Polynesian language spoken mainly in Western Samoa and American Samoa Jump to phrases. its not often Samoans like to share personal stuff about their families. This refers to things like monetary gifts and woven mats. form. Irene,How about simple names such as:Tautualelei, Tautuamatavela, Faaogalelei, Faaogasao, Faaogamaletonuor Tautuafiamatai and Faaogalemafaufau..LOL. On the one year anniversary the family is gifted sheets, blankets, bedding as a symbol of laying them to rest. As it has been common since men have started breathing . 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. 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. 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 The End Of Life ritual is a ritual to guide them whist there on there journey of the dead. Much of the funeral process begins in the week before the funeral. The mourning period typically lasts for about two weeks, but there is no real timeline that can be set when it comes to grieving the loss of a loved one. Here are some examples of a funeral speech that celebrates the deceaseds life but at the same time expresses the grief of the speaker. In return, families return gifts to the visitors. In most places around the world, when you die, youre seen as no longer there. The Samoans, one of the largest Polynesian populations in the world, cherish the importance of storytelling and tradition by appointing a select family member as an orator chief, known as a tulafale. The tulafale holds the major responsibility of spreading the word about the death of and funeral for the leader, the high chief, to all family members. Gotta love how different some languages are. This is how people pay respect. You should always talk to someone at eye level or lower, particularly elders. As we grew older, I began to see David for what he truly was. You cannot afford to break down and cry in the moment. Literally: Nothing is more important than your family. The select circle of orators and chiefs gather together to share speeches, recite genealogies, consume a popular plant called kava and finish the process by celebrating with a feast prepared by the new members family. Cultural Spotlight: Luhya People of Kenya Funeral Traditions, How to Preserve Your Funeral Roses and Make Meaningful Mementos, Cultural Spotlight: Rwandan Funeral Traditions. Thanks to him, I developed analytical skills that I continue to use today. But our Funeral roses are some of the most common flowers to give and receive when a loved one dies. Samantha was an amazing woman. Whether it was scoring a home run in a Little League baseball game or getting a bursary for a university, he delighted in our successes. Another awkward translation lol, and another alagaupu to do with an actual person. Ua le sei seu faaalo Thank you so much for the extensive info. Samoan culture has both ancient and contemporary components to it and these provide the background for its funeral traditions and customs. Muumuu are Hawaiian dresses, Samoans dont wear them. He was a caring brother whod do anything to protect me. I hope youre not planning to use it too often. Death doesnt happen the way that it does in other cultures. This kind of happiness endures for some time- and even in the ravage of time. Samoa is an island nation located northeast of Australia and New Zealand. Alagaupu is the Samoan word for proverbs - wise sayings or expressions about life. Are you getting a matai title since you are going to withhold some of your deep wisdom from the ordinary Samoan? Samoan traditional woven mat(Credit: Wikipedia). It can refer to anything from longing to see a loved one to celebrating the success of a family or village endeavour. 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. Whos responsibility is it to have this be done? So, Sameli is a funny guy. Please share this with everyone and anyone that is interested in this subject. In fact, right now, thats the place I wish I was more than anything else. Gifts include money and fine hand-woven mats (usually for display only and then rolled and stored). Samoan climate activist Brianna Fruean, 23, addressed world leaders at the opening of COP26. This link will open in a new window. Flowers and food are acceptable at the funeral and the service usually lasts around an hour and a half to two hours. The range of variation found in spontaneous performances of a traditional genre of Samoan speechmaking . We laughed and cried together so many times. 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! 25 of the Best Responses for When Someone Notices You Have Lost Weight, 20 of the Best Things to Say in Return When Someone Calls You Mean, 27 Good Things to Say to Someone When They Get a Tattoo, 18 Good Responses When a Guy Asks What You Think About Him, 9 Email Examples for Terminating an Employee During Their Probation Period. I was furious at the time. Since Christianity is the most common religion in Samoa, it's not uncommon for funerals to include traditional prayers to the dead. In the English language, they are often so widely shared and repeated that they become cliches. Your email address will not be published. This includes deciding who will be saying a funeral speech at the funeral service. Due to an increase in poverty and migration among Western Samoans, total reciprocity of gifts is no longer strictly followed. He would always show us the value of hard work and diligence. by Jenny Goldade | Feb 24, 2017 | Cultural Spotlight, For Families. Thank you! Samoan climate activist Brianna Fruean, 23, addressed world leaders at the opening of COP26. Especially when the moon is so bright it could be daytime. 1. The ones you find online don't do the song justice. I took those lessons to heart. Like during the pre-funeral rituals, they also may bring corn beef boxes, chicken boxes, and fine mats. A e mo e o lo 'o fia malamalama, amata mai 'upu faigofie o le gagana, au e te iloa loa le mea fa'atauva'a lea, ona e malamalama loa lea i le uiga o 'upu maotua. Just before the part, mom pulled me into the bedroom, and we were talking. This is how people pay respect. Any information you provide to Cake, and all communications between you and Cake, So, this alagaupu is about being the peacemaker, bringing two opposing sides together out of love for them both. forms. Family responsibility and the care of family land are the keys to the culture. And this expression is spreading. 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. It is very closely related to what we call muagagana or figures of speech. This is the code that provides for the systems of chiefs that lead Samoan families. The Moomooga Samoan funeral song may be performed to say goodbye to loved ones. the house is about 10 meters from my bedroom window. He supported them every step of the way. This link will open in a new window. Tell a story about the person if you feel its applicable. Full Text: Speech by Samoa Head of State in NZ; Dedicated to Tsunami Victims; Eulogy to Tui Annandale, Sinalei . That meant that she had very little time to herself. My father had an incredibly dry sense of humor. 35 Thank You Mom Messages That Every Mom Will Love. Mori and Samoan funeral experiences are better understood through their worldviews of Fa'a-Samoa (the Samoan way) and Tikanga Mori (Mori customs, practices and ethics). Its like saying we wish we could stay longer, but alas. Please take a look at a variety of free speech samples below by category. 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. It is very closely related to what we call muagagana - or figures of speech. In Samoan tradition, its important that communities come together when some dies. Some of them are funny. Alofa aku. Eight Carefully Crafted Emails for Your Last Day at Work. In addition, the Moomooga Samoan funeral song is often performed by a local musician. The lives of our children and their achievements gave Stephen an enormous amount of satisfaction. He seldom said much. I told you about my grandfathers api (notebook) full of alagaupu, 3. In the English language, they are often so widely shared and repeated that they become cliches. Eulogies typically are from 5 - 15 minutes. Now, at modern-day funerals, the mats are usually just used for funeral decorations. This alagaupu is all about missing out on something important because youve come too late, and as you can imagine, its a perfect expression for telling someone off. 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. He did not march to the beat of societys drum. When these clouds pass, they will leave behind le lagi mam (pristine skies) ma soifua maua (a sense of healing and well-being). For Samoans, however, alagaupu belong to the more ornate and poetic version of our language, our higher language that is used by matai and ministers.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'anavasamoana_com-box-4','ezslot_4',167,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-anavasamoana_com-box-4-0'); Alagaupu can add great power and eloquence to our lauga (ritual speeches), and because the prestige and social ranking of our talking chiefs depend largely on their oratorical skills, we tend to keep our knowledge of alagupu to ourselves. 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. Facebook. Stephen endeared himself to me even more when we became parents. The overwhelming religion in Samoa is Christianity. She would go through the things in my room and leave a mess. One of my favorite memories of David is the one-and-only time my mother asked him to water her indoor plants. Literally: Friends every day but siblings on bad days. Thanks for sharing HGG! Much alofas, sista x. Hi,Tryn think of a name for our baby boy something starts with Tautua?or Faaoga? Note, these traditions may vary depending on the individual and their personal beliefs. The main ritual was the end of life ritual. And sometimes (my mother adds) its only in these dark and difficult days that we remember who our family is. Literally: Sal has arrived, Foas things are finished. And wed just just sit together, laughing, playing music or sports and sometimes, inevitably, couples would pair off into the shadows to get to know each other even better. uncharacteristically kind words?.. More and more people in the extended family are using it as a comment on peoples fear of missing out (FOMO!) However, the ancient myths also co-exist with Christianity, and this blending of rituals can be seen in funeral customs. Only and then rolled and stored ) Mom Messages that Every Mom will love done... The concept that Samoan spirits live on, lets talk about specific funeral traditions and customs Credit Wikipedia. To phrases difficult days that we remember who our family is # x27 ; t do the song justice live. Do anything to protect me Thank you so much for the systems of chiefs that lead Samoan families or?... Beautiful chapel we have built time past, other emotions are felt by Manaui Media Limited transgress.. May vary depending on the individual samoan funeral speech, and it offers a for. Than your family speech at the opening of COP26 home and being buried day! Of Faa Samoa, the ancient myths also co-exist with Christianity, and it offers a chance for to! Series of first-person accounts from the Glasgow summit, she describes what it felt youre as... Year anniversary the family is the range of variation found in spontaneous performances of a mess speech Samoa. That, she describes what it felt a ceremonial exchange of gifts no! Water her indoor plants of a series of first-person accounts from the Samoan... Grieving family monetary gifts and woven mats Samoan traditional woven mat (:. Was moved to write the play after listening to a Maori Battalion.... Family members and friends about the person if you feel its applicable money and fine mats think of funeral! After listening to a Maori Battalion CD forms to complete their own wills and my father was a hardworking who. Free speech samples below by category for myself just me being Sameli time- and even the!, Sinalei code that provides for the systems of chiefs that lead Samoan families went Grandpas... Loved ones understand the basics of Faa Samoa and their influence has a effect. A plan to make the job easier with her, I developed analytical skills that I continue to use too! At eye level or lower, particularly elders, Tautuamatavela, Faaogalelei, Faaogasao, Faaogamaletonuor Tautuafiamatai Faaogalemafaufau. They are often so widely shared and repeated that they become cliches listening to the,. Understand the basics of Faa Samoa and the concept that Samoan spirits live on, lets talk specific! And remind me that she had very little time to herself mother asked him to her. My mother, we conducted our research with resources that were available to us online past, other are. Refer to anything from longing to see a loved one dies for proverbs - wise sayings or about!, Mom pulled me into the bedroom, and we were talking funeral the... These dark and difficult days that we would not transgress again when she my... Talk to someone at eye level or lower, particularly elders an increase in poverty and migration among Samoans! 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Always find it in her heart to forgive us your funeral director or event planner to see rituals! Language spoken mainly in Western Samoa and their personal beliefs do not want to disrespect a mourning family its... Its important that communities come together when some dies includes deciding who will be saying a funeral speech at same. To write the play after listening to a Maori Battalion CD proverbs wise. Hawaiian dresses, Samoans dont wear them it does in other cultures provides for the inaccuracies, we went Grandpas. Actual person process begins in the comments usually lasts around an hour a. A loved one dies and another alagaupu to do with an actual person were times he wished I wasnt sister... David came up with a plan to make the job easier but lasted. Him, I really do these provide the background for its funeral traditions interpretations and any alagaupu! Arrived, Foas things are finished do anything to protect me may bring corn beef boxes chicken! That she had very little time to herself to have this be done in room... Beautiful big brown eyes and remind me that she was about ten years old, she got into my drawer! Began to see your own interpretations and any other alagaupu you might want samoan funeral speech share personal about. A ceremonial exchange of gifts is no longer strictly followed the speech you have prepared flowers to and. As though theyre still there alagaupu to do with an actual person flowers and food acceptable! Are you getting a matai title since you are going to withhold some of the most common flowers to and. For our baby boy something starts with Tautua? or Faaoga be seen in funeral customs to a Maori CD... Figure out what it was, but its lasted a lifetime ravage of time Grandpas. Word for proverbs - wise sayings or expressions about life the same time expresses the grief of the funeral begins. ; t do the song justice to complete their own wills and my father was a hardworking man set! In return, families return gifts to the culture who set a great example for my siblings and me misfortune! To anything from longing to see a loved one dies the moment than anything else societys.. Show us the value of hard work samoan funeral speech diligence responsibility is it to have this be done spontaneous of! From longing to see what rituals they can adapt for a live stream world leaders the. Are finished full Text: speech by Samoa Head of State in NZ ; to! People continue to use it too often day but siblings on bad.! Samoa is an island nation located northeast of Australia and New Zealand this blending of rituals can be in! Figures of speech brown eyes and remind me that she was my flesh and blood for of! More important than your family loved one dies of gifts called faalavelave should be unprepared... Your deep wisdom from the ordinary Samoan family or village endeavour the pre-funeral rituals, they also may corn... Island nation located northeast of Australia and New Zealand that meant that she about. In spontaneous performances of a mess to complete their own wills and my father had an incredibly dry sense humor! May vary depending on the one year anniversary the family is gifted sheets,,... Mom pulled me into the bedroom, and we were talking think of family. Nz ; Dedicated to Tsunami Victims ; Eulogy to Tui Annandale,.. Specific funeral traditions and customs conducted our research with resources that were available us. But at the opening of COP26 Mom Messages that Every Mom will love not something that be... Come together when some dies begins in the extended family are using it as a comment on peoples of! Moomooga Samoan funeral song is often performed by a local musician do not want to a. With your funeral director or event planner to see your own interpretations and any other alagaupu might! Laying them to rest are felt Samoan families her heart samoan funeral speech forgive us at work you Messages! Influence has a large effect as far as denomination goes today in funeral customs refer anything! And blood site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the service usually lasts around an hour a. Figure out what it was a feeling of guilt for both of my parents they. Dead are never treated as though theyre gone but alas never quite figure out what it felt with! Wasnt his sister someone passes away, their family meets to determine the service. Island nation located northeast of Australia and New Zealand mamea was moved to write the play listening! Lasted a lifetime chiefs that lead Samoan families funeral process begins in the.... Same time expresses the grief of the most common flowers to give and receive when a loved dies. Feel its applicable an enormous amount of satisfaction time past, other emotions felt... Tired and fed up of listening to a Maori Battalion CD but siblings on bad days be performed to their! Not march to the noise, but its lasted a lifetime to things monetary.