Samoans are Polynesians, and their language is a member of the Malayo-Polynesian group. Christian ways of thinking strongly influence Samoan culture.
The traditional rituals and ceremonies that were once very important are still practiced today, but they have been adapted to conform to Christian teachings.
Ethnicity and Language
Samoans are Polynesian people who have lived in Samoa for at least 3,000 years. The Samoan language is spoken by 95% of the population, making it one of the most widely spoken languages in Oceania.
There are many Samoan dialects, which vary slightly by region around Samoa. Other cultures throughout history have influenced the language; for example, English words like “taro” and “hula” came into use during colonization by Europeans.
Samoan is an Austronesian language belonging to the Samoic-Outlier group within Polynesian: it shares many characteristics with other languages from this group.
Fa’a Samoa
The core concepts of Samoan culture are based on a system of values that promote harmony and balance with one another and with the environment.
Fa’a Samoa is about living in harmony with one another, respecting your elders, caring for your family and friends, and being honest, trustworthy, and hardworking.
Families are critical to Samoans as they provide support during times of need or celebration; this could include helping out financially when someone gets married or buying them something special for their birthday.
Social Structure and Matai
The Samoan hierarchy is a complex system that determines who has power and authority in the community. In this system, there are five classes of people:
The matai (chiefs) form the upper class. They make all decisions regarding land ownership, inheritance laws, and other critical cultural practices such as ceremonies for births, deaths, weddings, and funerals.
Faasamoa plays a vital role in daily life for all Samoans regardless of class status or gender; everyone knows whether they’ve been formally taught.
Matai has many responsibilities, including acting as the mediator between parties involved in disputes, organizing community events like festivals, and managing funds raised through donations at feasts annually.
Tatau (Tattoo)
Tatau is a Samoan word for tattoos. Tatau is a form of body art that originated in Samoa and was traditionally worn by men and women. They are still common today, but you’ll find them most frequently in men.
Tatau can be used to tell stories about their wearer’s life or display family lineage and rank within their community or family groupings.
Geography and Lifestyle
Samoans are Polynesian people who live in the Samoan Islands, an archipelago in Polynesia. The word “Samoan” can refer to anyone from these islands or their culture and language.
Samoans are known for their love of family and community and their respect for tradition. They have a deep connection with nature, which influences their daily lives.
Daily Interactions and Respect
Samoan culture is rich in traditions and values. The core concepts of respect, humility and family are at the heart of everything we do.
Respect for Elders: Samoans have a powerful sense of respect for their elders, whom they believe hold great wisdom and knowledge passed down from generation to generation.
It’s important to show them respect by listening when they speak or giving them your full attention when they need help with something that requires more strength than you can provide.
Respect for the Land: There are many places with spiritual significance in Samoa. These include beaches where fishermen go into the ocean daily, mountains where people climb up to get closer to their gods, and forests where they gather wood.
E fiafia le Atua
The Samoan proverb e fiafia le Atua translates to “be open to the spirit.” It’s a reminder that we should always be open to the gifts of God and grateful for all our blessings.
In this proverb, “spirit” can be interpreted as anything that brings joy or happiness.
Manaia
Manaia is a Samoan word for the traditional Samoan tattooing process, and it also refers to a person trained in this art form and performs manaia, or traditional tattoos.
Families often choose a manaia because of their skill in tattooing and because they are considered good people with high moral standards.
Respect for elders
Respect for elders is a core concept in Samoan culture. You show respect by greeting them properly and listening to what they say.
When greeting an elder, you should stand up straight with your head held up high and shoulders back. This is best accomplished by placing one hand on your chest and one over your heart.
This shows that you are listening carefully; it also helps prevent any physical harm from coming upon them because of the way that you are holding yourself up against the world around us.
Fa’am’lie (Faa-mah-lee).
Fa’am’lie (Faa-mah-lee) is a fundamental concept in Samoan culture. It refers to family and community, but it’s more than that–it’s about our sense of belonging, our identity as individuals and as members of the group.
Fa’am’lie is used at many different times: when you’re born; when you get married; when someone dies; or when something noteworthy happens in your family or community.
Aiga (Aee-ga)
Family is an integral part of Samoan culture. The family unit is the foundation for all relationships, including those with friends and community members.
Family members are expected to care for each other, provide support when needed, and be there when times get tough.
You can always count on your family in times of need, whether financial assistance or just someone who will listen to your problems without judging you or telling you what they think is best for you.
Family members also share joys: celebrating birthdays or anniversaries, going out for dinner after church services on Sundays, and taking trips together during school breaks.
The tattoos are known as Pe’a (Peh-ah).
The pe’a is a full-body tattoo that covers the entire torso, back, and legs. The pe’a represents a warrior’s rank and prowess in battle, and it’s also considered a sign of strength and courage.
The process of getting it done takes several years to complete because each session takes about two weeks to heal before you can get another one done.
Samoan culture is rich and fascinating and passed down through generations of people. Knowing your Samoan heritage and understanding how it affects your everyday life is essential.
This way, you can better appreciate why certain things are done the way they are done in Samoa or anywhere else where there is a strong cultural influence on its people.