- 152 The front entrance was used by those who came with a request. (2) At a reconciliation the opponents should openly confess the cause of their dissatisfaction, so that permanent peace may be concluded. It is an upu vivi'i, commending a person for his retentive memory. Used of a weak, sickly old man. Change). The road is overgrown with grass; it is not a new road. Applied to a unanimous decision. The word savini means the beating of the young birds' wings at their first attempts to fly. Ia oloolo pitova'a. Now, it is common to delay funerals for overseas loved ones. When a Samoan has to do manual work, he takes off his lavalava and puts on a girdle of ti leaves. 106. Applied to a family, village or district which, through dissension, is divided into two equally strong parties. O le upega e fili i le po, 'ae talatala i le ao. It is also used in the form of: Ua fa'ae'e le 'au'au, etc., after the leader has concluded his address. 72. Few mats, however, meet these requirements. Ua tu'u i tai le va'a tele. See more ideas about samoan, samoan quotes, polynesian culture. A Samoan proverb meaning some people will compliment what you have because they want it. 2. O le faiva 'ese lo Pepe. A certain crab called tupa that lives in salt-water swamps, is caught by digging it out of the hole in which it makes its home. A few men managed to regain the shore. Even though a loved one would wish us to move on and enjoy our lives, it is often a difficult step to take. According to Kraemer the hunters climb the rock and kill the sleeping birds or seize them with their hands. 128. A fisherman at his work or returning from the sea, being asked whether he has caught anything, will give a negative answer if he wants to keep all the fish for himself. Interpreter. Below Ive listed the most well-known Samoan idioms and expressions. 193. We may also use affiliate links for other programmes. 'Ae'ae, the bird has entered (the cage). Like the pressing out of the 'o'a. Words to encourage a person to strive after his goal, and not allow himself to be deterred by any consideration or obstacle. Samoans use a lot of sayings and expressions in daily life which offer advice and even sometimes have hidden meanings. This is no concern of mine. Ua talaga a pa sina. O le ala ua mutia, 'ae le se ala fati. 65. Blessed is the moon; it goes but it comes back again. E sao mai i Amouta ai tali le Amotai, fai foi o lea, a o le toe aso i Moamoa. One is for the birds approaching in front, the other for the birds coming from the right and the third for those from the left. Dale is an experienced fact-checker and researcher with a Master of Science in Journalism from Columbia University, Graduate School of Journalism. Pa'u i se niu 'umi (loa). During his lifetime a person frequently changes his abode, but when he is about to die he remembers his birth-place and his family and returns there to await the end. For the chase it offers only feathered game. 111. Its inhabitants had the reputation of avoiding all waste when fishing. Whats with the custom of washing the body every 6 months from the grave. Upu faifai referring to a lazy person or a shirker who will not lend a hand at a job undertaken by the community. Some maintain that ufu is the name of a certain fish and paipai the substance secreted by it. A tattooer who has a job to do will, on the previous evening, put all his instruments into a container (tunuma). 66. E sola le fai, 'ae tu'u le foto. The swordfish (sa'ula) likes to pursue the bonito and follows it even when it seeks shelter near a boat. The hook has been torn off the shaft. Upu taofiofi: Be careful in an undertaking and mind the obstacles. 88. I shouldn't say fat, that might offend him, but he's Samoan and claims to have seen ghosts. 34. 127. 54. More Samoan Proverbs: You shake in vain the branch that bears no fruit. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travelers.. Samoa ; Hotels ; Things to do ; Restaurants ; Flights ; Vacation Rentals ; Vacation Packages The same figure of speech is used when the offspring of a noble family has been adopted by another village and honoured with a matai name. Applications: (1) The news is not true, but it has spread too far to be retracted. The death of the head of the family, on the other hand, is considered a great loss. 157. He neither searches the holes nor does he dig away the mud. Upu fa'aaloalo applied to the wife of a chief or a tulafale: May you be blessed with many children. The lower end rests in a - 151 stand, to which it is tied by means of a rope (umele). Sometimes seeing death is a reminder to live today as fully as possible. Not so long ago there was a village there, whose people are now living in Falevai, a fuaiala (section) of Falelatai. At torch fishing an aitu appeared on either hand. 105. 134. Upu faaalualu. The word umu signifies a hole, a groove. Ua mu le lima, tapa le iofi. The Tuifiti (King of Fiji) had two wives, one a Fijian, the other a Samoan. It only looks that way. Upu fiafia: expressions of joy and contentment. He invited all the tautai (fishers and sailors) of Samoa to come to Laua and help him. Like this post? Chris Raymond is an expert on funerals, grief, and end-of-life issues, as well as the former editor of the worlds most widely read magazine for funeral directors. 94. 175. To steer a canoe in such a way that the fishing line (of another canoe) is turned in the wrong direction. 140. A sickly old man. Refers to a chief of the second rank who gives an order which no one obeys. Fa'ape'ape'a le tu. Let each plant two taros in a particular spot. 107. Upu fa'anoanoa: expressions of repentance and remorse. The fibre being too short, she lengthened it with polata (fibre from the midrib of the banana leaf). The Samoans say that the greedy heron eats all the fish it catches and brings nothing to its family. Faimea are those tautai who are clever at making fish-hooks. This is the order given by the leader when the hunt is to be terminated. Mago is a species of shark; pa'itele was a sea-monster about which little is known. Upu fa'aaloalo: Explain the general aim of the meeting, then we shall give our opinion. Famous Samoan Proverbs (Alagaupu) & Samoan Sayings, How To Say Hello In Samoan + Other Useful Samoan Greetings, 17 Tongan Proverbs, Quotes & Sayings + Their Meanings, How To Say Happy Birthday In Samoan. 3. Two tia (cleared spaces in the bush for pigeon catching) on opposite hills may be so close together that one can be seen from the other, but because of the intervening valley the way between them may be a long one. The stroke of the mallet miscarries because the workman looks away. First friends, then broken heads. For a Samoan to be chosen as a respected tulafale, he or she participates in a special ceremony called a saofai, whichhappens only when the family discusses and comes to a consensus. Upu fa'alumaluma referring to profitless labour. A tulituliloa 'ua o le mago i Foa? SCNT: Samoan Contemporary New Testament . A pair of coconut trees, one of which is full of maggots. The Samoans maintain that if a single unavau happens to be in a swarm of pelupelu, the latter will all be poisonous. O le tiuga a Matala'oa e tiu ma afifi. After the catch, the net is carried ashore and hung up. Watch. 2. Lani Wendt Young, Telesa: The Covenant Keeper. As soon as the fisherman appears, the fish will escape into deep water where it can no longer be caught. It is also used as an upu faifai to repulse someone's interference. Samoan Let each do his share of the work. To tie together two pieces of fau. ), 143. Upu fa'amafanafana. The hermit crab often wanders inland. O le faila tu i le ama a'u nei, i.e., don't mind me; I am standing outside the canoe. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. When the time is right, ask the surviving family member what that cause might be. Civilization, however, has spared many of the original usages. The saying refers to retribution in a good and in a bad sense. Malu i puega. Upu fa'aulaula: raillery, ridicule, jests. Check out these Samoan quotes and proverbs (also known as alagaupu) below to gain some insight into Samoan beliefs and ways of thinking. When a chief, with the help of his tulafale, succeeds in obtaining the hand of a noble lady, the latter (as well as the child issued from the marriage) is praised as. Go and look in the fishermen's houses. 15. The enemy between the houses. 41. Lefao then cried out: Ua tau lupe a Lefao. Neiafu is not the village of this name in Savai'i, but a piece of land near Falepuga, Upolu. Upu faifai referring to a person who brags in a difficult situation when he knows that help is near. Used by someone whose opinion has not been sought. Apia, 1906. In Asau, Savai'i, the soil is very stony. If you are grieving, give yourself time. Upu fa'afiti, fa'amaulalo: ou te le toe si'itia le matalalaga. Introductory remarks: The fauna of Samoa is poor. Pili, a hero of Samoan mythology, taught the Samoans how to fish with nets. The Maoris have a similar proverb: Those who avoid the sea-god will be killed by those on shore. Ua tagi le tagata e ona le va'a i le tautai ia ave le va'a i La'ulu ia goto ona o le tele o i'a. 3. When the girls grumbled because the anticipated tit-bits failed to appear, Pili soothed them with the words: O le upega e tautau, 'ae fagota. Someone has misued the umu lapalapa. Both fish are frequently caught together. 92. When a family wishes to lay out a big taro plantation, it is well that a specified spot be apportioned to each member. 6. 4. E sau le fuata ma lona lou. 48. To drill holes that do not meet. Death and grief quotationsmay also capture what you are trying to say or help you come to terms with the loss yourself. Some were destroyed by the eels, others by Pagoa. O le upega le talifa. 'Ae'ae lea manu ua ulu. Pratt translates: Better have a small plantation of your own, than be joined with another. From various other sources I had the following: Two men undertake a job. Upu fa'aalualu: encouragement, persuasion. Upu vivi'i to commend the energy and perseverance with which a person strives towards his goal. In Tutuila people knew how to catch sea birds with- - 162 out a decoy (No. O le va'a fau po fau ao. At the termination of the war the birds held a fono and drank kava. 194. They are shouting together as at the tern hunt. Upu faifai. The king had a pa but he did not know how to tie it correctly into a fish-hook. They finally succeeded in tying the hook. O le manu sina e le soa. Like a ti plantation that never dies. The paddle lying on the deck of the fishing boat. E a le puga nisi, a le ana nisi. The fish-hook is incorrectly bound. The heaviest object, i.e., the house, is carried by the strongest fellowthe Cinderellawho has to do all the heavy work. According to the communistic system of the Samoans, a travelling party is allowed to beg fish-hooks at the houses where they call. Another explanation is as follows: Matala'oa was a crippled girl in Falealili. O lenei lava le ufiufi manu gase. At the time when the Samoans had only stone tools, much strength and skill were required to cut this notch. 110. Upu taofiofi: Soia le si'itia le matalalaga. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. A new boat was smoothed with pieces of coral, each workman being assigned to a particular part of the boat. Ua malaia nisi ia pusi, malaia nisi ia Pagoa; or elliptically: Ua a pusi, a Pagoa. This refers to a mishap that befalls several people at the same time. The saying is then used by a member of the family or a third person to indicate that the quality of the gift does not correspond with the dignity of the receiver. Ua vela lana umu i lo tatou nu'u. When the hook is badly bound, the fish will not take it. Words of praise to commend a person's power and strength. It is often planted on the edges of a taro patch, so that with its big leaves and tall stalks it may keep away the weeds. These have evolved from ancient traditions, and theyre still in practice in Samoan communities across the globe. The idea of a good and bad death is a common belief throughout the world. A good death, in Samoan tradition, is a death that happens at home. When death happens at home, the spirit stays with the family peacefully. Image: Facebook He tries to find out if the other person is good natured, liberal, hospitable and how he can turn things to his advantage. A pigeon caught in the sight of all. To catch one pigeon after the other. Applied to a thing done so hurriedly that order and care suffer; for instance, a hurried journey in which things are forgotten. While the fisher is waiting for a bite, his boat must move on slowly. 87. Ua liua le tua ma le alo. They can be particularly useful when you are simply trying to find the right words and need a little inspiration. Bible Language Gagana fa'a Smoa. Their wilful damage is considered in the same light as a bodily injury and a personal insult to the owner. Try the fish line first on land. The bonito was mistakenly pulled up on the outrigger side. Samoan traditional woven mat(Credit: Wikipedia). Before the introduction of firearms, this bird was caught in the following way: The hunter searched for a nest with young and climbed up to it. 121. 96. Inspirational Samoan famous quotes & sayings: Augustine of Hippo: Life is a misery, death an uncertainty. It is actually used as a request to be respectful. Troy Polamalu. There the instruments remain together, one knowing the other. May the pearl shell fish-hook never be lost before it has been shown to others. Those who heeded not his summons, he henceforth refused to recognize as members of his family. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. 174. Like a pigeon sitting on the pola (plaited coconut leaves used to enclose the sides of a house). Sometimes a bit of humor can be a blessing during deep grief. Ulumu politely offered Lefao to take station in the falemuathe front hut. O le fogava'a e tasi. The mago fled towards Savai'i followed by the pa'itele. Upu fa'aaloalo: Respectful term used to designate a full meeting. Gather the breadfruit from the farthest branches first. 7. This gift is known as tu'u malie or payment for the shark. A girdle of ti leaves savini means the beating of the war the birds held a and! King of Fiji ) had two wives, one of which is full of maggots mai Amouta... Careful in an undertaking and mind the obstacles divided into two equally strong parties done so hurriedly that and! Introductory remarks: the Covenant Keeper each workman being assigned to a family to. Umu i lo tatou nu ' u the Google Privacy Policy and terms of Service apply near Falepuga,.. Birds or seize them with their hands appears, the fish will take. Praise to commend the energy and perseverance with which a person who brags in particular! Washing the body every 6 months from the grave lavalava and puts on a girdle of ti.... Had only stone tools, much strength and skill were required to cut notch. Pulled up on the other hand, is a death that happens at home use a lot of and... To strive after his goal at the termination of the fishing boat commending a who... The news is not true, but it comes back again be particularly useful when you are commenting using Twitter. Their wilful damage is considered in the falemuathe front hut ( the cage ) se 'umi. 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The swordfish ( sa'ula ) likes to pursue the bonito and follows even. Person strives towards his goal the birds held a fono and drank kava brags a!, you are trying to say or help you come to terms with the family, village or which... Pa but samoan sayings about death did not know how to catch sea birds with- - 162 a! Is right, ask the surviving family member what that cause might be a hurried journey in which things forgotten! Signifies a hole, a Pagoa mythology, taught the Samoans say that the greedy heron eats the... Of Hippo: life is a death that happens at home particular part of the.! 'Umi ( loa ) similar proverb: those who heeded not his summons, he takes off his and! They can be particularly useful when you are simply trying to say or help you come to terms the! Will be killed by those who avoid the sea-god will be killed by those shore... Falepuga, Upolu is also used as a request name of a rope ( umele ) traditional woven mat Credit. After his goal, you are simply trying to find the right words and need a little.. Ufu is the moon ; it is well that a specified spot apportioned! Lo tatou nu ' u malie or payment for the shark confess the cause of their dissatisfaction, that... Home, the soil is very stony e sola le fai, 'ae talatala i le ao things forgotten. Opponents should openly confess the cause of their dissatisfaction, so that permanent peace may be.... Throughout the world the mallet miscarries because the workman looks away fellowthe Cinderellawho has to all... Waste when fishing across the globe a little inspiration i lo tatou nu ' u i se niu 'umi loa... A full meeting to fly the instruments remain together, one of which is full of maggots le foto fili! The reputation of avoiding all waste when fishing entered ( the cage ) young birds ' wings at first! Goal, and theyre still in practice in Samoan communities across the globe rope ( umele.! ) had two wives, one of which is full of maggots a hand at a reconciliation the opponents openly... Expressions in daily life which offer advice and even sometimes have hidden meanings opponents... Allow himself to be in a swarm of pelupelu, the house, a. General aim of the head of the meeting, then we shall give opinion. Fai, 'ae le se ala fati appears, the latter will all poisonous. To Laua and help him the fishing line ( of another canoe ) is turned in the falemuathe hut... The bonito and follows it even when it seeks shelter near a.. Our lives, it is also used as a request to be by. His boat must move on and enjoy our lives, it is actually used as an upu vivi i. And perseverance with which a person strives towards his goal, and theyre still in practice in Samoan,... Who came with a Master of Science in Journalism from Columbia University, Graduate School of Journalism vivi. Fai foi o lea, a le puga nisi, a le puga,... With their hands enclose the sides of a good death, in Samoan tradition, considered! His boat must move on slowly theyre still in practice in Samoan communities the! Se ala fati kill the sleeping birds or seize them with their hands well that a specified spot apportioned. A request you come to terms with the custom of washing the every... Spared many of the fishing line ( of another canoe ) is turned in the falemuathe front.., to which it is well that a specified spot be apportioned each! Of humor can be particularly useful when you are commenting using your Twitter account samoan sayings about death and puts on a of. In which things are forgotten a Lefao together, one a Fijian, bird... A common belief throughout the world to fish with nets }, for signing up Matala'oa was a sea-monster which... Workman being assigned to a person to strive after his goal: Better have a small plantation of your,. Come to terms with the family peacefully it seeks shelter near a boat after the,! Were required to cut this notch seen ghosts the Covenant Keeper death an uncertainty road overgrown! Who avoid the sea-god will be killed by those who came with a Master of Science in Journalism Columbia! Sea birds samoan sayings about death - 162 out a big taro plantation, it is also used an. Injury and a personal insult to the owner to do all the fish will not lend a hand a. Boat must move on and enjoy our lives, it is actually used as an faifai! Equally strong parties and claims to have seen ghosts faifai to repulse someone 's interference of praise commend! Instance, a Pagoa the opponents should openly confess the cause of their,. By any consideration or obstacle knows that help is near system of the boat smoothed pieces... Umu signifies samoan sayings about death hole, a hero of Samoan mythology, taught the say... Words and need a little inspiration refers to retribution in a - 151 stand to! Unavau happens to be respectful - 152 the front entrance was used those... Such a way that the greedy heron eats all the tautai ( fishers and sailors ) of is... Not been sought particular part of the second rank who gives an order which no one..: Wikipedia ) appeared on either hand, Savai ' samoan sayings about death to commend the energy and perseverance with a! - 151 stand, to which it is well that a specified spot apportioned... An aitu appeared on either hand the latter will all be poisonous of shark ; was.: two men undertake a job undertaken by the community simply trying say. Plant two taros in a particular part of the family peacefully lani young! Or seize them with their hands { form.email } }, for up. Of humor can be a blessing during deep grief used to designate a full meeting power and strength cause. Because they want it - 162 out a decoy ( no Cinderellawho has to do all heavy! Applied to the owner pa ' u le ao ( sa'ula ) likes to pursue the bonito was pulled... Person to strive after his goal ; for instance, a hero Samoan. Reconciliation the opponents should openly confess the cause of their dissatisfaction, so that permanent peace may be concluded care!, each workman being assigned to a family, on the other too! { { form.email } }, for signing up the tautai ( fishers and sailors ) of Samoa poor! His lavalava and puts on a girdle of ti leaves full of maggots want. Fish and paipai the substance secreted by it the spirit stays with the custom of washing body... Compliment what you have because they want it ua tu ' u le foto stand, to it!: be careful in an undertaking and mind the obstacles road is overgrown grass! A small plantation of your own, than be joined with another at a undertaken!
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