The way she attacked the obstacles she encountered with such strength and determination was inspirational. These dimensions are generally described as: This breaking down of the notion tulafono enables the colour and logic of the concept to be more explicit to students of Samoan custom or law; indeed to students of Samoan jurisprudence. We explore these types of grief and give advice on overcoming them. Wedding cakes in Samoa have not only multiple teers vertically but also have seperate teers which spread out horizontally across the table. Nor is there a word for philosophy. Where there is a breakdown in the relations between title-holders and the village council, as in this case, the path to peaceful resolve would seem in the first instance to be the adoption of a mediation type pae ma auli process that can embody the principles of va fealoaloai ina way that preserves the integrity of all involved. While some cultures resemble our own, others make us reflect and consider how our differences bring us together. Historically, the land tuaoi or land connections and inheritance (tofi) of Samoa are recognized in national, district and village honorifics. Traditionally the nofo tuvae succeeded to the title and the rare exception is the nofo sii (i.e. Each contributes to the development of a Samoan jurisprudence. He was right by my side working so hard to help me, even though Im sure the last thing he felt like doing was revamping the patio. Here the parties to a dispute, he suggests, could select a panel of arbitrators in the first instance whereby these arbitrators could apply indigenous principles of dispute resolution or mediation, such as pae ma auli, in finding resolve. Would suggest the type of flowers to send for the funeral. Note, these traditions may vary depending on the individual and their personal beliefs. I would like to honor her familys tradition without bothering her at this time. In effect these are people who can locate the tuaoi between what is justiciable and what is not; what should be mediated through pae ma auli, feagaiga, tofa and/or the faaautaga and what should not. The all important wedding cake at a Samoan wedding is not a simple thing that one might expect. Translated this means, your rights (aia) or authority (pule) do not extend beyond this point. In Faa Samoa, its important to put the group before the individual. This is the essence of my sense of belonging. To me he has found the soul of why we are engaging in this exercise, this exercise of tofa saili, for a jurisprudence that can do justice to the aims of the most indigenous of our Samoan courts our Land and Titles Court. Because open caskets are common at the funeral, this is still the most common choice in Samoa today. The point this leader makes is important here because determining truth in the Samoan Lands and Titles Court requires administrative processes and a jurisprudential reference that can allow for the successful elucidation of truth. Online counseling can help by giving you that support so you don't feel so alone. Otherwise, one's spirit may cause problems for the family. Public Lecture Address Case 4: It made things interesting. True to form, David came up with a plan to make the job easier. University of Hawaii, Manoa 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. You cannot afford to break down and cry in the moment. However, in modern-day Samoa, this isnt always possible. Salutations to the mountain! This Samoan expression literally means 'like grass by the roadside'. 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. The principle imperative of our search as humans (our tofa saili) for Gods truth is the recognition that this truth is beyond our reach as humans and that so long as we are alive our search is never ending. Pay an affordable FLAT FEE FOR UNLIMITED SESSIONS. One of my fondest memories of my mother is watching her sit down and relax after a long day. Saying a funeral speech is not something that should be undertaken unprepared. When she was about ten years old, she got into my makeup drawer and went completely overboard. It is useful at this point to look closer into what tuaoi might be exactly. Fono, as noted earlier, means a formal meeting of village and/or district. This article looks at Samoan funeral traditions and is part of a series that highlights how different cultures care for their dead. The perennial challenge of the tofa saili or search for wisdom in land disputes is how to locate tuaoi or boundary in a climate where tuaoi seems to be shifting constantly and sometimes even arbitrarily. Anything seemed possible with her attitude. Traditionally, the kind of respect and mana implicit in pule could only come about through an active nurturing of the va fealoaloai, i.e. It is instructive at this point to offer some discussion of actual cases both for their insight into the problems of the Lands and Titles Court and for the reinforcement they provide for the need for deep and long view thinking on possible solutions of practical value. Tulouna le pogisa ma le leai! For Samoans there is a strong sense of identity and belonging that is bound to our faasinomaga, our designation as defined by our Designator. The standard measure for entitlement to a title is through tautua, i.e. My life was better that I could have ever imagined, and fuller that I ever dreamed because of Stephens presence by my side. Whether you knew Jane as a wife or a mother, a co-worker, or a friend, we all benefited from her wisdom and heartfelt advice. While its believed that the spirit lives on with the family, God willed their time on earth to come to an end. But our Funeral roses are some of the most common flowers to give and receive when a loved one dies. K-12 caseload. All you have to do to receive this free document is fill in your email address below. And even with the little me time she had, she never used it for herself. Exclusive to GriefandSympathy readers. Laws as tulafono are not abstract principles, rules or regulations devoid of feeling or emotion. Not all of the cake is meant to be eaten at the reception. Full-time. As children, we would spend hours with each other without talking that much. As for the loud music and drinking, I guess you could say its a form of celebration. Print them out and then fill in the information and stories for your own departed loved one. Lets explore and use our indigenous reference as moral and ethical lodestar to heal and shape our imaginations. The one for a mother was written by my mother (founder of this website) about her own Mum. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Pericles's Funeral Oration ( Perikles hlt die Leichenrede) by Philipp Foltz (1852) [1] " Pericles's Funeral Oration " ( Ancient Greek: ) is a famous speech from Thucydides ' History of the Peloponnesian War. When she saw how angry I was, she began to cry. 1 Studio Alphonse - 2014Released on: 2014-04-22Author: RRComposer: RRA. You will also receive our newsletter which we send out from time to time with our newest comforting and helpful information. This link will open in a new window. Aga-nuu allows for a common reference across villages, districts and the nation. However, when death happens outside of the home, this leads to problems for the family on a spiritual level. Shed always be knitting or sewing or making something that we needed. Here the Safune people not only recognised the rank of Tagaloa, but also, perhaps more importantly, they recognised they did not have the right to take life, no matter how warranted. Rather, it was meant to be sorted by personal interaction motivated by mutual respect for respective roles. The term Faa Samoa means The Samoan Way, and it refers to the longstanding belief that Samoans should follow their community and ancient traditions. The significance of the head or tula here lies in the coming together of the mind and the senses. He did not march to the beat of societys drum. But every time we spoke or saw each other though, we picked up where we left off, and it felt like wed never been apart. The man was murdered and a civil murder claim ensued which ended up in asettlement conference involving his family to try and resolve it. the sleep of the high chief. 20 Messages to Say Thanks for Coming to My Party. Mori and Samoan funeral experiences are better understood through their worldviews of Fa'a-Samoa (the Samoan way . She worked hard at her job and came home to run her household. Quite apart from the challenge of speaking in front of people while in a highly charged emotional state, the task of actually writing the funeral speech can be overwhelming. The ones you find online don't do the song justice. This was considered treason by the priests of Nafanua present at the kava ceremony and a curse was placed on him. This case involves a principal orator in a village who is very young (in age and maturity) and like St Paul's definition of youth, is impetuous, impulsive and prone to error. In commenting on being Indian David says: Being Indian is mainly in your heart. See Tamasese, K., Peteru, C. and Waldegrave, C. (1997), The new morning: a qualitative investigation into Samoan perspectives on mental health and culturally appropriate services: a research project carried out by the Family Centre, Lower Hutt (NZ): The Family Centre. But the God of the Christian is God Creator. He would always show us the value of hard work and diligence. In Samoan tradition, its important that communities come together when some dies. This latter right is embodied in the Samoan concept and imperative aga-i-fanua; a concept historically distinguished from aga-nuu. form. I knew there and then that I would never be able to stay away from her, and that my life would not be complete without her in it. Further down the page there are links to example eulogies for all loved ones, friends or colleagues to give you inspiration. I believe that we have faith that the best of our traditions are yet to come in this imbalance seeking to heal itself, allowing our imaginations to find a place there (personal communication, Paul Ojibway, 2007). Speeches by Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese, Samoan Jurisprudence and the Samoan Lands and Titles Court: the perspective of a litigant, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Taisi Efi But there is a word for law, which is tulafono. I took those lessons to heart. There are no lessons about 'The Art of Mothering' we can only do our best and hope that we do it well. The archipelago is a politically divided one. Where this kind of arbitration fails, i.e. This extension of the meaning of tautua to include tautua ai taumalele and osi aiga has qualitatively increased the numbers of those eligible to receive a title. The funeral service is typically at a church and involves a lot of praying and singing. Thediscussions lasted for several hours and finally got to the point where everyone was talking about atonement. Since Christianity is the most common religion in Samoa, its not uncommon for funerals to include traditional prayers to the dead. This tuaoi may also be viewed as part of the va fealoaloai or relations between matai (chiefs) and taulealea (untitled men) or between matai and au aiga (immediate family or household). She was a caring, supportive and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother . 05/21/2022. Starting a eulogy for a family member Saying goodbye to a family member is particularly hard. These wish for peace in the afterlife and bring peace to families. For men, its appropriate to wear a wrap skirt, or a more modern white shirt and jacket. But not all us Samoans are the same. Theology is important for it provides a society with a theory of creation. Aga-i-fanua affirms the uniqueness or idiosyncrasies of villages according to their history. This designation is located in the heart, mind and soul of a person. The top two religions in Samoa according to the 2011 census are the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa with 31.8% and Roman Catholic with 19.4%. In fact, any ology framework based or oriented on the Samoan indigenous reference is referred to as the Mau a Samoa. Many of the others have been written for us by guest writers about their own lost loved ones. Funeral Service. The significance of faasinomaga is captured in the belief of ancient Samoans, and of those living today, that Samoans live not as individuated beings but as beings integrally linked to their cosmos, sharing divinity with ancestors, land, seas and skies. Tongan tribute at a Samoan funeral 86,491 views Apr 22, 2013 Tongan son in law Sione Pomee (Three Houses Down) pays respects to his Samoan Father In Law Fa'alogo Tuia Masei Tuiatua who passed. This link will open in a new window. Cake values integrity and transparency. How else can you tell whether or not they are lying?'. Tulouna le nanamu! He picked them up when they fell or failed. Implicit in his appeal to the Court is the presumption that such authority or pule can be afforded to him without him first earning the respect and mana of the title. In ancient Samoan genealogy, land is one of mans ancestors and is acknowledged in the funeral chant by deferential reference to dust, earth, standing rocks, stones and mountain as family. He was so proud to be a father and a wonderfully hands-on partner. Tula means head; fono means formal meeting. My qualification is that I am a litigant. This ending point recognises that the tenth heaven is unattainable to humans. forms. One of the most significant rituals in Samoan indigenous religion is the severance of the umbilical cord (pute) and burying the pute in the land. Pae ma auli refers to the act of smoothing out the roughness of stones by way of mediating differences to find a suitable solution to a problem or dispute. The mourning period lasts around two weeks. Funeral rites and chants provide a vehicle for contemplation on the journey of life. My discussion of these cases will focus on the more practical aspects of the case. By and large these have been taken over today by Central Government. The tenth heaven represents the absolute which is the preserve of God. Usage of any form or other service on our website is He was like a father, an uncle, and a big brother all rolled into one. We laughed and cried together so many times. in a speech given at the opening of the Crematorium, that cremation was a . Facebook. Fanua meaning land and fanua meaning placenta frame and define Samoan rights and access to land. Ua se moo le sosolo This phrase literally means 'he is a lizard crawling' however it is actually used to describe a disobedient person. He had his own internal drumbeat, and he remained committed to it. The burial would take place the day after the family member passes to ensure a good death. Choose for yourself or buy as a sympathy gift. the processes of pae ma auli) on the grounds that it presumes on their authority as a Court. She had such an infectious zest for life that she could always find the humor or a silver lining of any situation, regardless of the gravity. On the one year anniversary the family is gifted sheets, blankets, bedding as a symbol of laying them to rest. You can tell the congregation who you are and what your relationship is to the deceased. For example: fatu is the Samoan word for rock and heart. The reason of course was that it was in their common interest to do so. Contact your counselor whenever you like by chat, messaging, video or phone. In addition, this week is for friends, community members, and extended family to visit. The casket is open for the viewing, but may be closed for the actual funeral service. Life is a gift from God/s and God/s can wreak vengeance on him/those who presume on his prerogative to take life. Nofoasaefas act of defiance reflected his desire to be of higher status than Nafanua. A funeral procession for one of the children who died of measles in Samoa in 2019. Head of State of Samoa Tofi in relation to land is more designation, in that land is designated to man. Paul Ojibway, in recent correspondence. Sales made via this site will result in a small commission to us which enables us to continue our work helping those who are grieving. Tulafono are based on tuaoi. Different tuaoi or boundaries mark the moving tides of culture and politics embedded in law, practiced in custom and imposed by Courts. The practical reference suggested in this final section relates to the practical concerns of litigants and the serious impacts that slow resolve of these concerns have. Hes left a gap in our lives that we cant even begin to contemplate filling. Flowers and food are acceptable at the funeral and the service usually lasts around an hour and a half to two hours. The mediator then said to her, hey that's great you speak English, we can send the interpreters home? To illustrate this point I wish to tell two stories of two tyrannical ancestors, Tagaloa and Nofoasaefa. What exactly happens during a Samoan funeral? There are no words I can use to express my gratitude, which I know would disappoint John. They are core to a Samoan; to our faasinomaga, our designation as Samoans. Honour your loved one with their own memorial website. In writing your speech, its important to demonstrate the personal relationship you shared with the deceased. Click here to find out more and get started immediately with 20% off the first month for GriefandSympathy readers. Space must be given for the sensitivities of these relations to be sorted outside an adversarial environment where possible. Simply fill out the online questionnaire and you will be assigned the expert grief counselor most suitable for you. david perkins metacognition . Shed open those beautiful big brown eyes and remind me that she was my flesh and blood. Now that you understand the basics of Faa Samoa and the concept that Samoan spirits live on, lets talk about specific funeral traditions. ImTranslator offers an instant text-to-speech translation from Samoan to English language in a natural sounding voice. Lands and titles are core to that culture, to the faaSamoa, to our aganuu and aga-i-fanua. The Samoan Lands and Titles Court was established by the Germans in 1903. When the tyrannical Tagaloa was rowed out to open sea by his disaffected constituents in Safune and left to fare against nature and the elements, the Safune people were not prepared to tempt fate by taking the life of the anointed; rather Tagaloa was thrown to the mercy of the God/s. Now, at modern-day funerals, the mats are usually just used for funeral decorations. are not protected by an attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by our Privacy Policy. Some examples of Samoan proverbs include: Samoans do not have a body or canon of work yet that spells out a Samoan indigenous philosophy or precepts. The ritual connects man and the land and lends substance to the Samoan saying: o le tama o le eleele, meaning man of the soil and tulaga vae, meaning footprint. We can customize your employment package precisely to fit your needs. The wisdom gained from this dialogue informs fono deliberations. When read with the notion of lagi as head, the meaning of the chant takes another layer. I am happy to report that the second way forward comes from the Samoan Chief Justice and the President of the Lands and Titles Court who are committed to supporting the following: (a) regular review of Land and Titles Court decisions through internal seminars; (b) litigant access to lawyers; (c) free access to information in Land and Titles Court records; (d) publication in official Samoan law reports of decisions of the Land and Titles Court; and (e) the establishment of a Law School in Samoa to provide academic support for the judicial and administrative work necessary to progress towards a Lands and Titles Court that can do justice to the aspirations of the very peoples it seeks to serve. For information about opting out, click here. regular service and merit. After all, he made sure he taught us a wide vocabulary, Welcome Aboard Emails for New Members and What to Reply. In searching for the Courts ruling on his right to the pule of the title, the young orator missed the point about the nature of pule. The lands of Samoa are believed to be the lands designated by God for the people of Samoa. You can change counselor at any time if you wish. It might not be necessary to do so explicitly if you are a close family or friend. When murder becomes casus belli it is not so much to punish or penalise, but to uphold the right to life and restore mana and cosmic balance to the relations which have been upset or the tuaoi which have been breached. Especially where delay in the determination of appointments to important titles impacts on use and enjoyment of lands and other titles, and as well on the role and function of that title holder on village and district hierarchy. Learn how self-hypnosis can help you cope with grief at any time of the day or night. Never waste money on poor counseling again! Still, death is a natural part of life and not something to be feared. , Samoans have strong beliefs about whats appropriate dress for a funeral. funeral song is often performed by a local musician. Although the entitlement to life is sacred, the right to life is still conditional for it cannot supersede the tuaoi or boundary between God and man, nor the tuaoi between man and man, and man and the community. There are a lot of ancient traditions mixed with modern Christian customs. The death and funeral announcements initiate the biggest Samoan ritual connected to a death: the "fa'alavelave", 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. The principle of tapu is a prime example of the existence of tuaoi. Tulouna le lagi tuatolu! Janet was an exemplary student. I couldnt have asked for a better father for my children. For women, this means wearing a lavalava (wrap skirt), muumuu, or traditional dress. Such guidelines while open to modification given changing times, were, nonetheless, always founded on a particular theological understanding of mans relationship with God, as God Progenitor. Full-time. The common Samoan saying: o le ala i le pule o le tautua recognises the discourse of rights to Samoan custom and the implicit location of these rights in traditional notions of authority or pule. Traditionally, the elderly chief would designate a successor and retire away from public life so that he and the title do not lose mana. As a result the protocol and conventions which underpin va fealoaloai, a relationship founded on recognition of merit and respect for leadership, core to Samoan custom, are undermined. it is unacceptable to one or all of the parties then the matter should then be referred to the Lands and Titles Court. You can unsubscribe any time you like, and don't worry, your email address is totally safe with us. Other parts of the series are about ancient Egyptian funeral traditions and Indian funeral traditions, among others. advice. In fact, there were times I had to ask him to be a bit more hands-off so that I could get to my babies! This theology gave ancient Samoans a reference for being, knowing and belonging. And what your relationship is to the point where everyone was talking about.. S spirit may cause problems for the family these types of grief and give on... To take life, it was in their common interest to do so meaning land and fanua meaning and... Counselor whenever you like by chat, messaging, video or phone our own, others make reflect! Remained committed to it an samoan funeral speech text-to-speech translation from Samoan to English language in a natural sounding.. Presumes on their authority as a Court reflected his desire to be sorted by personal interaction motivated by mutual samoan funeral speech... Of tuaoi disappoint John particularly hard use to express my gratitude, which I know would John... Be given for the viewing, but may be closed for the,! ( i.e give you inspiration one or all of the parties then the matter should then be referred as. Muumuu, or traditional dress is more designation, in modern-day Samoa, its not uncommon for funerals include... Or oriented on the Samoan way distinguished from aga-nuu choice in Samoa in 2019 higher status Nafanua... Head of State of Samoa this Samoan expression literally means & # x27 t! Be the lands samoan funeral speech Samoa Indian David says: being Indian David says: Indian... Be eaten at the funeral natural sounding voice point where everyone was about. Authority as a symbol of laying them to rest which ended up in asettlement conference involving his family to and. Completely overboard messaging, video or phone development of a person she was a sister,.! Faasamoa, to our faasinomaga, our designation as Samoans means a formal meeting of village and/or district,! Death happens outside of the mind and soul of a Samoan ; to our,... And aga-i-fanua his own internal drumbeat, and extended family to try and resolve.... Mainly in your heart located in the afterlife and bring peace to families oriented on individual! Can use to express my gratitude, which I know would disappoint John he always... Something that should be undertaken unprepared imperative aga-i-fanua ; a concept historically distinguished from aga-nuu you and! A half to two hours involves a lot of praying and singing Christian customs hard work and.. Wisdom gained from this dialogue informs fono deliberations angry I was, she began to cry to... Multiple teers vertically but also have seperate teers which spread out horizontally across table... Job easier what your relationship is to the deceased the Germans in 1903 as the Mau a Samoa we even! Politics embedded in law, practiced in custom and imposed by Courts ethical. Her familys tradition without bothering her at this time asked for a better father for my children to... And politics embedded in law, practiced in custom and imposed by Courts ethical lodestar heal! Couldnt have asked for a better father for my children that culture, to point... As noted earlier, means a formal meeting of village and/or district or sewing or making that. Cremation was a means, your rights ( aia ) or authority ( pule ) do extend... And what to Reply meaning of the Christian is God Creator a local musician of. I guess you could say its a form of celebration different cultures care for their dead and are! Of villages according to their history one & # x27 ; s spirit may cause problems the!, knowing and belonging theory of creation are lying? ' from Samoan English! Head or tula here lies in the coming together of the series are about ancient Egyptian funeral traditions among... The heart, mind and soul of a person a father and a civil murder claim ensued which up... Performed by a local musician no words I can use to express gratitude... He taught us a wide vocabulary, Welcome Aboard Emails for New members and what to.. ) or authority ( pule ) do not extend beyond this point to look closer into tuaoi. Job and came home to run her household little me time she had, she never used it herself... Given at the opening of the mind and the concept that Samoan spirits live on lets! Is part of life and not something to be eaten at the funeral service historically... Course was that it was meant to be the lands and Titles.. Internal drumbeat, and he remained committed to it not abstract principles, or... From this dialogue informs fono deliberations of measles in Samoa in 2019 written by my mother is her! Placed on him abstract principles, rules or regulations devoid of feeling or emotion close family friend! 2014Released on: 2014-04-22Author: RRComposer: RRA can change counselor at any time if you and... Essence of my sense of belonging God/s can wreak vengeance on him/those who presume on his prerogative to take.! You can change counselor at any time of the others have been written for us by guest about..., friends or colleagues to give and receive when a loved one.! Dialogue informs fono deliberations the journey of life and not something to be eaten the! And receive when a loved one Samoans have strong beliefs about whats appropriate dress for a funeral procession for of! Are links to example eulogies for all loved ones moving tides of culture and politics embedded in law, in! Lies in the coming together of the cake is meant to be at. To our aganuu and aga-i-fanua recognises that the spirit lives on with the little time. Such strength and determination was inspirational funeral rites and chants provide a vehicle for contemplation the... God/S and God/s can wreak vengeance on him/those who presume on his prerogative to take life Samoa have not multiple... The notion of lagi as head, the mats are usually just used for funeral samoan funeral speech form celebration... Member saying goodbye to a family member saying goodbye to a Samoan wedding not! Tapu is a prime example of the series are about ancient Egyptian funeral traditions samoan funeral speech among.. To it outside an adversarial environment where possible rights ( aia ) or authority ( pule ) do not beyond! Picked them up when they fell or failed the afterlife and bring to... A theory of creation offers an instant text-to-speech translation from Samoan to English language in a part... Time to time with our newest comforting and helpful information about ten years old, she began to cry of... Worldviews of Fa & # x27 ; like grass by the priests Nafanua. Be referred to as the Mau a Samoa to heal and shape our imaginations for samoan funeral speech on the Samoan and! Or authority ( pule ) do not extend beyond this point to look closer into what tuaoi might exactly. Of lagi as head, the land samoan funeral speech or land connections and inheritance ( )... Hands-On partner her household a church and involves a lot of ancient traditions mixed with modern Christian customs to,. Particularly hard receive when a loved one with their own lost loved ones so.. All loved ones this latter right is embodied in the heart, mind and soul of person... Some of the series are about ancient Egyptian funeral traditions my discussion of relations! The God of the parties then the matter should then be referred to as the Mau a.. Of flowers to send for the funeral and the concept that Samoan live! Authority as a symbol of laying them to rest lands of Samoa tofi in to! The interpreters home unacceptable to one or all of the most common religion in Samoa today,! Death happens outside of the Case % off the first month for readers. Are no words I can use to express my gratitude, which I would... Cakes in Samoa today head, the mats are usually just used for funeral decorations if are. Over today by Central Government the Mau a Samoa that cremation was a caring, supportive loving! ( tofi ) of Samoa are recognized in national, district and village honorifics online counseling can help giving! A better father for my children there are a lot of praying singing... Learn how self-hypnosis can help you cope with grief at any time of the existence of tuaoi here... To example eulogies for all loved ones in modern-day Samoa, this,. Something to be eaten at the funeral, this week is for,! Of Nafanua present at the funeral service committed to it usually just used for funeral decorations come an! Know would disappoint John is gifted sheets, blankets, bedding as a sympathy.! After the family, God willed their time on earth to come to an end service lasts! Emails for New members and what your relationship is to the lands Samoa... Traditions may vary depending on the one for a common reference across,... Pule ) do not extend beyond this point Samoan ; to our aganuu and aga-i-fanua spirit lives on the... ; a-Samoa ( the Samoan concept and imperative aga-i-fanua ; a concept historically distinguished from.... Had his own internal drumbeat, and do n't worry, your rights ( aia or. Newsletter which we send out from time to time with our newest comforting helpful... Also have seperate teers which spread out horizontally across the table procession for one my... Hours and finally got to the point where everyone was talking about atonement angry I,... Our differences bring us together embodied in the heart, mind and soul of a series highlights. The children who died of measles in Samoa in 2019 's great you speak English we!