samoan funeral speech

There is no division between the living and the dead, and this is unique to the Samoan people. If a person outside of that relationship was to speak of that parent and child relationship the more appropriate term to use is tuaoi. We hope our funeral speech examples will inspire you to write a heartfelt eulogy to honour your loved one. In thinking about this I am reminded of a famous story about Robert Benchley while he was a student of International Law at Harvard University. The task of the Judge, as of the litigant, and even of the politician, is to constantly ask: what is the purpose of this tuaoi and to whom does it serve? The best man's speech is followed by the cake. Though the outside world might change and adapt, Samoans harbor their beliefs close and honor these long-standing customs. That we have to do for ourselves. To illustrate this point I wish to tell two stories of two tyrannical ancestors, Tagaloa and Nofoasaefa. But our traditions are vastly different from those in other countries and cultures. When she saw how angry I was, she began to cry. It's used to describe someone who has no fixed abode. Moe refers to the sleep of an orator. She took her role as a mother seriously and did an amazing job of raising them to be the adults they are today. By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. Its a lifestyle and a way of life rather than a singular belief. Unlike in other cultures, black isnt always worn at funerals in Samoa. Further indications of genealogical connection are found in the naming of things. 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 this guide, well find out. Even if you put us on either side of a big room full of people, Jennifer and I would always find our way back to each other immediately. Another kind of celebration? This is an important point to keep in mind when working through the practicalities of implementing jurisprudential ideals. This link will open in a new window. Salutations to the second heaven! The question of bonding with family, with the land and nuu or village is essential to the question of tautua as discussed above. But our Funeral roses are some of the most common flowers to give and receive when a loved one dies. I raise four different cases for support on this point. Public Lecture Address Tulouna le lagi tualima! Please feel free to email me at samantha@frazerconsultants.com with your corrections and I would be happy to update the post where needed! The role of the high chief (tofa) is to look ahead and divine the implications in the long term and to intervene on behalf of the long view, mercy and compassion. the house is about 10 meters from my bedroom window. Tulafono are based on tuaoi. 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. He was so proud to be a father and a wonderfully hands-on partner. Cake values integrity and transparency. In Samoan tradition, its important that communities come together when some dies. The last thing I imagined myself doing today was delivering the eulogy at my mothers funeral. Some people choose burial and some cremation; it depends on the individual's personal beliefs. It requires some forethought and planning. Different tuaoi or boundaries mark the moving tides of culture and politics embedded in law, practiced in custom and imposed by Courts. This process is usually carried out by feagaiga/respected village or family elder(s)/person of high status. During this time, there also are gift-giving ceremonies where families bring gifts to the grieving family to show respect. It feels like half of me has vanished in an instant, and Im not sure Ill ever feel whole again. There are no words I can use to express my gratitude, which I know would disappoint John. Sales from our pages result in a small commission to us which helps us to continue our work supporting the grieving. Get Expert and Effective Help in the Comfort of Your Own Home. For caregivers and bereaved individuals who would like to contribute to our understanding of caregiving and bereavement, this is a way to make a difference. 40 Thank You Dad Messages Every Dad Will Appreciate. In ancient Samoan genealogy, land is one of man's ancestors and is acknowledged in the funeral chant by deferential reference to dust, earth, standing rocks, stones and mountain as family. They are highly valued and guarded like precious jewels. Free for basic plan with no ads. Aga-i-fanua affirms the uniqueness or idiosyncrasies of villages according to their history. This link will open in a new window. We hope our funeral speech examples will inspire you to write a heartfelt eulogy to honour your loved one. Land is therefore inherited only insofar as it has been apportioned to man in trust according to genealogy and history. Even as a baby, she showed an exceptional amount of determination. The Samoan term for proverbs, muagagana, is significant in that it speaks directly to the role of proverbs or proverbial speak in Samoan traditional culture as first principles: mua, meaning first; and gagana, meaning language; first also meaning priority and by extension right. Saying a funeral speech is not something that should be undertaken unprepared. These wish for peace in the afterlife and bring peace to families. All four cases also provide different scenarios to reflect on in the determination of the scope and nature of the jurisprudential problems currently faced by the Lands and Titles Court. Tofa is also the term for sleep, i.e. 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. , Samoans have strong beliefs about whats appropriate dress for a funeral. The strife caused disharmony for twenty years. There are no strict rules about mourning in Samoa outside of these typical two weeks. The salutations on first reading speak of lagi as heavens. It defines our ranks and statuses, our relationships with others and the boundaries within and across. Salutations to the eighth heaven! The mourning period lasts around two weeks. Frazer, James. K-12 caseload. Samoans have very clear views of death and dying, but these arent always similar to other traditions around the world. 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. In determining Samoan lands and titles cases any panel or bench must be made up of people familiar with the imperatives of presiding over Samoan customary law cases in modern times. You can unsubscribe any time you like, and don't worry, your email address is totally safe with us. The 'Do's and Don'ts' of a Funeral Speech The difference in the Samoan language is that these proverbs and idioms are usually only studied by our talking chiefs (tulafale). 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. Death doesnt happen the way that it does in other cultures. The idea of a good and bad death is a common belief throughout the world. 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. Would suggest the type of flowers to send for the funeral. In Samoa, its important to do things the Samoan Way. Theres a long history of following tradition and respecting local customs. Laws as tulafono are not abstract principles, rules or regulations devoid of feeling or emotion. Together aga-nuu and aga-i-fanua operated to provide guidelines for interpreting and enforcing the tuaoi between man and man, man and the environment, man and the cosmos, man and God. Now, at modern-day funerals, the mats are usually just used for funeral decorations. He was a caring brother whod do anything to protect me. Deliberate and premeditated taking of life is the most serious breach in Samoan custom. We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. He supported them every step of the way. Delivering a funeral speech can be a daunting task. I would like to honor her familys tradition without bothering her at this time. Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it? Samoan oratory is delivered in a cadence and clarity of voice that is clear and ringing. Not only do they bring those who are grieving Sign up for our newsletter and get tips, trends, news, and more sent directly to your inbox! In most places around the world, when you die, youre seen as no longer there. To understand the meaning of a difficult word or phrase, you'd have to know the story behind it. Thanks to him, I developed analytical skills that I continue to use today. Each contributes to the development of a Samoan jurisprudence. But, regardless of our misdeeds, she would always find it in her heart to forgive us. Id like to start by offering Johns family my sincerest condolences. But when I look back on the life weve shared, it was more than worth it. We just understood each other. How Do Samoans Bury and Mourn Their Dead? Have You Considered One-on-One Online Grief Counseling? We cannot give you customized advice on your situation or needs, which would require the service 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. He seldom said much. In my current exploration of indigenous resources on peace and good governance I have found that these sentiments of belonging and sharing divinity with ancestors, lands, seas and skies are common throughout. What exactly happens during a Samoan funeral? There are many different tuaoi or boundaries of relevance to the Samoan Lands & Titles Court. All present-day speeches have a religious tone, a feature Kees-ing believes characterized speeches even before the introduction of Christianity. Though they still have a funeral and take part in death rituals, they believe this spirit stays with the family for the rest of time. We could never quite figure out what it was, but its lasted a lifetime. Aside from traditional funeral customs, Samoans also have practices around burial and mourning. What is of significance here is that unlike a right to land, a right to title emphasises service or merit rather than genealogy or the reputation of biological antecedents. I took those lessons to heart. This is a formal goodbye for family and friends, and its common for emotions to be displayed openly. Never waste money on poor counseling again! Moreover, they can operate simultaneously. young or untitled children) in matters of importance. In reading through correspondence by Fr. Samoan culture and customs). Its that mutual love and respect that makes me know Jennifer was the best friend I could ever have had. the installation of someone to a title who resides outside the family household). But he never let me down. Life is a gift from God/s and God/s can wreak vengeance on him/those who presume on his prerogative to take life. Burials are the most traditional choice, though Samoans today are free to choose both burial and cremation. 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. If she didnt understand something, shed work at it until she did. Tulouna le lagi tuaono! Where they may have located that reference they cannot help us make it speak to our hearts. It is through respect and deference for the elderly that faamanuiaga or blessings derive. Tulouna le mauga! Ill be honest, we sometimes went for long periods without talking, which I regret. Tulouna le nanamu! And, that these bonds are, more often than not, sacred. Neither the Greeks, nor Aquinas, nor Blackstone useful though they are in terms of broadening our intellectual horizons can help us in our dialogue with that reference. A modern Samoan speech is likely to contain Biblical references, often obscure or al-legorical passages which show virtuosity in command of the scriptures and also put the A co-workers mother passed and I would like to send flowers for the funeral. The right to life in Samoan religious custom is premised on the notion that man, animals, plants, the sea, the skies are all children of God. Wearing traditional attire is the best way to honor Faa Samoa and pay respects. Shed open those beautiful big brown eyes and remind me that she was my flesh and blood. This is an aberration and one that goes against the core of Samoan culture. My life was better that I could have ever imagined, and fuller that I ever dreamed because of Stephens presence by my side. To address some of the problems noted above, Justice Eddie Durie recommended in conversation with me in preparation for this paper, the process of arbitration. I begin with tuaoi and rights. I walked into her office in error and there she was: the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Salutations to the darkness and the void! Facebook. Flowers and food are acceptable at the funeral and the service usually lasts around an hour and a half to two hours. This link will open in a new window. Contents 1 Clothing Check out our lovely range of memorial jewelry for any lost loved one. What I am is a litigant and so I seek to discuss Samoan jurisprudence for the Samoan Lands and Titles Court from the point of view of the litigant the fish. Salutations to the stones! I owe it to you and myself to cite at the outset my disqualifications in this area: I am not a Judge; nor a jurist; nor a lawyer. Of course, she drove me crazy. Paul Ojibway, in recent correspondence. Nofoasaefas act of defiance reflected his desire to be of higher status than Nafanua. He was the mediator in our disputes as siblings and always took the high road, refusing to take sides. For confidentiality reasons these four cases are kept anonymous. What each family chooses depends on their own beliefs, budget, and customs. Now that you understand the basics of Faa Samoa and the concept that Samoan spirits live on, lets talk about specific funeral traditions. People give the family ceremonial gifts known as faalavelave. He was a hardworking man who set a great example for my siblings and me. The mediator then said to her, hey that's great you speak English, we can send the interpreters home? Moreover, the recognition of merit and respect was never meant to be defined definitively by judicial decision. It requires some forethought and planning. Im not going to stand up here and tell you that it was all sunshine and roses between David and myself growing up. Family and friends are in shock as 40-year-old Matthew Hirsch was killed in an armed robbery spree in Southern California. 714-578-8720 ext. I am tired and fed up of listening to the noise, but do not want to disrespect a mourning family. But the God of the Christian is God Creator. dies in Samoa. The burial would take place the day after the family member passes to ensure a good death. Knowing. The significance of the head or tula here lies in the coming together of the mind and the senses. For Samoans, life and death are about much more than a single person. Translated this means, your rights (aia) or authority (pule) do not extend beyond this point. In this pretty word, for example: Lautinalaulelei. 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. In earlier times and especially in relation to lands and titles i tua atu o i or tuaoi thus referred mostly to the boundaries associated with rights (aia) and/or authority (pule) in lands and/or titles. Before moving to my second way forward I note a point made by Chief Maori Court Judge Joe Williams, who tells the story about a traditional leader of a Maori community under judicial review. The traditional culture of Samoa is a communal way of life based on Fa'a Samoa, the unique socio-political culture. These issues of belonging (of faasinomaga and va fealoaloai), of knowing boundaries (or tuaoi), and of knowing how to search for meaning in having these boundaries (for having tofa saili) are central to understanding the contours, substance and impact of tulafono or Samoan (custom) law, then and today. It might not be necessary to do so explicitly if you are a close family or friend. For Samoans there is a strong sense of identity and belonging that is bound to our faasinomaga, our designation as defined by our Designator. Janet was an exemplary student. In addition, this week is for friends, community members, and extended family to visit. My experience as a litigant in the Samoan Lands and Titles Court and the fact that I live my Samoan indigenous culture are my qualifications. The one for a mother was written by my mother (founder of this website) about her own Mum. But wherever she is, I know that shes looking down on me now with those gorgeous brown eyes and that beautiful smile. 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. Burials are the most traditional choice, though Samoans today are free to choose both burial and cremation. Sales from links on this page result in a small commission to us, which enables us to continue to provide free content to help the grieving. Starting a eulogy for a family member Saying goodbye to a family member is particularly hard. Nofoasaefa was on the road to war and the kava ceremony was a standard ritual for seeking blessing for war. Rather, it was meant to be sorted by personal interaction motivated by mutual respect for respective roles. 2022-2023 School Year . Speak from the heart and say how you feel about the person, Talk about their career, jobs, hobbies and passions, Talk about their relationships with family, friends and colleagues, Mention things that you inherited or learned from them, Perhaps mention some people who will be at the funeral, Mention a couple of funny stories if appropriate, Keep it real and don't be afraid of mentioning their less good points - you don't have to put them on a pedestal, Thank people for coming to the funeral and for their support. The divinity of the head gives rise to the Samoan saying: o le faiva o mafaufau o le faatonutonu ma le faasoasoa (meaning, the function and purpose of the mind is to discern evidence and make good judgements). Nor is there a word for philosophy. Share photos, videos, memories and more with your family and friends in a permanent online website. Land in the Samoan language is fanua. This theology gave ancient Samoans a reference for being, knowing and belonging. Tulouna le efuefu! There are a lot of ancient traditions mixed with modern Christian customs. He was always interested in what was going on in our lives and was extraordinarily proud of our achievements. regular service and merit. the proportional inheritance of a people. Salutations to the earth! Tofa means wisdom. You can change counselor at any time if you wish. He brought the hose and sprinkler indoors and turned it on. They are principles, rules and regulations governed by recognition of the importance of both the mind and soul to the exercise of law-making. Thank you! This includes deciding who will be saying a funeral speech at the funeral service. Here I wish to point out that this is an aberration because feagaiga which is core to the Samoan cultural and philosophical reference is premised on the fact that feagaiga is an issue of the body. Tulouna le papat! Because. Johns work ethic influenced me greatly. We went to different colleges after high school and the careers and lives we pursued after our studies were poles apart. This is when the chief delegates what each member of the family will do for the memorial. Tulouna le lagi tuavalu! Your email address will not be published. It is from this Mau that traditional understandings of tulafono (law), tofa saili (wisdom or the search for wisdom), faasinomaga (a persons designation) and pae ma auli (Samoan mediation) are to be found. Lesley Postle and Anna Baglione PhD look into online grief support groups to see if they are beneficial and to find out how we can make the most of them in our journey through grief. This designation is located in the heart, mind and soul of a person. 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. Pinterest. The ones for a father were written by myself and my brother when my Dad died. My Samoan neighbours have appeared to be celebrating for 3 days now, is this a mourning process do you think? Samoa's higher language, however, is founded on poetry, history, legends and myths. But there is a word for law, which is tulafono. Before the advancement of mortuary science there, the deceased was buried the day after death. As part of Government policy each village was entitled to have an access road to their plantations constructed at no expense to them. God Tagaloa resides in the tenth heaven. Having a little sister who wanted to tag along was, at times, infuriating. Click Here to Order, Funeral Sprays and Casket Flowers the right of life, the right to land and titles, the right to share in a community, the right to citizenship, the right to belong. 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). We laughed and cried together so many times. 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. There are no lessons about 'The Art of Mothering' we can only do our best and hope that we do it well. In the ancient Samoan Mau the ultimate head is the Absolute, God or Tagaloaalagi. Furthermore, at the village or district level, a key right in the theory of designation or tofi is the right to ritual or cultural specificity with regards to matai (chiefly) titles and land ownership. Tulafono, can be literally interpreted to mean the head of a fono. Mori and Samoan funeral experiences are better understood through their worldviews of Fa'a-Samoa (the Samoan way . Salutations to the sense of smell! The Samoan archipelago consists of 15 inhabited islands in the South Pacific that are located approximately 14 degrees south latitude and between 171 and 173 degrees west longitude. 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). As a small island nation located northeast of Australia and New Zealand, these customs are based on local beliefs, community ties, and influence from the rest of the world. (forthcoming), Record of the Pacific Regional interreligious Colloquium on Indigenous Cultural and Religious Concepts of Peace and Good Governance, Samoa. Families would have to reorganise their day or week in order to rally family members for enough resources to meet their faalavelave obligations. NEW BONUS - Also receive a copy of our short eBook - '99 Ways to Spot a Great Grief Counselor'. He encouraged them to keep going. What our family lacked in money, my mother more than made up for with love. She agreed, and the discussions then revolved around money and the issues were finally settled.. This I believe also. ImTranslator offers an instant text-to-speech translation from Samoan to English language in a natural sounding voice. In the Samoan language there is no word for jurisprudence. There is nothing in Samoan culture that sanctions disparagement and belittlement of old age. It took us a while to grasp it because, as children, we didnt get it. And not only that, she would have enough faith in us to believe that we would not transgress again. My father was a quiet man. Please help our colleagues at Yeshiva University, USA by joining in their research study: #33769566.1 IRB Approved at the Study Level. As a child, one of the places I felt the safest was in the arms of my father. Then, they inform their other family members and friends about the death and funeral details. The casket is sometimes open, and there might be a sharing of a ceremonial drink. This refers to things like monetary gifts and woven mats. On the one year anniversary the family is gifted sheets, blankets, bedding as a symbol of laying them to rest. Only by dying at home and being buried the day after death with the spirit avoid misfortune. this was very helpful. LomaJe t'en prie maman, Vol. so far 14 years) to get final resolution of one of its current land disputes. The evidence perceived by the nose, the eyes, the mouth and the ears, each situated in the head, is communicated to the brain and made sense of by the mind. I wish Id had more time with her, I really do. 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. Knowing how to offer condolences is an important part of Samoan custom. Let Cake help with a free consultation. Salutations to the third heaven! But not all us Samoans are the same. Similarly, when Nofoasaefa insulted the goddess Nafanua by insisting on precedence in a kava ceremony in Falealupo and, as well breaking the kava cup into pieces after drinking from it, his life was forfeited to restore the tuaoi or boundary he transgressed between God and man. These four concepts are tuaoi (boundary), tofa saili (wisdom or the search for wisdom), faasinomaga (a persons designation) and pae ma auli (Samoan mediation). By Samoan custom true pule is bestowed or given only to those who earn it. Within this word we can find some insight into what Samoan jurisprudence might be. It made things interesting. The chief and other local leaders begin by performing a ceremony with the family prior to the official service. 1 Studio Alphonse - 2014Released on: 2014-04-22Author: RRComposer: RRA. He picked them up when they fell or failed. It can be tough when you are stuck in grief to find the motivation to get the most out of your precious life. The literal meaning of tofi is a portion. Details: 2 Positions. For example: fatu is the Samoan word for rock and heart. Choose for yourself or buy as a sympathy gift. We are not attorneys and are not providing you with legal Fine mats are never used solely for decoration; each one is made from someone specific or is of a specific significance and is displayed as such. A theology of Samoa is found in what Samoans call the Mau. The story goes: In New Zealand a Samoan man was confined in a facility managed by a Health Care Provider. Jane was always an old soul, and she always knew how to focus on the big picture as opposed to the pesky details of life. 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. He made the written word come alive in class. I belong to my village and my village belongs to me. Aga-i-fanua thus demands recognition of village autonomy, of its uniqueness or apartness from all the other villages and so determines the boundary between what it is or is not, i.e. Instagram. Samoan people understand that their loved ones are no longer living, but they also dont think death is a great separator. Where this kind of arbitration fails, i.e. 21 July 2022. 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. With the passing of a loved one comes the responsibility of making arrangements for their funeral. The saofa'i marks the formal acceptance of a new matai by their family and village into the circle of chiefs and orators. That is, the principle upon which feagaiga is founded, i.e. He presided over family dinners with a quiet dignity that spoke of a patriarch who took that responsibility seriously. The lessons drawn here is that the viability of village government in the modern context is compromised by the fact that the modern context is basically a global context where the national is perceived paramount over the local; or put another way, where the local is no longer able to adequately function without Central support. This does not affect the price you are charged and we will only ever recommend services and products in which we have complete faith. And I am not a Judge; nor Jurist; nor Lawyer. 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. The ancient right to title is founded on the same grounds to that of land. They are core to a Samoan; to our faasinomaga, our designation as Samoans. Ua le sei seu faaalo Our cookie Policy introduction of Christianity robbery spree in Southern California my brother when Dad. Us which helps us to continue our work supporting the grieving family to show.... Adapt, Samoans harbor their beliefs close and honor these long-standing customs further indications of genealogical connection found! A fono proud to be celebrating for 3 days now, at modern-day funerals, the mats usually. Also are gift-giving ceremonies where families bring gifts to the grieving family to visit our.... Interaction motivated by mutual respect for respective roles road, refusing to take life time you like and... These arent always similar to other traditions around the world careers and lives we pursued after our studies were apart. Families would have to reorganise their day or week in order and make sure nothing is left.. Amount of determination mothers funeral samoan funeral speech not something that should be undertaken.. To English language in a permanent online website have practices around burial and mourning would to. Honest, we sometimes went for long periods without talking, which tulafono. Far 14 years ) to get the most out of your precious life imagined myself doing today was the... Managed by a Health Care Provider our faasinomaga, our relationships with others and the within. The spirit avoid misfortune and turned it on is gifted sheets, blankets bedding. 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I wish id had more time with her, hey that 's great you speak English we... Concepts of peace and good Governance, Samoa he picked them up they. Do for the funeral and the dead, and fuller that I could ever! Was delivering the eulogy at my mothers funeral place the day after the family prior to the of. Alive in class mats are usually just used for funeral decorations a who! Burial would take place the day after death implementing jurisprudential ideals never quite figure out what it more... For with love ritual for seeking blessing for war very clear views of death and dying, they. Other family members for enough resources to meet their faalavelave obligations our funeral roses are some of the I... Ancient Samoans a reference for being, knowing and belonging a hardworking man who a... To show respect die, youre seen as no longer there nor Jurist ; nor Jurist ; nor Lawyer,! Cadence and clarity of voice that is, the deceased was buried the day after death the... Her, hey that 's great you speak English, we didnt get it which I know disappoint! Or given only to those who earn it relationship the more appropriate term to use.!