Vaomua of Saua in Satupaitea (Savai'i) was building a big boat. 28. This method of fishing is known as seu. Ohlone Shellmound Buried Beneath the Emeryville Shopping Center. Upu fa'aalualu: Ta te gase a uluga. Ala mutiaan old road. Because of its small size the igaga was not invited to the meeting. Upu fiafia: expressions of joy and contentment. ", "There is a cure for everything except death. You shake in vain the branch that has no fruit. 187. Upu fa'aaloalo used when a matai has died and his title has at once been given to his successor. Catch the bird, but watch the breakers. If the boards met exactly in the centre, the job was completed. Plant the giant taro to prevent the weeds from spreading. The plaiting of mats is exclusively the women's business. Most of the material, however, I obtained directly from the Samoans themselves, about thirty of whom gave me their generous and unselfish assistance. When a family wishes to lay out a big taro plantation, it is well that a specified spot be apportioned to each member. You shake in vain the branch that bears no fruit. It is also used as an excuse; for instance, when one wishes to discuss village affairs in the presence of a stranger: Ia fa'amolemole, o le a se'i mamalu mai pea le atua i le aoa. Mr. Neffgen, Govt. Upu taofiofi: Slowly and thoroughly; without precipitation. Directly applied to a long meeting and indirectly, to any other performance that takes a long time. ", "As long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us, as We remember them. 176. Compare also Nos. Please share to your friends: Sightbefore hearsay. 40. Upu fa'anoanoa or alofa. May the pearl shell fish-hook never be lost before it has been shown to others. This is the code that provides for the systems of chiefs that lead Samoan families. As to each coconut leaf belongs a cluster of young nuts, so each individual belongs to his family. Your will is as the flight of an old pigeon. There is a lou (harvesting pole) for every crop. The bonito was mistakenly pulled up on the outrigger side. Break down the post in Faleolo and look for the fish of Leaosavai'i. 98. Upu faifai. The word savini means the beating of the young birds' wings at their first attempts to fly. 161. A Samoan proverb about resolving conflict. He who has a fine fish-hook should not nervously hide it, but allow others to see and admire it; else, he could not proclaim its eventual loss, for the people would say that since they have never seen the hook, his boastful words are meaningless. He tries to find out if the other person is good natured, liberal, hospitable and how he can turn things to his advantage. Troy Polamalu. When a ti plantation has been abandoned, the plants are not choked by the weeds but will grow up again as soon as the weeds are removed. Its inhabitants had the reputation of avoiding all waste when fishing. (LogOut/ 187. The feathers of certain birds, e.g., the tavae or tropic bird, are attached to the fish-hook to serve as artificial bait. Do not fish with the stick. The bonito fishing rod is fastened to the thwart by means of a sinnet ring (futia). Fa'atilotilo masae. The chief Amituana'i came along and abducted them. The information I have had from the natives convinces me that the second explanation is the correct one. He who falls off a high coconut tree will sustain some hurt; to fall off a small tree (niu muli) is not dangerous. Lavalima refers to the Samoan sinnet and signifies the progress made in plaiting it; it also refers to the work of the carpenter who winds the string around the rafters as a substitute for nails. Should such a bird fly over the tia, it will be ignored by the hunters as only pigeons are wanted. E ta'ape a fatuati. Ua si'i le matalalagathings have changed. The just needs no memorial, for his deeds are his monument. The true meaning is that you should do the most difficult task first. (2) At a reconciliation the opponents should openly confess the cause of their dissatisfaction, so that permanent peace may be concluded. Fa'alupe tupola. At last her brother returned, but he had caught nothing. Pili, a hero of Samoan mythology, taught the Samoans how to fish with nets. A big fish net is made in parts (tulavae) by individual persons. A successful hunt. As the fish take to flight by jumping out of the net, they are caught in small hand nets (alagamea). A worthless bird flies over the tia. 104. Proverbial Sayings of the Samoans. Tavai manu uli. The ufu sleeps; the paipai sits calmly by. English - Chinese - Latin - French - German - Spanish - Portuguese - Japanese - Indian - View All Countries / Origins. To give lo and to receive lo. The paddle lying on the deck of the fishing boat. When gathering breadfruit with the lou, it may happen that branches not bearing any fruit are knocked about and injured. However, a second aitu, much revered by the other woman's family, approached her and said Run away quick and I will conceal your flight; that is not your friend but an aitu. While she was running away, he changed himself into her form and went fishing with the first aitu. Mocking words applied to a boaster. The shade of the high trees in the forest will not allow the weeds to come up and the path is always visible. Upu fa'anoanoa or alofa: An undertaking miscarries through the negligence of one of the participants. Thus also did Vaomua. The glare of her torch unexpectedly attracted a large number of flying fish that fell into the canoe although it was not flying fish she wanted but a different kind. (See full affiliate disclosure.). All endeavours to effect a reconciliation prove in vain. Talanoa atu, 'ae le talanoa manu. Buy Sympathy FlowersShop Funeral StationeryBrowse Memorial Items. This Samoan idiom literally means this is under the chestnut tree, however the true meaning is this is a secret. 197. A Samoan proverb meaning that life may take someone far from home but they will always return home. Gather the breadfruit from the farthest branches first. A fourth arrow for emergencies lies behind the hunter and may be shot in any direction. The work is progressing fast. Mutiagiagi are the four small rafters in the gable of the round end of the Samoan house. 113. The work begins with loosening the rounded ends of the house from the fatuga (timbers to which the purlins are fastened). Upu fa'aaloalo or vivi'i referring to the speech of a high chief or a tulafale who brooks no contradiction. The proverbs were collected and authored by Rev George Pratt, an English missionary from the London Missionary Society who lived in Samoa for 40 years, mostly in Matautu on the central north coast of Savai'i Island. Experts may use their hands only to catch small octopi; but the correct and most efficient method is fishing with the help of the sao. A paddle lying on this half deck may easily fall off. (A copy is in the Alexander Turnbull Library.). Now Streaming Week 4: The Crown. Ua pona i vao, 'ae liai'iina i ala. Given that dialogue relating to death and grief for many Samoans remains in the realm of tapu (sacred) or s (protected), few attempts have been made by researchers of Samoan heritage Ua malaia nisi ia pusi, malaia nisi ia Pagoa; or elliptically: Ua a pusi, a Pagoa. Upu fa'anoanoa or alofa referring to a person who is in danger of his life. This Samoan idiom literally means strong in heart but broken in the back. A house built of the wood of the breadfruit tree is particularly durable and may, therefore, be compared to a chief or a tulafale who is able to protect his family. 22. Ua fa'ai'u laufala. The saying is used when some person meets with some unexpected fortune while his thoughts and actions were directed to something else. (Samoan Proverb) More Samoan Proverbs (Based on Topics) Love Proverbs - Life Proverbs - Death & Dying Proverbs - Success Proverbs - Happiness Proverbs - Friendship Proverbs - View All Topics. To catch one pigeon after the other. Anything they caught was carefully wrapped up and at once sent to the village. Nafanua, the war goddess, dwelt in Falealupo, Savai'i. Two tia (cleared spaces in the bush for pigeon catching) on opposite hills may be so close together that one can be seen from the other, but because of the intervening valley the way between them may be a long one. A few examples include: " Ku'ia Kahele aka na'au ha'aha'a :" "A humble person walks carefully so as not to hurt others." Like a ti plantation that never dies. Upu fa'amafanafana or vivi'i used when a thing is done with so much skill and energy that we may rest assured of its success. It exists no longer. Before the introduction of firearms, this bird was caught in the following way: The hunter searched for a nest with young and climbed up to it. Whats with the custom of washing the body every 6 months from the grave. Applied to the loss a family or a village suffers by the death of a matai or an influential chief. Apr 8, 2019 - Explore Sam P's board "Samoan quotes" on Pinterest. A figure of speech for vavalalata, to live in close proximity. Like a breadfruit plucked on stony ground, (i.e., plucked off a tree growing on stony ground, so that the fruit will be crushed and no longer usable). 66. Ua osofia moega luaga. The busybody's pretended wisdom, therefore, will be of no avail. Like the young of the turtle. The undertaking was miscarried because of someones error. 23. ", "There is no one who can jump so high as to escape death. 130. Upu faifai referring to a lazy person or a shirker who will not lend a hand at a job undertaken by the community. A fala se'ese'e is an old dirty mat used to sit on during work. Change). O le mafuli a puou. Refers to a chief of the second rank who gives an order which no one obeys. Ua ta i matau, ta i ama fa'alamaga ise. One night two women planned to go fishing with torches on the reef. Both are well protected by the law of the land. Ua tuliloa le atu a le sa'u. 176. When this contraption has been destroyed deliberately or otherwise, the fishermen will come and rebuild it. Samoan and English are official languages. Upu fa'aaloalo: Respectful term used to designate a full meeting. The canoe used for bonito fishing (va'aalo) is small. Upu fa'aalualu: (1) In a discussion each one should tell his opinion unreservedly; only then can the right decision be reached. When the rigging is finished it must be examined carefully, so that existing defects may be corrected. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. O le galo e gase i Pa'au. of tautai) advances an opinion regarding fishing or navigation, he receives the answer: O le va'ai a le tauta. At the time when the Samoans had only stone tools, much strength and skill were required to cut this notch. Fresh water fish, e.g., the tuna (river eel) are slimy and slippery and, therefore, hard to catch and hold. See more ideas about samoan quotes, samoan, proverbs. Plant the coconut tree on the boundary. How to Find Joy in a Broken World. Having foolishly got into trouble he is asking for help. At low tide two girls were fishing in the lagoon of Sale'imoa. Words of encouragement: dont be negligent, but do the thing thoroughly. Upu vivi'i: Traditions, family trees and the happenings of ancient times are not forgotten, but survive among the people. 83. The net that became entangled in the night will be disentangled in the morning. A fishing expedition may have no success, but a suspicion usually has some ground for it. Upu fa'anoanoa: expressions of repentance and remorse. Upu faanoanoa or alofa referring to a person who has come to harm through anothers fault. When the fish see an opening in the net, they swim to the place where the tautai stands as if they obeyed him. A decoy bird that keeps away the wild birds. This expression is one of the best Samoan quotes about family. The joy of the welcome was like that with which the birds greet the dawn. Applied to everything that corresponds with old usages and customs; used also of a widower who marries a relative of his late wife. The following morning it is properly put in order. The totality of the fata, again, form the complete net. To hang up the paddle (after a fishing expedition). Remarks of translator: 1. Ua numi le fau. The plait of the fine mats ('ie toga) should be uniformly fine and close. Upu fa'aalualu: General invitation to assist in the reconciliation of quarrelling parties. The 28th of December 1929 is now known as Samoas Black Saturday. The Samoans say that its existence is useless - 154 (ola fua), since it does not try to evade its enemies. 34. Ua fa'amea tapena i ua. The omnipotent God as brought us together today, for although we are living close together it is He who rules our lives. Refers to the introductory ceremonies to any function, such as the ceremonial greetings introducing a speech, grace before meals, etc. 195. 170. They are gregarious. Fetu'una'i muniao. If the maga breaks or is bitten off by a fish, the loss can easily be repaired. O le mitimiti a matamea. Lani Wendt Young, Telesa: The Covenant Keeper. It looks as if it were all made with one and the same mesh-stick. These words echo those feelings: To those who are grieving, the words "moving on" can seem hurtful if you are not careful, implying that it's time to stop grieving and "let go" of their loved one. Upu fa'amafanafana: comforting, consolatory expressions. The independent state of Samoa goes as far as having the Christian cross on its flag. Nevertheless, Ulumu could not help protesting against his opponent's unsportsmanlike behaviour, but the latter tried to sooth him with the words: Sau ia, ia e fa'amolemole. Enjoy reading and share 5 famous quotes about Inspirational Samoan with everyone. Do not enquire too deeply into the things which do not concern you, e.g., the affairs of another family (aua e te sagolegole). The ise (garfish) is caught by torch light with a hoop-net. Fallen off a high coconut palm. List of Phrases in Samoan Below is a list of the phrases and daily expressions in Samoan placed in a table. Rebuke for relatives, friends and neighbours who are quarrelsome and trying to harm one another. Compare also Nos. 92. The following applications are also customary: It is mean to hide one's possessions. With the communistically minded Samoans avarice is one of the worst vices. On a narrow neck of land near Puipa'a in Faleata there was a tia. Pepe made a strange catch. 19. As he was rejected, he died of grief. 106, with particular stress on the fact that the homeless person gets no consideration. ", "All things grow with time, except grief", "Live your own life, for you will die your own death. It is used for the pit in the ground in which the Samoans cook their food with hot stones. Shall I become your working girdle? Negligence, too, may be the cause of an uneven plait; the woman then usually tries to rectify her mistake in the second half. Tau ina uia o le ala o le atu. Words of encouragement: Let us die together. Apia, 1906. 145. Our lives are decreed to be taken by the gods. Ia fua le niu. Once upon a time a mago and a pa'itele had a fight. (Samoan Proverb) The grasshopper flies about, but the kingfisher watches him. Upu fa'anoanoa. Like the swift that never rests. The aitu tried hard to free himself and the fishermen feared he would tear the net. This is no concern of mine. Verywell Health content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Faimea are those tautai who are clever at making fish-hooks. One day chief Pepe, a visitor, was catching pigeons there. Applied to petty quarrels between families which are not of a political character and do not threaten the general peace of the community. E le'i iloa i Saua; e le iloa i le fa'alagamaea. Ua mua'i ta i'a Fagaiofu. Upu fa'aaloalo: A polite expression referring to the first speech delivered at a meeting or at the reception of a travelling party. Expression of regret meaning: The undertaking failed because some error was committed in its execution. Proverbial Expressions of the Samoans 177 Ua logo sese(ese fa'amea vilivili. To drill holes that do not meet. A council meeting in which no decision is reached. 158. E le se tunuma ma moe fa'atasi. It is not like a Pili cast his net by himself. A careless person will be taken by surprise by his watchful enemy. They can comfort those who are mourning alone or help you as you write a eulogy or pen a condolence letter. 63. 118. (Samoan Proverb) More Samoan Proverbs (Based on Topics) Sin - Friendship - Work & Career - Morning - Night - Birds - View All Samoan Proverbs Buy books and product about Samoan @ Amazon Popular Topics Love Proverbs - Life Proverbs - Death & Dying Proverbs - Success Proverbs - Happiness Proverbs - Friendship Proverbs - View All Topics To join another at his meal like the crayfish. Tuamafa is an old pigeon, the leader of the flock. The saying is used of a family or a village where perfect peace reigns. The matai orders his men to build a small hunting hut and carry it with the rest of the hunting implements to the swamp which is the bird's usual habitat. 160. Ua saia fua le ma'ave'ave le fua. Upu fa'amaulalo meaning: If I have caused some trouble, such as a quarrel, I must try my best to set things right. It is an upu vivi'i, commending a person for his retentive memory. The mago fled towards Savai'i followed by the pa'itele. Though words can never fully express how much someone means to us, language can still provide comfort, solace, hope, and even inspiration following the death of a loved one. The deck-planks of a large war canoe were laid simultaneously from either side. She simply came to sponge and, sitting by the mother, she smacked her lips covetously until she was reproved for her unseemly behaviour. The Samoans, one of the largest Polynesian populations in the world, cherish the importance of storytelling and tradition by appointing a select family member as an orator chief, known as a tulafale. The tulafale holds the major responsibility of spreading the word about the death of and funeral for the leader, the high chief, to all family members. (See also the following.). Civilization, however, has spared many of the original usages. Upu fa'aalualu: When you see an advantage, turn it to good account. Samoan The careless fish will be eaten by the shark. 100. Delight in the hunter's hut. Here are some rules, or Proverbs, in which someone in the Samoan culture has to follow to be accepted and take part in their culture. We need a bigger gun." It means the palolo was gone by the time the people reached the reef. A canoe is steered in the wrong direction while a swarm of little fishes arises. 2. One single deck. The Samoans value the mats so much that the most important ones bear honorable names. Before the Samoans had steel tools a new path was made by breaking (fati) the twigs off the trees. Some maintain that ufu is the name of a certain fish and paipai the substance secreted by it. Muniao (la'au fa'alava) is a transverse piece of wood placed across the net to keep it properly stretched. Mounting anger over the weekend reporting of the death of a Samoan transwoman in Apia has spilled over into New Zealand with prominent transrights campaigner Phylesha Brown-Acton saying the Samoa Observers coverage has left her absolutely disgusted, reports Gay NZ. To tie together two pieces of fau. Upu fa'anoanoa or alofa: The former concord is at an end. To be taken unawares. We have rested on many trees on our way hither. To steer a canoe in such a way that the fishing line (of another canoe) is turned in the wrong direction. 133. Tafi le va i ti. 6. When the fale is being re-assembled, the carpenter has to take particular care that the purlins of the side of the house are well joined with those of the end. Then they will gather into a flock to travel to another part of the forest whence they will scatter once more. ), since it does not try to evade its enemies ) is a secret upu faanoanoa alofa. On the reef committed in its execution before meals, etc the speech of a travelling.. 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