3 Things You Didn't Know About Samoan Culture
Posted by Maris on 20th Feb 2024
How would you react if we asked you about Samoan history or any of their cultural customs? For the majority of readers, there would be no response at all. This is due to the fact that not many individuals have had the opportunity to witness Samoa's distinct culture and its incredible diversity. This is partially due to the island's small size and isolation from other cultures and influences. Additionally, this is due to the inaccurate portrayal of Samoan culture in the media, which is much more than just another "tribal" culture. Its extensive historical history narrates the story of a proud people whose profound, vibrant, and widespread culture molds and directs island life. Samoan culture has a lot to teach us, particularly in this fast-paced world when social and cultural norms are shifting quickly. A comprehensive overview of the intricacies of Samoan culture would require several library shelves; however, what follows is a brief sampling of Samoan culture. Have fun!
Fa’a Samoa
Since the little island where it originated is so isolated, the distinctive and fascinating Samoan culture that we know today dates back over 3,000 years. The foundation of this remarkable culture is Fa'a Samoa, or the Samoan Way, a sophisticated set of cultural precepts that instruct and advise people on how to live fulfilling lives. Respect for the environment, a close-knit family and community structure, and devotion to other traditional values are among the core principles of Fa'a Samoa. It's interesting to see how Fa'a Samoa has assiduously incorporated Christian ideas that were introduced to the island throughout the 1800s. The next two facts describe cultural domains that are particularly significant to Samoan culture and that you probably aren't aware of, despite the fact that there are a plethora of fascinating, enjoyable cultural traditions and distinctive events.
Samoan Tattooing (Tatau or Pe’a)
Tattooing, known locally as "Tatau," has long been a stunning aspect of the island's culture. According to mythology, Taema and Tilifaiga, two sisters, brought the ritual to Samoa thousands of years ago, even though it originated in Fiji. There, it rapidly became an integral aspect of Fa'a Samoa culture. Rather than being only ornamental, these tattoos signify a person's commitment to and faith in the Fa'a Samoa. They also serve as a status symbol and show respect.
Making a genuine Samoan Tatau is a laborious procedure. The design is a piece of artwork that must be tailored to the individual and encompasses much more than just the pen strokes itself. It is not just something you choose from a design book. Because of all the intricate details in the pattern, applying the Tatau to the skin is incredibly difficult and time-consuming. In truth, a great deal of blood loss occurred during the creation of Tatau, which caused many Samoans to pass away during the ceremony! Fortunately, obtaining a Tatau no longer results in deaths, but undergoing the procedure still requires a great deal of bravery and fortitude. Visit this page to view some wonderfully detailed and artistic Samoan Tataus.
Matai
The chiefs of Samoa's numerous communities are called Matai. The Matai are in charge of the village's administrative tasks, but they are also primarily in charge of upholding the culture and its customs. There are two varieties of Matai, and each has distinct responsibilities. The first group, known as the Ali'I, is the high chief of the village, county, and family. They are primarily in charge of making decisions and are accountable for the most significant facets of Samoan culture. As the talking chiefs, the Tulafale are in charge of carrying out the various oral customs and responsibilities that exist within Fa'a Samoa. Samoan society uses a complicated and intricate hierarchical structure called the Matai System, which determines who becomes the Matai of a village. The title of Matai is typically passed down from parent to child or bestowed based on the conviction that the recipient would best serve the family, village, or county, even if the subtleties of the system are difficult to explain in a brief essay like this one.
Samoa is one of the last places on earth where modern values and culture have not greatly impacted, and Samoan culture has been magnificently preserved over time. As a result, Samoa offers a refreshing respite from the hectic pace of everyday life and really does operate on island time. Every visitor is reminded of the vital things in life by the culture, which also instills in us the values of generosity and contentment with the people in our lives. It is a very eye-opening experience to visit Samoa; it will let you reflect on your life and let go of the daily tensions of it. We hope you get the opportunity to witness a genuine Samoan Tatau in action, speak with local Samoans one-on-one about Fa'a Samoa, and take in the tranquility and beauty of Samoa.