Table of Contents
What is the Samoan way of life?
The traditional culture of Samoa is a communal way of life based on Fa’a Samoa, the unique socio-political culture. The traditional living quarters, or fale (houses), contain no walls and up to 20 people may sleep on the ground in the same fale. During the day, the fale is used for chatting and relaxing.
Do Samoan families expect money?
Later on, his sister also chimed in to remind Asuelu that, in their Samoan culture, young adults are supposed to send money to their old parents. No matter we’re married, we’re supposed to take care of them and send money no matter what.”
What is considered rude in Samoa?
It is considered rude to eat while standing indoors or when walking around outdoors. Many Samoans eat with their hands, but will often offer cutlery for guests. Taking a second serving is thought to be rude.
How do they dress in Samoa?
Visitors who enter a Samoan village or attend a church service should show respect by choosing appropriately modest clothing. Men and women can wear a lavalava (sarong). Other options include trousers, a skirt or shorts and a blouse or t-shirt. When swimming or sunbathing, swimwear must always be worn.
Do Samoans have to take care of their parents?
Simultaneously, as a Samoan son and brother, he is also bound by the feagaiga (sacred covenant) between his mother and sisters, with a duty to love, care and protect them. As a Samoan Christian he must consult with his wife and listen to the fautuaga (advice) of his mother and sisters.
What do I wear to a Samoan funeral?
Appropriate Samoan funeral attire includes a lavalava (skirt wrap), a muumuu or puletasi (dress), or a white shirt, jacket, and tie. Guests give the grieving family monetary gifts or hand-woven mats in a ceremonial exchange of gifts called fa’alavelave.
What clothes to wear in Samoa?
What kind of food do they eat in Samoa?
A favourite dish with visitors to Samoa and locals alike is palusami: baked coconut cream cooked inside coconut leaves in the umu (earth oven). Another local staple is oka, or raw fish marinated in coconut cream, lemon juice, chilli and onions. Samoa dishes often include pork, chicken (moa) and fish (i’a).
How do Samoans view death?
Death, in Samoan tradition, is considered “God’s Will.” It has traditionally been believed that Samoans should die at home. Otherwise, one’s spirit may cause problems for the family. Before the advancement of mortuary science there, the deceased was buried the day after death.
How are Samoan buried?
Burial. Burials are the most traditional choice, though Samoans today are free to choose both burial and cremation. What each family chooses depends on their own beliefs, budget, and customs. Because open caskets are common at the funeral, this is still the most common choice in Samoa today.
Can you drink the water in Samoa?
Tap water is not drinkable in American Samoa. However, the water quality of local streams and rivers is still poor. Visitors are warned to drink bottled water when on the islands.