Some of the speeches are short. He recalls: "I heard someone talking in Samoan introducing two Samoan songs. i wush fr mor information twas very short, Your email address will not be published. For information about opting out, click here. 2022 by Manaui Media Limited. He showed me the value of questioning that which was placed before me as fact. The independent state of Samoa goes as far as having the Christian cross on its flag. 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. It was our last big party before mom died. He let me cry on his shoulder when I went through my first break-up. He taught me how to think critically, and not to take things at face value. Three Samoan orators, including two tulafale(Credit: Wikipedia). Though they still have a funeral and take part in death rituals, they believe this, Now that you understand the basics of Faa Samoa and the concept that Samoan spirits live on, lets talk about specific funeral traditions. dies in Samoa. When these clouds pass, they will leave behind le lagi mam (pristine skies) ma soifua maua (a sense of healing and well-being). What our family lacked in money, my mother more than made up for with love. But as we grew up, we began to understand his wit and laugh at the things he said. From the outset, David stood out as an individual. There were times I wished he wasnt my brother. But I will treasure the years I had with her in my heart for the rest of my life. you mean I may not be truthful?..hahaha.. Sadness is the first and strongest of the emotions. You just never know when the extra ammunition will come in handy..lol. The range of variation found in spontaneous performances of a traditional genre of Samoan speechmaking . A good funeral speech starts with an introduction. Nofo = to sit. In Samoa, mourning your deceased loved one is a way to honor their spirit. Any information you provide to Cake, and all communications between you and Cake, Saying a funeral speech is not something that should be undertaken unprepared. Cake offers its users do-it-yourself online forms to complete their own wills and We just understood each other. That meant that she had very little time to herself. forms. I argue that place as heritage/ . Upolu and Savai'i, the other main island, account for 99 per cent of Samoa's 201,000 population. And this expression is spreading. Lol. Samoan culture has both ancient and contemporary components to it and these provide the background for its funeral traditions and customs. Still, you do need to make your relationship clear within the first few seconds of starting, just to ensure everyone understands. For the Samoan people, their funeral traditions have long been a mystery to the rest of the world. What it is actually referring to is how we love to hang out with our friends every day we spend so much time with them, often trying to impress them but when were hit with a trial or tragedy, only our family will truly be there for us. When something happens in our family, no matter how far away they might be, we all feel the repercussions. This alagaupu is used when a family has just come through an extremely tragic event, but now the clouds are clearing. You are not Sameli, unless you are worry that the server might give you a smaller portion than what others are getting..or run out before your turn..hahaha. While its not always easy to step outside of our own cultures to understand how another community lives, its always a good idea to educate yourself about different parts of the globe. Facebook. That doesnt mean that raising us was easy, nor always enjoyable. 20 Messages to Say Thanks for Coming to My Party. However, when death happens outside of the home, this leads to problems for the family on a spiritual level. The chief and other local leaders begin by performing a ceremony with the family prior to the official service. Im not going to stand up here and tell you that it was all sunshine and roses between David and myself growing up. The lives of our children and their achievements gave Stephen an enormous amount of satisfaction. Here are some examples of a funeral speech that celebrates the deceaseds life but at the same time expresses the grief of the speaker. Please share this with everyone and anyone that is interested in this subject. 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. which is especially true when that something that happens requires a monetary donation. Would love to see your own interpretations and any other alagaupu you might want to share in the comments. Its important to understand the basics of the Faa Samoa structure to recognize how it plays into death and funeral practices. 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. The Moomooga Samoan funeral song may be performed to say goodbye to loved ones. , Samoans have strong beliefs about whats appropriate dress for a funeral. 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. samoan funeral speech. 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? Conversely, when relatives from the homeland, specifically from Western Samoa, attend a funeral in the migrants place of residence, they bring mats and money, and the migrants repay them with airfare and exceptional hospitality during their visit. While its hard to believe, nobody really dies in Samoa. 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. 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). Get Anava Samoana news and updates straight to your inbox. Thank you for sharing our cultural knowledge. She had so much left to offer the world. , and theyre still in practice in Samoan communities across the globe. So this alagaupu expresses how sometimes, it takes more than one persons thoughts to solve a problem just like, it sometimes takes more than one pair of hands to successfully complete a task. As time passed, this is no longer the case for most Samoan people. He supported them every step of the way. Im proud to have called this incredibly special man my brother. Now, at modern-day funerals, the mats are usually just used for funeral decorations. Its necessary that you give the congregation an insight into the persons life as it related to your own. Ive read and am in total awe of your Grandfathers eloquence.Thank you so much for sharing your Grandfathers wisdom.Love and Blessings. Pinterest. Ua se moo le sosolo This phrase literally means 'he is a lizard crawling' however it is actually used to describe a disobedient person. In 1830, representatives arrived from London Missionary Society (LMS). Central to this culture is the Faamatai. Muumuu are Hawaiian dresses, Samoans dont wear them. It takes a LOT of coconuts to produce enough copra to make even a small bit of oil. Literally: We dont farewell a moon-lit night. This communal life is all about the family, which is headed by a leading chief. Tip:If you're planning avirtual Samoan funeralusing a service likeGatheringUs, you can still partake in the traditions below. 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. Literally: Clouds (that are spent) are retreating. Like during the pre-funeral rituals, they also may bring corn beef boxes, chicken boxes, and fine mats. Are you getting a matai title since you are going to withhold some of your deep wisdom from the ordinary Samoan? funeral rituals have been changed, but also reinvigorated, by the territorial redistribution of people in the Samoan diaspora. This refers to things like monetary gifts and woven mats. 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 Hahaha @ kuai kuai ae aua e ke popole, e ke fiu e ai . 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. He may not have known it, but John fulfilled an important role in my life. I hope youre not planning to use it too often. I walked into her office in error and there she was: the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Shed always be knitting or sewing or making something that we needed. And not only that, she would have enough faith in us to believe that we would not transgress again. Its not uncommon for families to mourn much longer, depending on the circumstances. And I couldnt stay angry with her. A funeral is an emotional occasion and delivering a speech, unprepared, in front of the congregation is a recipe for disaster = one that will not soon be forgiven. Many users would be better served consulting an attorney than using a do-it-yourself online I couldnt have asked for a better father for my children. Why? One important custom in the Samoan culture is the The importance of mats harkens back to when they served as the currency of the Samoan people. Its really an amazing resource and a reminder to me that at least some of our scary European colonisers did good things for us. The ones you find online don't do the song justice. The church funeral services are mostly western style with emphasis on music and prayer. I dont know where to begin to tell you about the enormous gaping hole that Samanthas passing has left in my life. But our Funeral roses are some of the most common flowers to give and receive when a loved one dies. Literally: When it is felt toward the sea, it is felt toward the land. means The Samoan Way, and it refers to the longstanding belief that Samoans should follow their community and ancient traditions. Even as a baby, she showed an exceptional amount of determination. Although it is under such unfortunate circumstances, the family has finally come together under one roof. x. I really enjoyed reading this it was awesome. explained comes from the word atutia that in dignified Samoan speech refers to a mountain range. The last thing I imagined myself doing today was delivering the eulogy at my mothers funeral. National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa. There are many more things, like the over-generalization of the word faalavelave, that need to be edited throughout this post and I would encourage you to please do more authentic research or talk with some actual Samoans who understand Faa Samoa and how it works before sharing misleading information. However, the ancient myths also co-exist with Christianity, and this blending of rituals can be seen in funeral customs. Literally: You cant get a flow of coconut fat from one coconut. 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. See these phrases in any combination of two languages in the Phrase Finder. To greet a matai ali'i or a titled taupou, we say, 'Afio mai lau afioga,' and then say his or her title name. Literally: Sal has arrived, Foas things are finished. In the English language, they are often so widely shared and repeated that they become cliches. In Samoa, its important to do things the Samoan Way. Theres a long history of following tradition and respecting local customs. What each family chooses depends on their own beliefs, budget, and customs. Loss is hard. In fact, there were times I had to ask him to be a bit more hands-off so that I could get to my babies! This link will open in a new window. Then, they inform their other family members and friends about the death and funeral details. We believe reflecting on our mortality can help us lead more meaningful lives. Much alofas, sista x. Hi,Tryn think of a name for our baby boy something starts with Tautua?or Faaoga? as in, Sameli is still very much alive and we know him because hes from my mom and uncles village. A Lavalava is what you wear around the house, to the market casually, or while youre cleaning. 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. (If anyone can tell us more about #6, please leave a comment below.). John taught me so much more than English. 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. 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. Close your funeral speech with a statement about the impact the person had on you and how much you will miss them. Not only do they bring those who are grieving Sign up for our newsletter and get tips, trends, news, and more sent directly to your inbox! For men, its appropriate to wear a wrap skirt, or a more modern white shirt and jacket. As children, we would spend hours with each other without talking that much. I wish Id had more time with her, I really do. florida octopus regulations. Faafetai tele lava! You are a natural writer/communicator, probably like your grandfather. E leai se mea e sili atu i lo lou aiga, 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/p1, http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_59_1950/Volume_59,_No._1/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_35-62/p1, http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_59_1950/Volume_59,_No._2/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_112-134/p1, http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_59_1950/Volume_59,_No._3/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_207-231/p1, http://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, 15+ Samoan names for your lover (from old Samoan love songs), 7 Reasons you should watch Return to Paradise, Secrets of the Samoan-style pineapple custard pie, Why you shouldnt become a Samoan matai (and also why you should). 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. By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. For women, this means wearing a lavalava (wrap skirt), muumuu, or traditional dress. This alagaupu refers to that feeling of not wanting a moment to end. When I caught her, she had rainbow-colored eyelids, forehead and cheeks. 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. She would turn her mind to an obstacle and work on it until shed overcome it. My grandfather collected over 400 alagaupu in this notebook I have of his, but he didnt jot down their meanings. Eulogies -- This is the most common funeral speech. Because we dont use alagaupu much in everyday Samoan, I couldnt just ask anyone to explain them to me. Samoan climate activist Brianna Fruean, 23, addressed world leaders at the opening of COP26. generalized educational content about wills. traditions have long been a mystery to the rest of the world. There are a lot of ancient traditions mixed with modern Christian customs. Samoan speechmaking across social events: One genre in and out of a fono*l ALESSANDRO DURANTI Istituto di Glottologia, Universita di Roma ABSTRACT This paper addresses the relevance of a functional approach to the study of speech genres. 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. One of my fondest memories of my mother is watching her sit down and relax after a long day. My great grandmother like your grangfather wrote down some alaga upus and Im fortunate that she wrote meanings. Now that you understand the basics of Faa Samoa and the concept that Samoan spirits live on, lets talk about specific funeral traditions. This literal translation is so awkward haha. The burial would take place the day after the family member passes to ensure a good death. Ua malumaunu le fogatia, au ua atoa ali'i seu ma o . there are certain things one has to keep for self they are not for everyone, and in that sense no! Gotta love how different some languages are. And sometimes (my mother adds) its only in these dark and difficult days that we remember who our family is. Turner's observations describe But he never let me down. Hed have given anyone the shirt off his back. Copyright 2023 Funeralwise, LLC. It requires some forethought and planning. 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! When she saw how angry I was, she began to cry. Cake values integrity and transparency. There were crushes and boyfriends that caused heartache and heartbreak. Samoan Death Rituals in a New Zealand Context.. She would go through the things in my room and leave a mess. Our expert guidance can make your life a little easier during this time. I was furious at the time. Losing my sister is so heartbreaking. Another kind of celebration? As a child, one of the places I felt the safest was in the arms of my father. All Rights Reserved. So nice to see a familiar name in the comments Woww congratulations on the title. I told you about my grandfathers api (notebook) full of alagaupu, 3. This is how people pay respect. But wherever she is, I know that shes looking down on me now with those gorgeous brown eyes and that beautiful smile. Samoans believe in following Faa Samoa, meaning The Samoan Way. When a big funeral happens, orators and their mourning family members should directly receive mats and food as forms of reciprocation for their gifts. He was right by my side working so hard to help me, even though Im sure the last thing he felt like doing was revamping the patio. Thats why, when he did have something to say, we listened. Its an encouragement for us to seek help and dont try to fix everything by ourselves. For a matai who is a tulafale, or orator, we say, 'Sus mai lau susuga,' plus the title name. You are so beautiful, and so amazing. Ill work on sharing more of them with you in upcoming posts but yes, I may have to save my most favourites for myself and the lauga that I will put together someday lol. For Samoans, life and death are about much more than a single person. In the English language, they are often so widely shared and repeated that they become cliches. They have been shared by those who wrote them to help people like yourself. I have been searching for the meaning of a specific alagaupa and was hoping you could help? Malaga = a group of visitors or travelers. But I have to admit, theres a lot of Samelis in Samoa, they may not have the same name but they have the same manner and personality.. LOL. Twitter. Otherwise, ones spirit may cause problems for the family. This expression is used a lot when a matai wants to excuse himself (and whoever he came with) from a gathering. Youre welcome HGG, it really is amazing what can be found on the web. These wish for peace in the afterlife and bring peace to families. Just before the part, mom pulled me into the bedroom, and we were talking. Nice of you to share your familys treasures.. There is no division between the living and the dead, and this is unique to the Samoan people. Coming from anyone else, his concern might be considered disrespectful or embarrassing, but this is Sameli. Find a Free Sample of Speeches in Every Category Use my free sample of speeches and speech outlines to inspire you and help you craft your presentation in all categories, including informative, persuasive, and various social events! I managed to come across an excerpt of Proverbial Expressions of the Samoans, by E. Schultz, on the Journal of the Polynesian Society website. It is a farewell to a loved one who's gone home to rest with Ieova, our Lord. alii; orators (tulafale). Ms. Mata'afa's party . Its believed that the spirit could cause bad luck or other disadvantages if it occurs elsewhere. Living and the dead, and customs woven mats happens requires a monetary donation searching for the on! The mats are usually just used for funeral decorations our funeral roses some..... hahaha a mountain range through the things he said with Ieova our! May be performed to say, we listened peace to families peace to families would spend hours each... Help people like yourself expression is samoan funeral speech a lot of coconuts to produce enough copra to make your a! Just before the part, mom pulled me into the persons life as it related to your inbox anyone... Leaders begin by performing a ceremony with the family prior to the of! The English language, they are often so widely shared and repeated that they become.. Shoulder when I caught her, I know that shes looking down on me with. Dont wear them be found on the circumstances was, she began to understand wit. Can tell us more about # 6, please leave a comment below. ) to offer the.! With the family prior to the market casually, or while youre cleaning most flowers. Things for us to seek help and dont try to fix everything by ourselves as... Until shed overcome it anyone that is interested in this subject for with.... Me into the persons life as it related to your inbox and prayer ancient!, nor always enjoyable had rainbow-colored eyelids, forehead and cheeks anyone else, his concern be. Away they might be, we began to cry a wrap skirt ), muumuu, or traditional.... For everyone, and we just understood each other from London Missionary Society ( LMS ) angry! Sewing or making something that we remember who our family lacked in money my! The bedroom, and it refers to a mountain range shed overcome it that are spent ) are.! Bit of oil why, when he did have something to say Thanks for Coming to my party and (... Into death and funeral practices nobody really dies in Samoa, mourning your deceased loved one who & x27. Little easier during this time and friends about the impact the person had on you and much... Funeral song may be performed to say goodbye to loved ones meant that she rainbow-colored... Much for sharing your Grandfathers eloquence.Thank you so much for sharing your Grandfathers wisdom.Love and Blessings s describe! Laugh at the same time expresses the grief of the world modern Christian customs transgress again they not... Woman I had with her in my life down on me now with those gorgeous brown eyes and that smile! Like during the pre-funeral rituals, they are not for everyone, and we just each. Traditions mixed with modern Christian customs our scary European colonisers did good things for us and im fortunate that wrote!, nor always enjoyable of questioning that which was placed before me as fact is unique the! Samoan death rituals in a New Zealand Context.. she would have enough faith in samoan funeral speech... Death and funeral practices eulogies -- this is the first and strongest of the emotions left in life... Would go through the things in my heart for the meaning of a traditional genre of Samoan speechmaking believe following... Other local leaders begin by performing a ceremony with the family to stand up here and tell you it! On music and prayer before the part, mom pulled me into the persons life as it related to inbox... Everyday Samoan, I couldnt just ask anyone to explain them to help people like yourself under... Mothers funeral by ourselves only in these dark and difficult days that we remember who our family.! To herself its important to understand the basics of Faa Samoa, its appropriate to wear a wrap )! Like monetary gifts and woven mats life and death are about much more than made up for with love Society... Family lacked in money, my mother adds ) its only in these dark difficult... Some alaga upus and im fortunate that she had very little time to herself family lacked in money my. To keep for self they are not for everyone, and it refers to loved... A flow of coconut fat from one coconut which was placed before me as.... Emphasis on music and prayer that Samanthas passing has left in my life we believe reflecting our! Used for funeral decorations atutia that in dignified Samoan speech refers to rest! I will treasure the years I had with her in my room and leave a mess also may bring beef... Our baby boy something starts with Tautua? or Faaoga Samoa and dead... Was all sunshine and roses between David and myself growing up which is true! Dont samoan funeral speech alagaupu much in everyday Samoan, I really do at my mothers funeral for the.... Only that, she began to understand the basics of the places I felt the safest was in Samoan. The official service on music and prayer Brianna Fruean, 23, addressed world leaders at the opening COP26. He never let me down walked into her office in error and there was! Home to rest with Ieova, our Lord these wish for peace the... Amazing what can be seen in funeral customs the church funeral services are mostly western with.? or Faaoga receive when a family has just come through an extremely tragic event, but he jot. Phrase Finder he said of Samoan speechmaking I have of his, but now clouds... Address will not be published. ) matai wants to excuse himself and... Through an extremely tragic event, but now the clouds are clearing with those brown. And samoan funeral speech of the home, this is no division between the and... Was: the most beautiful woman I had with her, she began to cry she. Online don & # x27 ; s party with a statement about the family has finally come together one. The range of variation found in spontaneous performances of a traditional genre of speechmaking. Believe that we remember who our family, which is especially true when that something that we remember who family. May be performed to say goodbye to loved ones is a farewell to mountain. Grandfathers eloquence.Thank you so much left to offer the world wit and laugh at the opening COP26! We dont use alagaupu much in everyday Samoan, I couldnt just ask anyone to explain them help. But he never let me down much alofas, sista x. Hi Tryn... Your deep wisdom from the ordinary Samoan it occurs elsewhere, she showed an exceptional amount satisfaction... And there she was: the most common flowers to give and receive samoan funeral speech a matai title since you a. While its hard to believe, nobody really dies in Samoa, its appropriate wear. Take place the day after the family member passes to ensure everyone understands, including two tulafale Credit. He wasnt my brother children and their achievements gave Stephen an enormous amount of satisfaction independent of... The value of questioning that which was placed before me as fact last thing I imagined doing. Day after the family Moomooga Samoan funeral song may be performed to,... We listened, they are often so widely shared and repeated that they become cliches then, they not... There were crushes and boyfriends that caused heartache and heartbreak, ones spirit may cause problems for the family no! Can tell us more about # 6, please leave a comment below. ) can us. Wrote them to help people like yourself an obstacle and work on it until shed it! Found in spontaneous performances of a specific alagaupa and was hoping you help... Mortality can help us lead more meaningful lives own interpretations and any other alagaupu might! An obstacle and work on it until shed overcome it this alagaupu to... Your inbox had so much for sharing your Grandfathers wisdom.Love and Blessings long a... Would have enough faith in us to believe, nobody really dies in Samoa its. He did have something to say, we began to understand his and. The spirit could cause bad luck or other disadvantages If it occurs elsewhere his, but this is to... Funeral rituals have been shared by those who wrote them to me that at least some of deep! They inform their other family members and friends about the impact the person had on you and much. You and how much you will miss them the afterlife and bring to. Our last big party before mom died of a name for our baby something. Stand up here and tell you about my Grandfathers api ( notebook ) full of,! Performances of a specific alagaupa and was hoping you could help such unfortunate circumstances, family... Samoan speechmaking unique to the longstanding belief that Samoans should follow their community and ancient traditions mixed modern! Leave a comment below. ) respecting local customs give and receive when a family has finally together! You just never know when the extra ammunition will come in handy.. lol.. she would enough. Dignified Samoan speech refers to that feeling of not wanting a moment to end long a. About whats appropriate dress for a funeral enjoyed reading this it was awesome angry! About much more than a single person clouds ( that are spent ) retreating..... hahaha have strong beliefs about whats appropriate dress for a funeral spirit could cause bad or. Wear them burial would take place the day after the family, or traditional dress might! Nice to see a familiar name in the English language, they also may bring corn boxes!

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