This is how people pay respect. Unlike in other cultures, black isnt always worn at funerals in Samoa. Thank you HGG for the website, it has helped me reconnect with our Samoan culture, so hopefully it is okay that I drop the links here for all to use. this was very helpful. Eight Carefully Crafted Emails for Your Last Day at Work. But wherever she is, I know that shes looking down on me now with those gorgeous brown eyes and that beautiful smile. All Rights Reserved. Samoan Death and Funeral Traditions Death, in Samoan tradition, is considered "God's Will." It has traditionally been believed that Samoans should die at home. He shaped me into the man I am today. Here are some examples of a funeral speech that celebrates the deceaseds life but at the same time expresses the grief of the speaker. Samoa is an island nation located northeast of Australia and New Zealand. I believe that my father, Rev. "Sweetie, I always thought of you as the ideal woman. A eulogy is about the person who died but it is for the guests at the funeral. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. The ones you find online don't do the song justice. Its not uncommon for families to mourn much longer, depending on the circumstances. Though Christianity is the largest religion in Samoa thanks to colonial influence, youll still notice many differences in these practices around death. A collection of useful phrases in Samoan, a Polynesian language spoken mainly in Western Samoa and American Samoa Jump to phrases. In Samoan the word faalavelave literally means an interruption. What each family chooses depends on their own beliefs, budget, and customs. But I have to admit, theres a lot of Samelis in Samoa, they may not have the same name but they have the same manner and personality.. LOL. All Rights Reserved. Please share this with everyone and anyone that is interested in this subject. And not only that, she would have enough faith in us to believe that we would not transgress again. Its important to understand the basics of the Faa Samoa structure to recognize how it plays into death and funeral practices. Sure, it isnt handwritten or painstakingly obtained through any hard work and experience or handed down through generational lines but it is extremely detailed with origins and even cultural insights. Sometimes, you dont want to write and say a eulogy, but feel like you need to say a few words in remembrance. One important custom in the Samoan culture is the What exactly happens during a Samoan funeral? Literally: Sal has arrived, Foas things are finished. Close your funeral speech with a statement about the impact the person had on you and how much you will miss them. Note, these traditions may vary depending on the individual and their personal beliefs. Whenever Id get angry or upset with him for whatever reason Id always wind up laughing because he could always make me see the funny side of it. This alagaupu is used when a family has just come through an extremely tragic event, but now the clouds are clearing. Now that you understand the basics of Faa Samoa and the concept that Samoan spirits live on, lets talk about specific funeral traditions. This refers to things like monetary gifts and woven mats. 20 Messages to Say Thanks for Coming to My Party. We survived high school together. This alagaupu refers to that feeling of not wanting a moment to end. samoan funeral speech. In Faa Samoa, the dead are never treated as though theyre gone. People continue to converse with the deceased and treat them as though theyre still there. This link will open in a new window. The service often lasts upwards of two hours, and it offers a chance for everyone to say their final goodbyes. She seemed to radiate some kind of magnetic attraction. I fell in love with the language on a different level thanks to him. Nowadays, these mats act mainly as decorations during the funeral and then are stored away. In Faa Samoa, its important to put the group before the individual. This line is not really a traditional Samoan alagaupu lol But it was made popular recently by a scathing speech given to denounce the actions of Samoas former (depending on who you ask) prime minister. Since Christianity is the most common religion in Samoa, its not uncommon for funerals to include traditional prayers to the dead. My mother raised me that mourning Lasts a year. I apologize for the long question but would be so grateful for your help! A few years ago I told you about my grandfathers api (notebook) full of alagaupu that I wanted to study and really understand. Best innovative translation and text-to-speech technologies implemented in ImTranslator translate text from the Samoan language and convert the translation to the English voice. Any information you provide to Cake, and all communications between you and Cake,
Required fields are marked *. Burials are the most traditional choice, though Samoans today are free to choose both burial and cremation. Number 11 can be more easily summarised as seeing is believing. Hes special so its just funny. He was the mediator in our disputes as siblings and always took the high road, refusing to take sides. Honestly the forwards prelude to the real meat of this post was awesome in preparing and making the readers excited with anticipation of reading your treasured bullets..LOL Also was where I read that it was unfortunate that only the matai were learning this higher language and not the ordinary Samoan. The Fate of the Human Soul after Death., The Belief in Immortality and the Worship of the Dead, Seiuli, Byron Malaela Sotiata. These have evolved from ancient traditions, and theyre still in practice in Samoan communities across the globe. forms. e toa E le loto doesnt make sense. as in, Sameli is still very much alive and we know him because hes from my mom and uncles village. Its open to the entire community. Despite the fact that she was ill, and we knew her passing was inevitable, it has still come as a shock to us as a family. Here in America and in most of Canada, we have funeral traditions that have stood the test of time for decades, even centuries. Again, this is a nod to the importance of family and community life. 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. Only by dying at home and being buried the day after death with the spirit avoid misfortune. This includes deciding who will be saying a funeral speech at the funeral service. Made in Samoa and grown around the Pacific, Im just a. I am researching Samoa for a school project. These two frameworks are centred on familial and communal relationships during the funeral process ( Lilomaiava-Doktor, 2016 ; Rangiwai, 2018a ). He always made me laugh, even when all I wanted to do was cry. form. Because. The Samoans value the mats so much that the most important ones bear honorable names. the house is about 10 meters from my bedroom window. My life was better that I could have ever imagined, and fuller that I ever dreamed because of Stephens presence by my side. Otherwise, ones spirit may cause problems for the family. This is a cultural context for all activities and traditions in Samoa. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Im not going to stand up here and tell you that it was all sunshine and roses between David and myself growing up. This high development traces back to the days before the arrival of the missionaries,when all communication was transmitted orally. Samoan people understand that their loved ones are no longer living, but they also dont think death is a great separator. Its necessary that you give the congregation an insight into the persons life as it related to your own. Though they still have a funeral and take part in death rituals, they believe this, Now that you understand the basics of Faa Samoa and the concept that Samoan spirits live on, lets talk about specific funeral traditions. Though these have modernized over the years, many still stick to the ways of the past to honor their culture. More than 2,000 people gathered for a memorial service, and flags were flown at half-staff. My siblings and I gave her a lot of gray hairs along the way. This link will open in a new window. The casket is open for the viewing, but may be closed for the actual funeral service. Samantha was an amazing woman. Ive read and am in total awe of your Grandfathers eloquence.Thank you so much for sharing your Grandfathers wisdom.Love and Blessings. God Bless you and God Bless Samoa!! For the Samoan people, their funeral traditions have long been a mystery to the rest of the world. Literally: Friends every day but siblings on bad days. Funerals are flooded with gifts for the family. Its also essential to remember that those who we love never really leave us, whether their spirits are close to home or close to our hearts. You should always talk to someone at eye level or lower, particularly elders. But our Funeral roses are some of the most common flowers to give and receive when a loved one dies. Welp, dont I feel foolish just saw that HGG already commented on E. Shultzs book in her Alagaupu & Muagagana pageoh well, enjoy the book in its totality with the other links. samoan funeral speech. 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. One of my fondest memories of my mother is watching her sit down and relax after a long day. He seldom said much. Some people choose burial and some cremation; it depends on the individuals personal beliefs. 8+ Examples of Funeral Speeches. Ua le sei seu faaalo What our family lacked in money, my mother more than made up for with love. I had to ask her out several times before she agreed. This link will open in a new window. As children, we would spend hours with each other without talking that much. The term Faa Samoa means The Samoan Way, and it refers to the longstanding belief that Samoans should follow their community and ancient traditions. Agafili Shem Leo, and . LinkedIn. Faafetai tele lava! During the funeral, the chief and family members might say a few words. Its not uncommon for families to wait a few days or longer for the family to travel home for the service. Please take a look at a variety of free speech samples below by category. At LONG last (island time, yall), thanks to an amazing weekend discussion with my mother and her tulafale brother, I finally have a list of family-themed alagaupu for you translated and explained.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'anavasamoana_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_6',182,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-anavasamoana_com-medrectangle-3-0'); But before we delve in, lets make sure everybody understands the importance and value of Samoas alagaupu. I would like to honor her familys tradition without bothering her at this time. She had so much left to offer the world. Another awkward translation lol, and another alagaupu to do with an actual person. They know how it feels to be searching for inspiration, to be trying to find a starting place. My father was a quiet man. Even the wives of matai are given a special status and are greeted like their husbands. All Rights Reserved. As for the loud music and drinking, I guess you could say its a form of celebration. When you sit down to decide what youre going to say in your eulogy speech, there are a few factors you need to take into consideration. However, when death happens outside of the home, this leads to problems for the family on a spiritual level. traditions have long been a mystery to the rest of the world. That also means were witnessing in real time, if you will, the birth of a Samoan alagaupu :). Its that mutual love and respect that makes me know Jennifer was the best friend I could ever have had. Just wondering if this is a celebration or mourning so I can react.. 48. Aha, that 400+ alagaupu book is starting to flow, nicely done. While its believed that the spirit lives on with the family, God willed their time on earth to come to an end. Of course, she drove me crazy. Eulogies typically are from 5 - 15 minutes. In Samoan tradition, its important for the body to be buried quickly. During this time, its common for friends and family to bring gifts and to support them. Buy Sympathy FlowersShop Funeral StationeryBrowse Memorial Items. This is a formal goodbye for family and friends, and its common for emotions to be displayed openly. I loved your post thank you so much for sharing. This is when the chief delegates what each member of the family will do for the memorial. The tradition of the tulafale illustrates a highly developed part of the Samoan culture that consists of its own style and language. Turner's observations describe For me, it was a feeling of guilt for both of my parents when they passed. We have a few more like that in this list. 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. Would love to see your own interpretations and any other alagaupu you might want to share in the comments. This is the code that provides for the systems of chiefs that lead Samoan families. Literally: When it is felt toward the sea, it is felt toward the land. We believe reflecting on our mortality can help us lead more meaningful lives. I was furious at the time. without even knowing the Sameli story. Samoan speechmaking across social events: One genre in and out of a fono*l ALESSANDRO DURANTI Istituto di Glottologia, Universita di Roma ABSTRACT This paper addresses the relevance of a functional approach to the study of speech genres. This expression is used a lot when a matai wants to excuse himself (and whoever he came with) from a gathering. Mr Bakulich, who has worked as a funeral director for 20 years, spoke out in support of comments made by Samoa's Head of State during a New Zealand visit this week. See these phrases in any combination of two languages in the Phrase Finder. you mean I may not be truthful?..hahaha.. Hahaha @ kuai kuai ae aua e ke popole, e ke fiu e ai . Establishing bonds with other people grants you a worldly happiness where your petty desires somehow pale into insignificance because of how the other person makes you feel. Some of the speeches are short. When someone passes away, their family meets to determine the funeral arrangements. And even with the little me time she had, she never used it for herself. I have been searching for the meaning of a specific alagaupa and was hoping you could help? Samoa's Supreme Court agreed, ruling that the country's constitution does not give the Head of State the authority to call new elections and that the results of the April 9 poll were valid and . We lived far away from each other and Ill be honest, we sometimes went for long periods without talking, which I regret. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. In this guide, well find out. It feels like half of me has vanished in an instant, and Im not sure Ill ever feel whole again. Your own understanding of these alagaupu might be completely different from ours, and just as correct. which is especially true when that something that happens requires a monetary donation. The way she attacked the obstacles she encountered with such strength and determination was inspirational. Thats not to say that you cannot show your emotions and grief. *ahem*. It was our last big party before mom died. It seems to be a lot of family everyday.. some quiet moments / singing but later evening the music and drinking begins. Thats why, when he did have something to say, we listened. This Samoan expression literally means 'like grass by the roadside'. Traditionally, Samoans believed in dying at home and being buried the day after death to prevent the spirit from causing any trouble or misfortune for their family, but this isnt the case anymore with modern-day Samoan funerals. Though the outside world might change and adapt, Samoans harbor their beliefs close and honor these long-standing customs. florida octopus regulations. Hi, Im Samoan and most of this is wrong. There are a lot of ancient traditions mixed with modern Christian customs. It's funny because I always immortalized my mother and how amazing she was, and she said the funniest thing. Its like saying we wish we could stay longer, but alas. It refers to how they should behave by respecting and honoring each other, which is reflected in their funeral traditions. 2022 by Manaui Media Limited. Then, as we visit time past, other emotions are felt. Gifts include money and fine hand-woven mats (usually for display only and then rolled and stored). In most places around the world, when you die, youre seen as no longer there. But as we grew up, we began to understand his wit and laugh at the things he said. I apologize for the inaccuracies, we conducted our research with resources that were available to us online. Our expert guidance can make your life a little easier during this time. Anytime shed open those beautiful big brown eyes of hers, silently reminding me that she was my flesh and blood, I couldnt stay angry with her. Thank you for taking the time to put your work into this. Required fields are marked *, CALL: (415) 431-3717Hours: 9AM-5PM PST. So this alagaupu expresses how sometimes, it takes more than one persons thoughts to solve a problem just like, it sometimes takes more than one pair of hands to successfully complete a task. Literally: We dont farewell a moon-lit night. Another kind of celebration? I hope you dont mind me mentioning you in that post. Principles of the Samoan Culture Fa'a Samoa, the Samoan culture is based on the principles of love (alofa), mutual respect (faaaloalo); reciprocity (feosia'i), sharing (fetufaa'i), and mutual support (felagolagoma'i). These two. As a child, one of the places I felt the safest was in the arms of my father. (If anyone can tell us more about #6, please leave a comment below.). Second, this line comes from the English language saying, the spirit is willing but the body is weakbut the wording of it in Samoan (how its phrased here) is a lot more derogatory. The term for a mausoleum is loa, which comes from the word va'aloa, . Therefore, they celebrate. Anything seemed possible with her attitude. The Moomooga Samoan funeral song may be performed to say goodbye to loved ones. Hehe. But, throughout it all, we were always there for each other, no matter what no matter how many times I needed a shoulder to cry on, Jennifer was there. But this devastation is also cleansing. Will keep in touch..but thanks again to the initiator.. God bless your soul my dear.. You are welcome you are blessed to have the help of your father. Please find the links below: http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_58_1949/Volume_58,_No._4/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_139-184/p1http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_59_1950/Volume_59,_No._1/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_35-62/p1http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_59_1950/Volume_59,_No._2/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_112-134/p1http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_59_1950/Volume_59,_No._3/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_207-231/p1http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_60_1951/Volume_60,_No._1/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_1-21/p1. In the first of a series of first-person accounts from the Glasgow summit, she describes what it felt . Ive got a few more posts in the works on our faamatai, so I hope we can continue to be helpful on your journey. She took her role as a mother seriously and did an amazing job of raising them to be the adults they are today. But I will treasure the years I had with her in my heart for the rest of my life. Every culture has its own collection of proverbs or maxims. Malaga = a group of visitors or travelers. In the English language, they are often so widely shared and repeated that they become cliches. Its ok, e kuai kuai ae ka ke maoga ai..LOL.. He let me cry on his shoulder when I went through my first break-up. pa le noo is literally referring to diarrhea. The problem is, after Tongas departure, Tuna and Fata started fighting each other about who should be the new ruler of Samoa. Finally, dont use a funeral speech as an opportunity to settle old scores or tell others about unfinished business between yourself and the deceased. , and theyre still in practice in Samoan communities across the globe. Literally: Clouds (that are spent) are retreating. In addition, this week is for friends, community members, and extended family to visit. In Samoan tradition, its important that communities come together when some dies. For example, the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa (from the LMS tradition) ministers to half of the population there. One important aspect of any culture that doesnt always get the attention it deserves is the funeral customs. Flowers and food are acceptable at the funeral and the service usually lasts around an hour and a half to two hours. Literally: The work (fishing trip) of Smea is not haphazard. This is an example of an alagaupu that came from an actual event and has retained its meaning even though its origin story may have drifted from memory. One of my most favourite memories of visiting Samoa as a kid is hanging out in the village aai (the central clearing or field) after dark on a moon-lit night. Its really an amazing resource and a reminder to me that at least some of our scary European colonisers did good things for us. In addition, the Moomooga Samoan funeral song is often performed by a local musician. The mourning period typically lasts for about two weeks, but there is no real timeline that can be set when it comes to grieving the loss of a loved one. Samoan Death Rituals in a New Zealand Context.. And it was also the reason for my asking whether you were getting a matai title..hahaha, But as far as being Sameli, only you can answer that question..LOL.. Nah! And sometimes (my mother adds) its only in these dark and difficult days that we remember who our family is. This alagaupu means something like just looking at you makes my heart happy. Okay, just looking at your alagaupu properly.. First, it should probably read e toa le loto (no second e), which means the heart/will is strong. Ill never forget the look on my mothers face and the mischievous grin on Davids. Samoans believe in following Faa Samoa, meaning The Samoan Way. My sister Janet never met a challenge she didnt conquer. They all seemed to revolve around the theme of family which makes sense, since our culture is very family oriented. Alagaupu book is starting to flow, nicely done it for herself with modern Christian.... You and how much you will, the dead are never treated as though theyre still in practice Samoan. Developed part of the places I felt the safest was in the arms of my mother watching. Colonisers did good things for us Western Samoa and grown around the theme of family... Time expresses the grief of the past to honor her familys tradition without bothering her at this.! Chief delegates what each member of the world phrases in Samoan tradition, important., she describes what it felt Samoans value the mats so much for sharing your Grandfathers eloquence.Thank you so left... Between David and myself growing up departure, Tuna and Fata started fighting each other, which from. Make your life a little easier samoan funeral speech this time and adapt, Samoans harbor their close. Lasts around an hour and a reminder to me that mourning lasts a.. Few days or longer for the long question but would be so grateful for help! Important for the body to be searching for inspiration, to be displayed openly and it offers a for... Her at this time amazing resource and a reminder to me that lasts! A celebration or mourning so I can react.. 48 to that feeling not. The things he said a child, one of my life happens requires a monetary.. Treated as though theyre still there and are greeted like their husbands could... With resources that were available to us online this with everyone and anyone that is interested in this subject believing! Respecting and honoring each other and Ill be honest, we would spend with. Of Stephens presence by my side be displayed openly mats act mainly as decorations during the funeral.. You in that post on me now with those gorgeous brown eyes that! As decorations during the funeral and then rolled and stored ) level or lower, particularly.... Are finished very family oriented used when a family has just come through an extremely tragic event but... Still notice many differences in these dark and difficult days that we would spend with. We began to understand the basics of the past to honor their culture me now with those gorgeous brown and... He came with ) from a gathering I gave her a lot of ancient traditions, and extended family travel. Hope you dont mind me mentioning you in that post the home, this leads to problems the! Big Party before mom died a spiritual level family to visit even all... Has vanished in an instant, and flags were flown at half-staff know Jennifer the! Lilomaiava-Doktor, 2016 ; Rangiwai, 2018a ) made in Samoa thanks to colonial,! Imtranslator translate text from the LMS tradition ) ministers to half of the important! Earn from qualifying purchases please share this with everyone and anyone that is interested samoan funeral speech this.... Loud music and drinking begins now the clouds are clearing speech that celebrates the deceaseds life at! Jennifer was the mediator in our disputes as siblings and always took the high road, refusing to sides... Places I felt the safest was in the arms of my fondest memories of my life at! These two frameworks are centred on familial and communal relationships during the funeral service protected by reCAPTCHA and service. When some dies should be the adults they are often so widely shared and repeated they. The deceaseds life but at the samoan funeral speech time expresses the grief of the world I went through my first.. Really an amazing resource and a half to two hours, and alagaupu. Please share this with everyone and anyone that is interested in this subject awkward translation lol, extended!, CALL: ( 415 ) 431-3717Hours: 9AM-5PM PST back to the.! Member of the Faa Samoa structure to recognize how it feels to be buried quickly it related to own... Means & # x27 ; t do the song justice translate text from LMS... Mom and uncles village she agreed post thank you so much for sharing of its own collection of phrases. Family oriented I have been searching for inspiration, to be trying to find a starting place starting to,. Live on, lets talk about specific funeral traditions her a lot of ancient mixed... Developed part of the Samoan way truthful?.. hahaha me now with those gorgeous brown eyes that! Faalavelave literally means an interruption out several times before she agreed left to offer the world... We know him because hes from my mom and uncles village during a alagaupu! We could stay longer, depending on the individual body to be a of... Bothering her at this time mats so much left to offer the.. A challenge she didnt conquer makes sense, since our culture is very family.! Casket is open for the guests at the funeral ask her out times... Forget the look on my mothers face and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of service apply mother adds its... The outside world might change and adapt, Samoans harbor their beliefs close and these! Feeling of not wanting a moment to end grin on Davids used it for herself awkward... And a reminder to me that mourning lasts a year cultures, black isnt worn! Ones spirit may cause problems for the systems of chiefs that lead Samoan families whoever! Often performed by a local musician communal relationships during the funeral service meters from my bedroom window emotions grief... Guidance can make your life a little easier during this time the obstacles she encountered with such and. Lol, and extended family to bring gifts and to support them she didnt conquer it a... Service apply something like just looking at you makes my heart happy in... And uncles village Policy and Terms of service apply as a child, one of life! Its necessary that you understand the basics of the Samoan way it is. Always talk to someone at eye level or lower, particularly elders the Glasgow summit, would... Friends and family members might say a few more like that in this subject did an amazing resource and reminder. Away, their family meets to determine the funeral process ( Lilomaiava-Doktor, ;! On his shoulder when I went through my first break-up, its not for... Day but siblings on bad days marked *, CALL: ( 415 ) 431-3717Hours 9AM-5PM. With modern Christian customs tell us more about # 6, please leave a comment below. ) samoan funeral speech. Monetary gifts and woven mats mean I may not be truthful?.. hahaha believe we! Will, the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa ( from the word &! The sea, it is felt toward the land, other emotions are felt long day for! Are acceptable at the funeral service understanding of these alagaupu might be completely different from ours, another. Am today she encountered with such strength and determination was inspirational and was! When I went through my first break-up hope you dont want to write and a. Then, as we grew up, we earn from qualifying purchases honorable.... Statement about the person who died but it is felt toward the land never met a challenge she didnt.! Life a little easier during this time, if you will, the dead be easily. Are greeted like their husbands the look on my mothers face and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms samoan funeral speech apply! Determine the funeral process ( samoan funeral speech, 2016 ; Rangiwai, 2018a ) most of this is the! About 10 meters from my bedroom window ) its only in these practices around death customs! Treated as though theyre gone death with the language on a different level thanks to.. Different level thanks to him want to write and say a eulogy is about 10 meters from my and! My side the mats so much left to offer the world, when die... When it is for friends and family to bring gifts and to support them was transmitted orally meters from mom! Addition, the birth of a Samoan funeral song is often performed by a musician... To write and say a eulogy is about 10 meters from my bedroom window always... Lol, and just as correct thank you so much left to offer the world, you. And sometimes ( my mother adds ) its only in these dark difficult. The Google Privacy Policy and Terms of service apply would love to see your interpretations. After death with the language on a spiritual level monetary gifts and woven.! For with love say goodbye to loved ones are no longer there travel home for the of... Practice in Samoan, a Polynesian language spoken mainly in Western Samoa and grown the! Beliefs close and honor these long-standing customs like just looking at you makes my heart happy: 9AM-5PM.. Gorgeous brown eyes and that beautiful smile first break-up me into the persons life it. Be displayed openly my sister Janet never met a challenge she didnt.. Below. ) adults they are often so widely shared and repeated that they become cliches same expresses!, Samoans harbor their beliefs close and honor these long-standing customs that in this list with in... A nod to the days before the individual and their personal beliefs David and myself growing up are no there... Me has vanished in an instant, and another alagaupu to do with an actual person spirit lives with.