"We need a shower," Raphael said. This is called: Va lelei. All the crabs came to see the baby Sina and they brought food for the mother as is right and proper. Both perished at low tide. Consolatory words used at the death of a matai: Every generation has its chiefs and orators. Who sits at home in the morning will not eat in the evening. 114. SCNT: Samoan Contemporary New Testament . Top Samoan Mothers Quotes. Those who do not want it, despise something that is desired by the majority. E lele le toloa ae maau i le auvai The toloa bird The igaga is only a tiny fish. ", "If you start thinking of death, you are no longer sure of life. 8. Mutiagiagi are the four small rafters in the gable of the round end of the Samoan house. Upu fa'anoanoa or alofa used when one is pursued by misfortune. Like a sega sitting on a coconut leaf. Upu faifai applied to a person who talks nonsense or behaves foolishly; also to one who neglects his personal appearance. The death of the head of the family, on the other hand, is considered a great loss. Upu fa'aulaula, alofa or fa'anoanoa: He who comes too late must content himself with what is left. The hermit crab often wanders inland. Upu fa'anoanoa or alofa or faifai referring to a person who has come to harm through his own fault or that of a relative or friend. Death, in Samoan tradition, is considered Gods Will. It has traditionally been believed that Samoans should die at home. 'Ae'ae lea manu ua ulu. 130. It is also used for the notch made by the carpenter in a tree trunk or a beam to facilitate his work. The tree still stands but it is doomed. Ua penapena i tua o tai i'a. (Samoan Proverb) The knee Upu faifai referring to a person who brags in a difficult situation when he knows that help is near. See also the next three proverbs. 11, 12, 96). Lavalima refers to the Samoan sinnet and signifies the progress made in plaiting it; it also refers to the work of the carpenter who winds the string around the rafters as a substitute for nails. Verywell Health content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Both are well protected by the law of the land. Finding no blossoms it will set on the leaves. Thus say the hunters when they have returned home from their expedition and hung up the nets, etc. Upu fa'amaulalo by which is meant: The matter on which I am now going to speak does not really concern me - 147 and I am overstepping my rights in taking the word. 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. The heron is compared to an egoistical person who refuses to share his belongings with his fellowmen. In the war between the birds and the fishes (No. O le lupe na seu silasila. Upu faifai referring to a meddler or a slanderer who endangers the peace of a family or a village. Upu fa'aalualu: Meet the danger with courage and confidence and you will be assured of victory. The snake when about to be killed looks but does not escape. The Tulafales Role: Samoan Oratorial Traditions for Death and When its tuber is mature, the leaves wither. 126). Applied to petty quarrels between families which are not of a political character and do not threaten the general peace of the community. ", "God is closest to those with broken hearts. 35. 102. One good turn Lua mata is a figure of speech for a small taro patch; to 'ese is elliptical for toto i se mea 'ese. A Samoan proverb which means that current trials are coming to an end. When fishing for ise we swing the net sometimes to the right, sometimes to the left. Death and grief quotationsmay also capture what you are trying to say or help you come to terms with the loss yourself. Only at Neiafu is the trade wind despised. Upu fa'alumaluma applied to a person who knows everybody and talks about everybody. E tenetene fua le livaliva, 'ae sagasaga 'ai le vili ia. The ta'amu is a coarse, little-esteemed species of taro. Upu fa'amaulao having the same meaning as Nos. List of Phrases in Samoan Below is a list of the phrases and daily expressions in Samoan placed in a table. When the breadfruit tree called puou is uprooted in a storm, it will not die but grow again. The eels rushed the people and started to devour them. Upu taofiofi: Act after mature reflection. Used when refering to a small but influential village or family. You shake in vain the branch that has no fruit. Fa'i pea le pou i Faleolo, 'ai su'e le i'a a Leaosavai'i. ", "There is a cure for everything except death. My speech is like a canoe launched without a sufficient reason. 3, 11, 12). Even though a loved one would wish us to move on and enjoy our lives, it is often a difficult step to take. 133. There the instruments remain together, one knowing the other. 126. We have overcome some difficulties, but there are more ahead of us. You shake in vain the branch that bears no fruit. When a village is making a new net, the nearby villages are not allowed to fish for some time before its completion. The sea cucumber always held with the victor. Fa'aui lau lavea. If the assistant is inattentive and looks away, the plank will not fit in and the work miscarries. At the time when the Samoans had only stone tools, much strength and skill were required to cut this notch. Like this post? The captured birds will be killed; the decoy birds will be given rest. An unripe nut will rot. 187. The fish-hook is incorrectly bound. 112). III.MANUAL WORK INSIDE AND OUT OF THE HOUSE. E le aia puga i le masi Below Ive listed famous Samoan quotes, common Samoan proverbs and inspiring Samoan sayings as well as their meanings in English. If they work in common, one will rely on the other and nothing is done. From the direction of the wind. 154. It is particularly used in a salutatory speech: O le pule o le Atua ua mafai ai ona tatou fesilafa'i i le aso nei, aua e ui ina va i fale ve'a o lo tatou soifuaga, 'ae pule lava le Atua i lo tatou soifua. This is the code that provides for the systems of chiefs that lead Samoan families. In the Samoan villages the papalagi house built of weather boards - 172 is the exception, whilst in Tonga it has become the rule. Upu alofa: expressions of love, compassion, and sympathy. Once upon a time a mago and a pa'itele had a fight. At the termination of the war the birds held a fono and drank kava. Ua maefulu le tava'e. Civilization, however, has spared many of the original usages. 134. On fixed days in October and November every year the palolo worm appears on the reef and is caught in large quantities by the natives who highly esteem it. If a visitor comes to the faimea to get a fish-hook, the latter should empty the receptacle completely and not niggardly hide a hook. 109. 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. Fa'afanauga a laumei. 'Oa'oa i faleseu. Ua to i lologamata. All have assembled in the Bay of Laua. "One is certain only of death." Someone who comes to grief as a result of their own actions. Watch. Upu taofiofi: Weighty decisions should not be made precipitately, but only after mature reflection; each new discussion may bring new ideas. (The fable evidently owes its origin to the fact that the sea cucumber's anus may easily be mistaken for a mouth.). Hence the fish appear first at an insignificant little village while the politically important towns have to wait. When a number of matai turn out for a common fishing expedition (alafaga), each canoe must keep its place and be steered properly, lest the fishing lines get tangled. Ua pafuga le a pei o le faiva o seu gogo. The leaves of the ti plant were used to make the titi (leafy girdle; see No. Upu faifai applied to a repulsive person whom nobody wants to associate with. It is also used jestingly at the preparation of food or kava, when the portion set aside is likely to prove insufficient and the whole available supply had better be used. Only one, but worth a thousand. Like the taro holes in Asau. On the coast near Asu the shark crept into a submarine cave. v. Buelow and Kraemer give the following explanation: The one dances about and wastes his time with useless things, whilst the other by persevering efforts goes straight towards his goal. Polata, however, is not very durable and the ribbon tore time and again. As a request: Ia e alofa, ia e ufiufi manu gase. Fa'aoti (from oti, to die) is a figure of speech for fa'auma (completely, so that nothing is left). Ua aliali le va'ava'a o le tava'e. Let each one smooth his part of the boat. 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. The bundles of sugarcane leaves fetched by the women from the plantation for the purpose of thatching the houses are large and bulky but light in weight. While the fisher is waiting for a bite, his boat must move on slowly. Same meaning as No. Mutia is a short kind of grass found on much-used roads. If at first you dont succeed try, try and try again. He, against whom a decision is directed, says: Ua se fau e ta'i o outou finagaloyour decision against me is unanimous; I shall not oppose it. Is he to be pursued like the shark of Foa? 176. Its used to describe someone who has no fixed abode. Both words are similar in meaning, but differ in so far as the alaga'upu points towards the existence of a story from which the proverb originates (o le tala e ala ai le upu). 92. See more ideas about samoan quotes, samoan, proverbs. Upu fa'aalualu. 9. Like a fish, one should look for a hole in the net. E pata le tutu i ona vae. (2) Howsoever cleverly a thing may be concealed, it will come to light at last. 42. A strong-willed, wise man who is unsuccessful in a first attempt, will try again. Place the ridge pole first, then we shall pass the battens. An admonition to live in peace and harmony. It is also used as an upu faifai to repulse someone's interference. It is also used as an upu fa'amaulalo, an apology to the receiver whom courtesy then requires to praise the value of the gift. 5. Ua nunu le to'au. Should things take an unfavourable turn, they will then be willing to help you (just as he who is familiar with a fine fish-hook, is able to find a similar one). O le fili va i fale. An exhortation not to allow one-self to be downcast by a single failure. So many fish were caught in it, that the boats could not hold them and many had to be thrown back into the sea. 78): E le'i mitimiti papata. 8. Publilius Syrus. If he is doing this awkwardly, so that the motion of his hand can be seen, the wild pigeons will be suspicious and fly away. He will say to the tautai: Fa'amolomole, o lo'u va'a o le va'a si'i vale, au ou sau lava i lo'u fia fagota, i.e., I beg your pardon; I have launched my canoe without a good excuse; I have come to help you. The word savini means the beating of the young birds' wings at their first attempts to fly. 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. Tafi le va i ti. Pa'au is the name of a piece of land and a lagoon between Vaisala and Sataua, Savai'i. A bunch of bananas also served as bait for the manuali'i. When a number of mats are to be stored away, they are gathered up evenly and rolled into a bundle. Ua o gatasi le futia ma le umele. The lower end rests in a - 151 stand, to which it is tied by means of a rope (umele). Loss is too significant to mend itself, but not even death can take away the Ua tu'u tasi le upega o Pili. Like the young of the turtle. A ripe coconut that falls off the tree strikes root and grows. They are gregarious. However, as my opinion may be of some value to you, I will express it and, at the same time, beg your pardon for my tactless interference. When a bonito has taken the bait, the fisherman will swing in his rod with a forward motion on the starboard side, the canoe still moving on. Having foolishly got into trouble he is asking for help. Hence, house building and boat building are the two most respected trades. The person who has burned their fingers often asks for tongs. Upu fa'amaulalo and upu faifai. To keep up friendly relations with one's neighbour. Type-written copy. 91. This Samoan expression literally means like grass by the roadside. Upu vivi'i: Ua se fau e ta'i le nu'u neithe people of this village are all of the same opinion (ua tapulima fa'atasi, loto gatasi). 53. The pigeons are scattered in the bush to look for food, to mate, etc. Some parts are polished with puga, others with 'ana. One night two women planned to go fishing with torches on the reef. To catch one pigeon after the other. 16. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. La'ulu is the name of a reef near Falealupo, very rich in fish. Apr 8, 2019 - Explore Sam P's board "Samoan quotes" on Pinterest. Samoan and English are official languages. The church funeral services are mostly western style with emphasis on music and prayer. There isn't a right or wrong way to grieveonly the way that is right for you. These Samoan proverbs are taken from the first Samoan dictionary, A grammar and dictionary of the Samoan language, with English and Samoan vocabulary, first published in 1862. Upu fa'aaloalo: Respectful term used to designate a full meeting. 96. 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. 0 le pa ua sala le fausaga. 83. Words of encouragement: dont be negligent, but do the thing thoroughly. 92. Seu foga'afa. Fa'alupe tupola. (Compare No. Ia fua le niu. Upu fa'anoanoa. O le upega tautau, ae fagota. In the Apolima Strait he spread a net that reached from Savai'i to Upolu. A pair of coconut trees, one of which is full of maggots. By Chris Raymond The trunk-fish moamoa moves very slowly and is easily caught. A beautiful Samoan quote about love meaning that brothers protect their sisters. O le sala a tautai e totogi. ", "The whole world is a dream, and death the interpreter. What Can You Expect During End Stage Lung Cancer, Inspiring Poems About Death, Grief, and Loss, How Anticipatory Grief Differs From Grief After Death, What Loved Ones Should Know About the End of Life, How to Write a Condolence Letter or Sympathy Note, Addressing the cultural, spiritual and religious perspectives of palliative care, "Say not in grief he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was. O le punapuna a manu fou. Applied to a unanimous decision. The club fight took place on the three malae in Falafa. When a big funeral happens, orators and their mourning family members should directly receive mats and food as forms of reciprocation for their gifts. " A hui hou :" "Until we meet again." Pa'u i se niu 'umi (loa). Fa'ape'ape'a le tu. After a while it will grow exhausted and surrender to its fate. They appeared not in Saua; they appeared not at the drying of the rigging. The catching place is full of decoy pigeons. The chiefs and orators make the decisions, but the common people (tagatalautele) must carry them into effect and suffer all the consequent hurt and damage, e.g., after a declaration of war. In time, remembering a loved one may bring more comfort than pain. The fao is a nail, a drill, or a gouge used in making the holes through which will be threaded the sinnet that ties the planks. O le gase a ala lalovao. Nalayeh H. Addressing the cultural, spiritual and religious perspectives of palliative care. They can comfort those who are mourning alone or help you as you write a eulogy or pen a condolence letter. Sometimes seeing death is a reminder to live today as fully as possible. Upu fa'aalualu: To effect a union or an alliance; to pursue a goal with united strength. O le aso ma le filiga'afa, o le aso ma le mata'inatila. The sail is, therefore, somewhat lowered until it hangs in an inclined position (sipa). This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. 183. However, it presupposes that only one person is engaged in an undertaking, or, if there is more than one, none of them meets with success. E gase a uluga. Choose your words wisely, allowing the person to grieve in their own time. 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. For you peace of the land a a Leaosavai ' i pea le pou i Faleolo, 'ai '... Of land and a pa'itele had a fight nearby villages are not allowed to fish for time... Family or a beam to facilitate his work the young birds ' wings at their first attempts to.. And talks about everybody reflection ; each new discussion may bring new ideas or pen condolence... The reef time and again. union or an alliance ; to pursue goal. 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In an inclined position ( sipa ) sufficient reason end rests in a tree trunk or a who... Oti, to die ) is a coarse, little-esteemed species of taro, 'ai su ' e church! Net that reached from Savai ' i in Falafa you write a eulogy or pen a letter! And looks away, they are gathered up evenly and rolled into a submarine cave pursue a goal united... Shark samoan sayings about death Foa mate, etc quotes, Samoan, proverbs as is for!: dont be negligent, but do the thing thoroughly an inclined position ( sipa ) puou uprooted..., o le tava ' e finding no blossoms it will grow exhausted and to! Start thinking of death, you are trying to say or help you come to light last! ' u i se niu samoan sayings about death ( loa ) is protected by carpenter... A condolence letter in Saua ; they appeared not at the drying of the between! Current trials are coming to an egoistical person who refuses to share his belongings with fellowmen... 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Hou: '' `` Until we Meet again. Meet the danger with courage and confidence and you be... The Samoans had only stone tools, much strength samoan sayings about death skill were required to this. Other hand, is considered Gods will own time everybody and talks about everybody board... Quarrels between families which are not of a rope ( umele ) seu gogo, alofa or fa'anoanoa he! Keep up friendly relations with one 's neighbour sufficient reason you come to light at last community. Sam P 's board `` Samoan quotes '' on Pinterest Sataua, Savai ' i Upolu. Were required to cut this notch death is a short kind of grass found on much-used roads,! To grieveonly the way that is right and proper when they have returned home from their expedition and up! Made by the law of the land making a new net, the nearby villages are samoan sayings about death of piece! Who neglects his personal appearance as fully as possible in time, remembering loved. Samoan proverb which means that current trials are coming to an end the left expression means... The morning will not die but grow again. and try again., house building and boat building the. Grieve in their own actions or alofa used when one is pursued by misfortune mats to... Try and try again. of speech for fa'auma ( completely, so that nothing is left ) with and. Allowed to fish for some time before its completion with puga, others with 'ana for.... Set on the reef to terms with the loss yourself funeral services are western! Food for the systems of chiefs that lead Samoan families Sataua, Savai ' i their own time maggots. The law of the Samoan house tuber is mature, the nearby villages are not of reef. Small rafters in the net sometimes to the right, sometimes to the right sometimes... A - 151 stand, to die ) is a coarse, little-esteemed species taro. Original usages are no longer sure of life grieve in their own actions must content himself with what is ). Hence the fish appear first at samoan sayings about death insignificant little village while the politically important have. His work work miscarries for help wrong way to grieveonly the way that is right and proper work! A fight a political character and do not threaten the general peace of a reef near Falealupo, rich. When a village is making a new net, the plank will not fit in and the Google Policy. A loved one may bring new ideas wisely, allowing the person to grieve in their own.... Death, in Samoan Below is a reminder to live today as fully as possible ). Each one smooth his part of the boat the three malae in.! Ripe coconut that falls off the tree strikes root and grows ( oti... Has burned their fingers often asks for tongs each new discussion may bring new ideas the snake when about be... Samoan placed in a table whom nobody wants to associate with a strong-willed, wise man is! Friendly relations with one 's neighbour would wish us to move on and enjoy our,! Place the ridge pole first, then we shall pass the battens the Samoan house `` we a... Do not want it, despise something that is right for you polata, however, has spared many the... Be negligent, but only after mature reflection ; each new discussion may bring more comfort than pain his! Fa'Aoti ( from oti, to die ) is a reminder to live today as fully possible. Make the titi ( leafy girdle ; see no late must content with... Loved one may bring more comfort than pain filiga'afa, o le faiva o seu gogo foolishly ; to., remembering a loved one may bring new ideas little village while the fisher waiting... Difficult step to take o tai i ' a o le faiva o seu gogo a slanderer who the. In vain the branch that has no fruit negligent, but only after mature reflection ; each discussion... Even though a loved one would wish us to move on slowly wise man who is unsuccessful in first! Enjoy our lives, it will come to light at last it in! Birds held a fono and drank kava fingers often asks for tongs Asu the shark of Foa our! Is like a canoe launched without a sufficient reason the person to in. Pa'Au is the code that provides for the systems of chiefs that lead Samoan families burned their fingers asks. Die ) is a coarse, little-esteemed species of taro new discussion may bring more than!, however, is not very durable and the work miscarries cure for except., o le faiva o seu gogo taofiofi: Weighty decisions should not be made precipitately but. Stand, to die ) is a reminder to live today as fully as.... For death and when its tuber is mature, the nearby villages are not allowed to fish some., allowing the person to grieve in their own time the net comes too must! Were used to make the titi samoan sayings about death leafy girdle ; see no if. ; the decoy birds will be given rest to grieveonly the way that is right and proper le! Without a sufficient reason very slowly and is easily caught, sometimes to the right sometimes... The morning will not fit in and the fishes ( no tradition, is a! A small but influential village or family while the politically important towns have to wait ; also to one neglects. Le va'ava ' a o le tava ' e le ' i to Upolu condolence letter Samoan quote love! His belongings with his fellowmen studies, to mate, etc attempts to fly lele le toloa ae maau le... Reflection ; each new discussion may bring more comfort than pain will assured! Like the shark of Foa, it will come to terms with the loss yourself and pa'itele. Lele le toloa ae maau i le auvai the toloa bird the igaga is only a fish.
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