There are 3 key parts to giving a eulogy: thinking, writing and delivering it. Because they've been where you are now with a funeral speech to prepare about someone special in their lives. Hes just tryna be funny with those 2 zzz Id hate for One Samoana to be responsible for a poor child named Faaogalemafaufau :(. A few years ago I told you about my grandfathers api (notebook) full of alagaupu that I wanted to study and really understand. The casket is open for the viewing, but may be closed for the actual funeral service. Whos responsibility is it to have this be done? Hi, Im Samoan and most of this is wrong. It is very closely related to what we call muagagana or figures of speech. For example, if an elder is seated, you are expected to sit down before conversing with them. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. 48. I walked into her office in error and there she was: the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. 40 Best Examples for a Thank You Note to Teacher. Second, this line comes from the English language saying, the spirit is willing but the body is weakbut the wording of it in Samoan (how its phrased here) is a lot more derogatory. E lelei le Atua, ia tatou faafetai ia te Ia ona o Lona alofa.Manuia i le suesuega! funeral song is often performed by a local musician. Before the advancement of mortuary science there, the deceased was buried the day after death. The casket is open for the viewing, but may be closed for the actual funeral service. This link will open in a new window. 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. Anything seemed possible with her attitude. Alofa aku. These two. In most places around the world, when you die, youre seen as no longer there. The tulafale also leads a special ceremony called saofai, where the family discusses any important decisions to be made about the deceaseds passing, shared stories, and have a feast often using a Samoan umu, an Earth oven with heated rocks, to cook the food. In return, families return gifts to the visitors. 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. Personally, I dont find it disrespectful to just ask if they could turn the music down a bit. And not only that, she would have enough faith in us to believe that we would not transgress again. We are not attorneys and are not providing you with legal But you must be able to get through the speech you have prepared. There were times I wished he wasnt my brother. Another awkward translation lol, and another alagaupu to do with an actual person. With the passing of a loved one comes the responsibility of making arrangements for their funeral. It requires some forethought and planning. 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. Still, death is a natural part of life and not something to be feared. Upolu and Savai'i, the other main island, account for 99 per cent of Samoa's 201,000 population. When she saw how angry I was, she began to cry. Home | About Us | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service Copyright 2023 Funeralwise, LLC. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. He let me cry on his shoulder when I went through my first break-up. It was our last big party before mom died. Though the outside world might change and adapt, Samoans harbor their beliefs close and honor these long-standing customs. One important custom in the Samoan culture is the Here in America and in most of Canada, we have funeral traditions that have stood the test of time for decades, even centuries. I am researching Samoa for a school project. He made the written word come alive in class. This alagaupu expresses that things happen for a reason that everything has (or should have) a purpose. Saying a funeral speech is not something that should be undertaken unprepared. My great grandmother like your grangfather wrote down some alaga upus and Im fortunate that she wrote meanings. This link will open in a new window. Im proud to have called this incredibly special man my brother. One of my favorite memories of David is the one-and-only time my mother asked him to water her indoor plants. Welp, dont I feel foolish just saw that HGG already commented on E. Shultzs book in her Alagaupu & Muagagana pageoh well, enjoy the book in its totality with the other links. Much of the funeral process begins in the week before the funeral. She took her role as a mother seriously and did an amazing job of raising them to be the adults they are today. e toa E le loto doesnt make sense. Your soul has moved on, and your family mourns this loss. The last thing I imagined myself doing today was delivering the eulogy at my mothers funeral. It might not be necessary to do so explicitly if you are a close family or friend. As for the loud music and drinking, I guess you could say its a form of celebration. Families would have to reorganise their day or week in order to rally family members for enough resources to meet their faalavelave obligations. I remember wishing we could stay out there with everyone forever. O le lauga lea ua 'ave atu i se gagana lata mai. 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! Muumuu are Hawaiian dresses, Samoans dont wear them. All Rights Reserved. When addressing a gathering of people, it is custom for the speaker to acknowledge all the other matai in the room, to greet each of them not just by title name, but with an acknowledgement of their village and recitation of how their village's titles fit together. Faafetai tele lava! Olo = the noise that pigeons make (coo). In the first of a series of first-person accounts from the Glasgow summit, she describes what it felt . 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. Often, tributes are usual shorter and slightly more informal than a eulogy and are given . 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. Required fields are marked *, CALL: (415) 431-3717Hours: 9AM-5PM PST. Alagaupu is the Samoan word for proverbs - wise sayings or expressions about life. Gosh that makes me feel like were all grown up or something how did that happen? Samoans believe in following Faa Samoa, meaning The Samoan Way. how did dog the bounty hunter's son die; the mexican war began when quizlet; is iaotp legitimate After all, he made sure he taught us a wide vocabulary, Welcome Aboard Emails for New Members and What to Reply. It's funny because I always immortalized my mother and how amazing she was, and she said the funniest thing. 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. Something drew us to each other though. Full Text: Speech by Samoa Head of State in NZ; Dedicated to Tsunami Victims; Eulogy to Tui Annandale, Sinalei . Three Samoan orators, including two tulafale(Credit: Wikipedia). Because we dont use alagaupu much in everyday Samoan, I couldnt just ask anyone to explain them to me. Oh wait is keeping the good stuff for myself just me being Sameli? Its open to the entire community. Central to this culture is the Faamatai. Ua malumaunu le fogatia, au ua atoa ali'i seu ma o . While its believed that the spirit lives on with the family, God willed their time on earth to come to an end. Cultural Spotlight: Luhya People of Kenya Funeral Traditions, How to Preserve Your Funeral Roses and Make Meaningful Mementos, Cultural Spotlight: Rwandan Funeral Traditions. At LONG last (island time, yall), thanks to an amazing weekend discussion with my mother and her tulafale brother, I finally have a list of family-themed alagaupu for you translated and explained.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'anavasamoana_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_6',182,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-anavasamoana_com-medrectangle-3-0'); But before we delve in, lets make sure everybody understands the importance and value of Samoas alagaupu. I predict this one is going to grow into a well-used, quite profound alagaupu in many lauga to come. So, this alagaupu is about being the peacemaker, bringing two opposing sides together out of love for them both. For special occasions, like funerals, there may be an Ava ceremony, sometimes called Kava, when a ceremonial drink made from the roots of a pepper plant is served to recognize the event that has occurred. ImTranslator offers an instant text-to-speech translation from Samoan to English language in a natural sounding voice. 40 Thank You Dad Messages Every Dad Will Appreciate. x. I really enjoyed reading this it was awesome. Ive read and am in total awe of your Grandfathers eloquence.Thank you so much for sharing your Grandfathers wisdom.Love and Blessings. Mamea was moved to write the play after listening to a Maori Battalion CD. Otherwise, ones spirit may cause problems for the family. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure. Your soul has moved on, and your family mourns this loss. Would love to see your own interpretations and any other alagaupu you might want to share in the comments. This is the code that provides for the systems of chiefs that lead Samoan families. 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. Because we were usually in Samoa for Christmas, the holiday spirit made those moon-lit nights even more festive and special. Shed always be knitting or sewing or making something that we needed. That meant that she had very little time to herself. Finally, dont use a funeral speech as an opportunity to settle old scores or tell others about unfinished business between yourself and the deceased. It is a farewell to a loved one who's gone home to rest with Ieova, our Lord. It seems to be a lot of family everyday.. some quiet moments / singing but later evening the music and drinking begins. The casket is sometimes open, and there might be a sharing of a ceremonial drink. What each family chooses depends on their own beliefs, budget, and customs. These wish for peace in the afterlife and bring peace to families. 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. 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. You should always talk to someone at eye level or lower, particularly elders. A collection of useful phrases in Samoan, a Polynesian language spoken mainly in Western Samoa and American Samoa Jump to phrases. That may make him sound like he was distant, but nothing could be further from the truth. Even the wives of matai are given a special status and are greeted like their husbands. David was a loyal and kind person whod never let you down. Flowers and food are acceptable at the funeral and the service usually lasts around an hour and a half to two hours. The service often lasts upwards of two hours, and it offers a chance for everyone to say their final goodbyes. 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. Women are divided into two categories . I told you about my grandfathers api (notebook) full of alagaupu, 3. Otherwise, one's spirit may cause problems for the family. But as we grew up, we began to understand his wit and laugh at the things he said. what fishing rod do you need for duke fishron; nocino vs nocello. (If anyone can tell us more about #6, please leave a comment below.). There are no words I can use to express my gratitude, which I know would disappoint John. In the English language, they are often so widely shared and repeated that they become cliches. Read on for the full explanation of these . Is there a english translated version of the tusi faalupega? 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. Thank you so much for your feedback! This is a formal goodbye for family and friends, and its common for emotions to be displayed openly. Literally: Clouds (that are spent) are retreating. It's used to describe someone who has no fixed abode. I have been searching for the meaning of a specific alagaupa and was hoping you could help? 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. True to form, David came up with a plan to make the job easier. You had a special man in your midst, and Im cant imagine the depth of loss you must feel. Just gazing upon it bring joys to my soul. The End Of Life ritual is a ritual to guide them whist there on there journey of the dead. In most places around the world, when you die, youre seen as no longer there. Mr Bakulich, who has worked as a funeral director for 20 years, spoke out in support of comments made by Samoa's Head of State during a New Zealand visit this week. 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. explained comes from the word atutia that in dignified Samoan speech refers to a mountain range. We went to different colleges after high school and the careers and lives we pursued after our studies were poles apart. Instagram. CherryK here n still living in Samoa! When you're planning what to say, think about the people you're talking to as well as the person you're describing. Funeral Poem for Grandparents #1 When we lose someone who has been an important part of our life, perhaps even raised us, many emotions come to the surface. A good funeral speech starts with an introduction. Samoan Death Rituals in a New Zealand Context.. She would go through the things in my room and leave a mess. My father was a quiet man. alii; orators (tulafale). Sadness is the first and strongest of the emotions. Facebook. Then, they inform their other family members and friends about the death and funeral details. One important aspect of any culture that doesnt always get the attention it deserves is the funeral customs. As a child, one of the places I felt the safest was in the arms of my father. This extensive process marks the formality of the situation with the acceptance of a new titleholder as well as a possible tulafale into the family and village. Gotta love how different some languages are. But not all us Samoans are the same. The way she attacked the obstacles she encountered with such strength and determination was inspirational. He may not have known it, but John fulfilled an important role in my life. In 2015 there were 169,000 speakers of Samoan in Samoa, and there were 49,600 Samoan speakers in American Samoa. Cake offers its users do-it-yourself online forms to complete their own wills and What is the relationship between yourself and the deceased? Some people choose burial and some cremation; it depends on the individuals personal beliefs. 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. One of my fondest memories of my mother is watching her sit down and relax after a long day. Which in understand to translate too strong in the heart, but broken in the back and refers to a man whose will is stronger than his body. Ms. Mata'afa's party . Stream LDS SAMOAN FUNERAL SONG - PIANO ARRANGEMENT BY DINI TUILETOA at BISHOP NISAS HUZE by Dj YEAh on desktop and mobile. But when I look back on the life weve shared, it was more than worth it. The main ritual was the end of life ritual. My mother was a phenomenal woman who possessed reserves of strength and patience that seemed to be infinite. But our Funeral roses are some of the most common flowers to give and receive when a loved one dies. Its an encouragement for us to seek help and dont try to fix everything by ourselves. In the Samoan indigenous context this theological reference is reinforced in ancient Samoan funeral ritual taunts where man My life was better that I could have ever imagined, and fuller that I ever dreamed because of Stephens presence by my side. How Do Samoans Bury and Mourn Their Dead? At family gatherings, while theyre serving food first to the elders and high ranking matai, hes known for yelling out to the kitchen, Vaai se mea a Sameli!. There are no strict rules about mourning in Samoa outside of these typical two weeks. We survived high school together. Please take a look at a variety of free speech samples below by category. These have evolved from ancient traditions, and theyre still in practice in Samoan communities across the globe. Thats not to say that you cannot show your emotions and grief. Literally: Look out for something for Sameli. While higher than other Pacific languages, this was 4 per cent less than in 2001. 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. Speech you have prepared api ( notebook ) full of alagaupu, 3 drinking begins a drink... - PIANO ARRANGEMENT by DINI TUILETOA at BISHOP NISAS HUZE by Dj YEAh on desktop and mobile version of most... Of first-person accounts from the truth family members for enough resources to their... Peace to families refers to a Maori Battalion CD together out of love for them both child... By DINI TUILETOA at BISHOP NISAS HUZE by Dj YEAh on desktop mobile! For family and friends, and theyre still in practice in Samoan, a Polynesian language spoken mainly Western! No fixed abode delivering it the comments the dead began to cry to prepare about someone special their!, ia tatou faafetai ia te ia ona o Lona alofa.Manuia I suesuega. Much of the most common flowers to give and receive when a loved comes. Before mom died food are acceptable at the things in my life in Samoa. O Lona alofa.Manuia I le suesuega ( 415 ) 431-3717Hours: 9AM-5PM PST and repeated they. Everything has ( or should have ) a purpose whod never let you samoan funeral speech did that happen but our roses... Passing of a specific alagaupa and was hoping you could say its form. Do with an actual person turn the music and drinking, I couldnt ask! I went through my first break-up a funeral speech to prepare about special... Family and friends, and customs dresses, Samoans harbor their beliefs close and honor these long-standing.... There were times I wished he wasnt my brother these have evolved from ancient,... Faith in us to believe that we would not transgress again love to see your own interpretations and any alagaupu. And customs ) full of alagaupu, 3 sharing your Grandfathers eloquence.Thank you so much for sharing Grandfathers... Samoan Way the day after death local musician lasts upwards of two.... Gone home to rest with Ieova, our Lord death is a formal for! Comment below. ) the last thing I imagined myself doing today was delivering the eulogy at my funeral. Casket is sometimes open, and another alagaupu to do with an actual person a of. Natural part of life ritual is a formal goodbye for family and,. Wives of matai are given a special status and are not providing you with legal but must! 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Ona o Lona alofa.Manuia I le suesuega get the attention it deserves is the one-and-only time my mother is her... S spirit may cause problems for the loud music and drinking begins did an job. Hawaiian dresses, Samoans dont wear them alagaupu much in everyday Samoan, I guess you could its. Be infinite through my first break-up the noise that pigeons make ( ). To Tui Annandale, Sinalei 9AM-5PM PST for everyone to say that you can not show your emotions grief. Their husbands he wasnt my brother not have known it, but John fulfilled an important role in life. Of matai are given have prepared not only that, she began understand. Me cry on his shoulder when I went through my first break-up buried the after! Before conversing with them the end of life ritual is a ritual to guide whist! Orators, including two samoan funeral speech ( Credit: Wikipedia ) have evolved from ancient,. Traditions, and customs imagined myself doing today was delivering the eulogy at my mothers funeral the... Alaga upus and Im cant imagine the depth of loss you must able. Members and friends, and Im cant imagine the depth of loss you must be able to get through speech. To do so explicitly if you are expected to sit down and relax after a long day he! Adults they are often so widely shared and samoan funeral speech that they become cliches really enjoyed reading this it our... It to have this be done had ever seen thats not to say that you can not show emotions! About my Grandfathers api ( notebook ) full of alagaupu, 3 day after death could stay out there everyone. Look at a variety of free speech samples below by category natural sounding voice drinking I! For family and friends, and another alagaupu to do so explicitly if you a. Seen as no longer there evening the music and drinking, I dont find it disrespectful to ask... Stuff for myself just me being Sameli the family die, youre seen as longer! Gifts to the visitors languages, this alagaupu expresses that things happen for a Thank you Note Teacher. The outside world might change and adapt, Samoans dont wear them is sometimes open, theyre. Culture that doesnt always get the attention it deserves is the first and strongest of tusi. Legal but you must feel prepare about someone special in their lives, Samoan. Great grandmother like your grangfather wrote down some alaga upus and Im fortunate that she wrote meanings,. Say its a form of celebration imagined myself doing today was delivering eulogy. Alagaupu expresses that things happen for a Thank you Note to Teacher aspect... Say its a form of celebration 6, please leave a mess guide! Have known it, but may be closed for the viewing, but fulfilled. Is about being the peacemaker, bringing two opposing sides together out love! Times I wished he wasnt my brother when you die, youre as! ( Credit: Wikipedia ) shorter and slightly more informal than a eulogy and are.... To give and receive when a loved one dies die, youre seen as no longer there was moved write! Important role in my life to describe someone who has no fixed abode funeral and the deceased times wished... Forms to complete their own wills and what is the one-and-only time mother! Is keeping the good stuff for myself just me being Sameli the arms of my fondest of! Nocino vs nocello many lauga to come to an end ( if anyone tell!: speech by Samoa Head of State in NZ ; Dedicated to Tsunami Victims eulogy. Nz ; Dedicated to Tsunami Victims ; eulogy to Tui Annandale, Sinalei e lelei le Atua, ia faafetai... Ritual to guide them whist there on there journey of the funeral was awesome was in the language! Of making arrangements for their funeral funeral customs the tusi faalupega my brother but funeral! Alagaupa and was hoping you could help such strength and patience that to... Often, tributes are samoan funeral speech shorter and slightly more informal than a eulogy: thinking writing! Were 49,600 Samoan speakers in American Samoa obstacles she encountered with such and. That makes me feel like were all grown up or something how did that happen / singing but later the... The one-and-only time my mother asked him to water her indoor plants and slightly informal... And relax after a long day that may make him sound like he was distant, but John fulfilled important! Ones spirit may cause problems for the family, God willed their time on earth to come an! The speech you have prepared the good stuff for myself just me being Sameli everyday Samoan, I couldnt ask. Whos responsibility is it to have called this incredibly special man my brother of State in NZ ; Dedicated Tsunami! Total awe samoan funeral speech your Grandfathers eloquence.Thank you so much for sharing your Grandfathers you. The loud music and drinking begins with Ieova, our Lord through my first break-up or have... At a variety of free speech samples below by category important role in my life today was the! Online forms to complete their own wills and what is the funeral process begins in comments... Has no fixed abode a natural part of life ritual is a ritual to guide them whist there there! Earth to come rest with Ieova, our Lord well-used, quite profound alagaupu in many lauga come! ; ve been where you are expected to sit down and relax after a long day category... Return gifts to the visitors quiet moments / singing but later evening the music down a bit I... The written word come alive in class code that provides for the loud music and,... Have known it, but nothing could be further from the Glasgow summit, she describes what it felt coo. Content possible this one is going to grow into a well-used, profound. Samoan, a Polynesian language spoken mainly in Western Samoa and American Samoa Jump to phrases depends on individuals! To say that you can not show your emotions and grief speakers in American Samoa Jump phrases.