158. To bait the manuali'i, a bunch of bananas was used (No. Ufiufi manu gase. So that it may be used effectively the following morning. The mago escaped through a side opening. There is usually at least one church in each village and most of the ministers are native Samoans. Someone has misued the umu lapalapa. The tifitifi is a small fish. 34. Poems about death and losscan add another dimension, bringing to life emotions that prose or sayings cannot express. Upu taofiofi. (No. The tulavae is a portion of the fish net made by one person, as explained in No. This is in the language that the matais or chief of the people would use because he is discussing matter of extreme importance. Only the matamea crab presented herself without a gift. 192. III.MANUAL WORK INSIDE AND OUT OF THE HOUSE. He is like an arrow that lies about in the house. Many of these have hidden meanings. The alamea is a spiny sea star. 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. The tutu is a crab with big, strong legs. Sometimes a bit of humor can be a blessing during deep grief. We have overcome some difficulties, but there are more ahead of us. While they slept, an aitu (spirit, devil) came along and took on the form of one of the women. Delight in the hunter's hut. 67. Turner, on page 221, says: If a pigeon sees its mate fall dead, it will drop down and cover the body with its wings even though it should be killed also. The sea cucumber always held with the victor. Should the fish or the line strike the outrigger (this may happen to an inexperienced or a hasty fisherman) the hook is likely to be torn out and the fish will be lost. The work, called milota'i, is usually done by the women. Experts may use their hands only to catch small octopi; but the correct and most efficient method is fishing with the help of the sao. The aitu tried hard to free himself and the fishermen feared he would tear the net. Blessed is the moon; it goes but it comes back again. Upu fa'anoanoa or alofa referring to a person who is in danger of his life. The saying means: To countermine another's evil designs. He is like a fish that escaped. When the time is right, ask the surviving family member what that cause might be. There the instruments remain together, one knowing the other. He who falls off a high coconut tree will sustain some hurt; to fall off a small tree (niu muli) is not dangerous. ", "There is a cure for everything except death. The Samoans value the mats so much that the most important ones bear honorable names. A Samoan saying about life which means even though life takes us in different directions, we will always find our way back to our loved ones. 50. The leaves of the pandanus, used for making the mats called fala, have a few spines at the tip. Upu fa'aaloalo used to introduce some complimentary remarks about the previous speaker, if the latter was a high chief or an orator of rank. The bundle of mats has fallen into disarray. He who wishes to avoid Scylla falls into Charybdis. In the war between the birds and the fishes (No. 110. 86. O le va'a ua seu vale, 'a o ala le mafua. 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. Fatu'ulu. 163. Required fields are marked *, CALL: (415) 431-3717Hours: 9AM-5PM PST. The galo is frequently found in this lagoon. 110. These words echo those feelings: To those who are grieving, the words "moving on" can seem hurtful if you are not careful, implying that it's time to stop grieving and "let go" of their loved one. The bonitos swim about thoughtlessly, but the seagulls are on the alert. Upu fa'anoanoa or fa'aulaula addressed to one constantly begging (Pratt) or to one who becomes a nuisance through tale-bearing or in other ways. Thanks for reading this post on the best Samoan quotes about family, famous Samoan sayings and fascinating Samoan proverbs and their meanings. When a ti plantation has been abandoned, the plants are not choked by the weeds but will grow up again as soon as the weeds are removed. Thus says the leader at the termination of the hunt when the tia is not to be used for some time to come. Ia sui tonu le mata o le niu. This page is a, Short proverbs and sayings about shadows drawn from long experience. 1. The following are the principal game birds: the lupe (pigeon), the manutagi (a small species of pigeon), the manuali'i, the ve'a (swamphen), the tava'e (tropic bird), the gogo and some other sea birds. As they had to wait for low tide, they lay down and fell asleep. (A paraphrase for moemoesolo.). Fa'a'ulu toli i gaoa. Before the Samoans had steel tools a new path was made by breaking (fati) the twigs off the trees. When gathering breadfruit with the lou, it may happen that branches not bearing any fruit are knocked about and injured. 85. List of Phrases in Samoan Below is a list of the phrases and daily expressions in Samoan placed in a table. Ua sasagi fua le livaliva, 'a ua gau le matavana. 11. Gather the breadfruit from the farthest branches first. Talanoa atu, 'ae le talanoa manu. A gau le poutu, e le tali poulalo. It is more difficult to make the shaft, pa, than the hook, maga; therefore, the pa is more valuable. One single deck. The family is the most significant socio-political element of Samoan society. Nalayeh H. Addressing the cultural, spiritual and religious perspectives of palliative care. Patupatu amo fale. Ua aliali le va'ava'a o le tava'e. 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. "We need a shower," Raphael said. Like the crying of the pu that is going to die. Change Language {{#items}} {{local_title}} Jesus Death, Resurrection & Return. Same meaning as No. 112. The offspring of birds are fed with flower nectar, but the children of men are nurtured with words. E a sipa le lama, 'ae fano malolo. Ua le se'i seu fa'aalo. O le upega le talifa. When a number of mats are to be stored away, they are gathered up evenly and rolled into a bundle. Upu alofa: Loving words referring to friends who stick together through thick and thin. Pili, a hero of Samoan mythology, taught the Samoans how to fish with nets. Upu fa'aalualu: (1) In a discussion each one should tell his opinion unreservedly; only then can the right decision be reached. The Samoans compare this state of repose to grief and mourning and maintain that the matulau is then often seen in company of the gatala. Faiva o Fiti ia lililo. A white tern that is so proud of its glossy plumage that it will not associate with darker birds. ", "Make sure to send a lazy man for the Angel of Death. The following applications are also customary: It is mean to hide one's possessions. With the communistically minded Samoans avarice is one of the worst vices. 187. The string (to which the decoy pigeon is tied) is entangled. When it tries to climb over rocks and tree trunks, it frequently tumbles down. The translation, then, would be: Why do you handle your net without considering the others?. A pair of coconut trees, one of which is full of maggots. 33. Pa'au is the name of a piece of land and a lagoon between Vaisala and Sataua, Savai'i. ", "What you give for the cause of charity in health is gold; what you give in sickness is silver; what you give after death is lead. 108. E 'asa le faiva, 'ae le 'asa le masalo. Refers to the conclusion of a speech, a fono, etc. Plant the coconut tree on the boundary. The saying is used of a family or a village where perfect peace reigns. A rainy day. A council meeting in which no decision is reached. They were also shot with bow and arrow (No. 182. This figure of speech presupposes that a single pigeon was spied by a hunting party and that it was artfully enticed and caught in presence of all the hunters. 9). I shouldn't say fat, that might offend him, but he's Samoan and claims to have seen ghosts. Hawaiian Funeral Songs and Chants 102. Like a sleeping fish. O le fogatia ua malu maunu. When the members of a family are fishing with their net another person will, perhaps, put to sea and join them in the hope that he will get his share of the catch after having assisted them. Version. Matalaoa suspected him of having illicit intercourse with her brothers wife, so she watched him and found her suspicions confirmed. Look before you leap. Samoan The person with burned fingers asks for tongs. Samoa, arise and raise your flag, your crown! Ua mua ane lava se fale. Translated into English by H. Neffgen, Govt. This Samoan idiom literally means this is under the chestnut tree, however the true meaning is this is a secret. Entering the house, he poured the fish in front of his guest. The tulafale try their utmost to bring about the wedding of their chief and when this is accomplished they are not sparing in flatteries, as they will be well rewarded with the fine mats that constitute the bride's dowry. Samoan Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Mocking words referring to loveless, undutiful parents. The totality of the fata, again, form the complete net. A petitioner uses it to indicate he realizes the negative answer he gets is only an evasion. 129. Ua fa'amea tapena i ua. E sola le fai, 'ae tu'u le foto. The motion of the hunter's hand is visible. The word manuia is used to wish somebody well with anything at all, and can be used to say goodbye as well: The just needs no memorial, for his deeds are his monument. Ua savini fa'apunuamanu. 4 > Proverbial expressions of the Samoans, by E. Schultz, p 139-184. ", "Everybody will undergo the sentence of the grave. According to the Samoans the bird is so proud of its long tail that, being approached from the front, it sits immediately and allows itself to be caught, for fear of damaging its feathers by turning round. 57. Only the manutagi is still caught in the old way and, if the report be true, the chiefs of Aopo and Tiave'a will, occasionally, net pigeons according to the ancient rules of the hunt. SCNT: Samoan Contemporary New Testament . Used by a person to show that he intends acting on his own responsibility and will not allow anyone to deter him from his goal. Upu fa'aaloalo applied to the wife of a chief or a tulafale: May you be blessed with many children. The 28th of December 1929 is now known as Samoas Black Saturday. E tenetene fua le livaliva, 'ae sagasaga 'ai le vili ia. The lou is a long pole with a crook at the end, used in gathering breadfruit. 3, 11, 12). The overwhelming religion in Samoa is Christianity. One good turn A white bird that has no friend. Upu faifai applied to a repulsive person whom nobody wants to associate with. 157. To this the Samoans compare a brother who will rush in among troops after his wounded brother, even if he should be killed himself. This explanation is by no means exhaustive. Ua se u ta'afale. A fishing expedition may have no success, but a suspicion usually has some ground for it. Upu taofiofi: Be careful in an undertaking and mind the obstacles. 91. 90. 23. 30. Affiliate Disclaimer: Lingalot is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. The proverb advised that People aren't good unless others are made better by them. Upu fa'aulaula: Playful words referring to losses easy to bear and easy to repair. To drill holes that do not meet. Remarks of translator: 1. Ia o gatasi le futia ma le umele. When the saying is applied to girls (o le i'a vai tama'ita'i), it is used as a faianaga (jest). Bring the one-pronged arrow to shoot the pigeon in the thicket. The saying refers to retribution in a good and in a bad sense. Pepe tried to catch it. At night he came ashore through a passage in the reef to look for his prey and in the morning he returned to the sea. See also the following. The god shows his power in the banyan tree. E gase le pa'a i lona vae. Na o Neiafu na mele ai le to'elau. See also the next three proverbs. Thus say the hunters when they have returned home from their expedition and hung up the nets, etc. To go about an undertaking in the proper way. Enjoy reading and share 5 famous quotes about Inspirational Samoan with everyone. The numerous muagagana (proverbial expressions) relating to pigeon catching prove how popular the sport was with the Samoans. Not so long ago there was a village there, whose people are now living in Falevai, a fuaiala (section) of Falelatai. This Samoan expression literally means like grass by the roadside. The grammars and dictionaries present a few muagagana, but leave them often untranslated and unexplained. The galo dies in Pa'au. Ua sili mea le seuga. Upu vivi'i referring to a small but influential family or village, a calm but momentous speech and to similar circumstances. It is used for colouring siapo (tapa). A hunter who catches many pigeons rejoices in his shelter. Thinking they were bonitos they hurried to the shore, embarked in their canoes and went out. So many fish were caught in it, that the boats could not hold them and many had to be thrown back into the sea. Like a sega sitting on a coconut leaf. 'Oa'oa i faleseu. The papata crab has not yet smacked her lips, i.e., has had nothing to eat yet. The barracuda that tears off the hook. E tele a ululau. The fuga has soft dorsal fins; the maono, hard and spiny ones. If they work in common, one will rely on the other and nothing is done. 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. Ia tafatafa fuga, 'ae 'aua le tafatafa maono. Samoan A decision made at night may be changed in the morning. 94. 17. While the fisher is waiting for a bite, his boat must move on slowly. 118. The 'apoa have spines on the back and breast. Few mats, however, meet these requirements. 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. 155. Thus say the hunters when, entering the bush, they notice no sign of the game. The following morning it is properly put in order. The work is progressing fast. A pair of fish-hooks tied together is called talaga. 92. 105. 15. If it is approached from behind, it will fly off. Both ropes must be of equal strength, lest one of them tear when a bonito bites. The large double war canoe ('alia) and the two-bowed taumualua have been superseded by the big row-boats which the natives have learned to build European style. Upu fa'anoanoa or alofa used when one is pursued by misfortune. The death and funeral announcements initiate the biggest Samoan ritual connected to a death: the faalavelave,or ceremonial exchange of finely woven mats, monetary gifts and food between the families of the person who died and the families of those paying their respects. Profitless is the turning of the drill plate, whilst the drill goes on eating through (the wood). A house built of the wood of the breadfruit tree is particularly durable and may, therefore, be compared to a chief or a tulafale who is able to protect his family. 134. A net that is beyond repair. (Samoan Proverb) More Samoan Proverbs (Based on Topics) Love Proverbs - Life Proverbs - Death & Dying Proverbs - Success Proverbs - Happiness Proverbs - Friendship Proverbs - View All Topics. Verywell Health content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. When the boatbuilder does not find a suitable plank, he shifts the one at his disposal back and forth, vainly trying to fit it in place. The sting-ray (fai) has a sharp barbed spine in its tail with which it can inflict severe wounds. An orator who digresses from his topic and speaks now of this, now of that, so that no one knows what he wants to say (fa'a le maua se tonu) is compared to the ise fisher who swings his net in every direction. Upu alofa: expressions of love, compassion, and sympathy. 68. Matala'oa was a bush village in Falealili, inland of Poutasi. Opposite this entrance was Nafanua's seat. ", "Only love gives us the taste of eternity. The saying is used when some person meets with some unexpected fortune while his thoughts and actions were directed to something else. Samoan Blessed is the moon; it goes but it comes back again. 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. Upu faifai or Fa'aulaula: Your designs are too apparent and will fail. 144. 10. They were too late for the catch. 83. A careless person will be taken by surprise by his watchful enemy. Upu fa'aalualu. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. It is an upu vivi'i, commending a person for his retentive memory. 7. May you grow in a swamp. 48. 126. Before the advancement of mortuary science there, the deceased was buried the day after death. 128. In this state, which is considered a symbol of repose, it is known as ufu. That is the opinion of a landlubber. 104. O le io i mata o le tama o le teine The pupil of the brothers eye is his sister. Expression of regret meaning: The undertaking failed because some error was committed in its execution. A few men managed to regain the shore. When the wild yam is mature, the stalks wither and break into pieces. Ia lafoia i le fogava'a tele. Upu faifai or fa'afiti: To refuse a request because the petitioner has previously shown himself unloving and hardhearted. To rejoice like a young bird on the return of its parent with food. The fish fugausi secretes a whitish substance in which it hides itself and feels secure from its enemies. Ia uluulu matafolau. The fish had a fono regarding the advisability of declaring war on the birds. Death, in Samoan tradition, is considered Gods Will. It has traditionally been believed that Samoans should die at home. EMAIL: WECARE@SEVENPONDS.COM, Appointed family orators facilitate the process of death and funeral in Samoan culture, Hospice social worker, Scott Janssen, offers advice on how to ease a loved one's pain, Advance directives provide people with mental health issues the ability to communicate with providers when they are doing well. The Samoans maintain that if the parents were left undisturbed, they would remain with their young and allow themselves to starve to death. Large like a bundle of sugarcane leaves. With a thread pulled through the young birds nostrils, he tied up the fledgeling's bill in such a way that it was still able to cry but not to swallow. Sinnet should be made daily and daily the rigging must be examined. We must be of one mind in the undertaking. ", "If you start thinking of death, you are no longer sure of life. Each had born him a son. Upu fa'aaloalo: A polite expression referring to the first speech delivered at a meeting or at the reception of a travelling party. Samoa, officially the Independent State of Samoa, formerly known as Western Samoa, is an Oceanian country encompassing the western part of the Samoan Islands in the South Pacific Ocean. He may not be repulsed. A wider interpretation is often given to this custom, known as malagafaga, and the begging may be extended to other objects. 178. Place the ridge pole first, then we shall pass the battens. May the cluster of nuts bow to the midrib of the coconut leaf. doi:10.21037/apm.2018.s016. The wild manutagi, hearing the call of the decoy bird, approaches gradually by hopping from tree to tree, before it enters the cage. 176. Her family repay the gift with siapo (tapa cloth). Who sits at home in the morning will not eat in the evening. Ua fa'anoa fua le matulau i le faanoa a gatala. In Asau, Savai'i, the soil is very stony. Upu faifai applied to a restless person or a chatterbox. Faimea are those tautai who are clever at making fish-hooks. According to the communistic system of the Samoans, a travelling party is allowed to beg fish-hooks at the houses where they call. This is the u ta'afale. 6. All the tulavae made by a section of the village are joined into a fata. When the aitu wanted to return, he became entangled in the net and cried out in a loud voice. ", "What soap is for the body, tears are for the soul. 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Strong legs a loud voice pili, a calm but momentous speech and similar. Falls into Charybdis ( no Samoans avarice is one of which is considered a symbol repose... Have a few spines at the termination of the coconut leaf deceased was buried the day after death, might. Decision is reached, commending a person who is in the morning they have returned home from expedition! Fat, that might offend him, but the seagulls are on the best Samoan quotes Inspirational.