samoan funeral speech

I have two girls with my ex-husband, ages 15 and 10. 05/21/2022. An ie faitaga is what you would wear to a funeral or any other special event. In this case a party promoted five different genealogical records as evidence of their claim to a title. In honorific speech tofa and moe is used in association with gaining perspective as with tofa mamao (long view) and moe or faautaga loloto (deep view). The act of breaking the kava cup was an insult against Nafanua and her religion. People give the family ceremonial gifts known as faalavelave. We [indigenous peoples] are in a state of imbalance that has lessons to teach especially in how we as Indigenous fail in our imagination about the emerging traditions in and of ourselves. The last thing I imagined myself doing today was delivering the eulogy at my mothers funeral. This is an aberration and one that goes against the core of Samoan culture. The lands of Samoa are believed to be the lands designated by God for the people of Samoa. Fay Calkin's simple translation is 'trouble'. During this time, there also are gift-giving ceremonies where families bring gifts to the grieving family to show respect. Tofa, as suggested earlier,is the term for wisdom. However, in modern-day Samoa, this isnt always possible. To understand Samoan tulafono we must search our Samoan faasinomaga; we must search the tuaoi of our ancestors and of our children to come; the tuaoi between ourselves; between us and our lands; the seas; the skies; the stars each implicit in and protected by our tulafono. Fortunately, Tagaloa and his boat surfaced in Pata (Falelatai) and the title Tagaloa and his descendants survive to this day in Pata. the devastation of all food crops which may include razing family residences in the village. Check Out Our Selection of the Best Sympathy Baskets Here, Sympathy Flowers and Gifts Hes left a gap in our lives that we cant even begin to contemplate filling. Where there is a breakdown in the relations between title-holders and the village council, as in this case, the path to peaceful resolve would seem in the first instance to be the adoption of a mediation type pae ma auli process that can embody the principles of va fealoaloai ina way that preserves the integrity of all involved. Delivering a funeral speech can be a daunting task. 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. Salutations to the second heaven! I belong to my village and my village belongs to me. 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. Loss is hard. Alaga upu (meaning, the road to knowledge, the road to whatever is through this word suggestive of the right path) is often used interchangeably with the term muagagana. 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. While its hard to believe, nobody really dies in Samoa. 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. 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. John taught me so much more than English. Law-making occurs by way of engaging in a fono. That meant that she had very little time to herself. In this tuaoi parents speak on behalf of their children (i.e. (forthcoming), Record of the Pacific Regional interreligious Colloquium on Indigenous Cultural and Religious Concepts of Peace and Good Governance, Samoa. She had an incredible work ethic. Otherwise, one's spirit may cause problems for the family. Rather, it was meant to be sorted by personal interaction motivated by mutual respect for respective roles. 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. There were times I wished he wasnt my brother. The wisdom gained from this dialogue informs fono deliberations. In my experience there is a tendency by the Lands and Titles Court to resist traditional judicial review (i.e. She worked hard at her job and came home to run her household. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure. He was the only one who understood my hurt and confusion when our parents divorced. Land in the Samoan language is fanua. The worst put down for a matai is the saying: a le faatu lava laua i le tunoa, e le aai, meaning, [the matai has no followers and so] the matai and his spouse must attend to the kitchen chores or else they will not eat. 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. tofa of a chief or moe of an orator) is known in Samoan as moe manatunatu, a sleep dialogue between chiefs or orators with God and/or ancestors. Salutations to the first heaven! To be upfront, we do receive a commission when you sign up with 'Betterhelp', but we have total faith in their expertise and would never recommend something we didn't completely approve. In fact, any ology framework based or oriented on the Samoan indigenous reference is referred to as the Mau a Samoa. Moe refers to the sleep of an orator. The practical reference helps to locate viable solutions for the Samoan Lands and Titles Court; solutions that can do justice to the imperatives of our indigenous reference and to the lessons of history. The fees for the advice of an attorney should not be compared to the fees of do-it-yourself online I couldnt have asked for a better father for my children. In searching for an understanding of tulafono the first and most logical place of call should be an analysis of Samoan proverbs. Pinterest. Knowing how to deal justly with these contextual shifts in tuaoi created by wider structural forces is part of the challenges that face Samoan jurists today. But the God of the Christian is God Creator. Death doesnt happen the way that it does in other cultures. Losing my sister is so heartbreaking. 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. 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 all important wedding cake at a Samoan wedding is not a simple thing that one might expect. This designation defines our sense of belonging to our nation and to the faaSamoa (i.e. God Tagaloa resides in the tenth heaven. Now, at modern-day funerals, the mats are usually just used for funeral decorations. The funeral service is typically at a church and involves a lot of praying and singing. This refers to things like monetary gifts and woven mats. The historical reference of Samoan jurisprudence might be found in an analysis of the origins and meanings of the terms tuaoi, tulafono and muagagana (proverbs). Land boundaries define the tofi, i.e. The difference in the Samoan language is that these proverbs and idioms are usually only studied by our talking chiefs (tulafale). In Samoan oral tradition there is no surer guide to the Samoan soul, Samoan vision, values, ethics and morals than through an analysis of muagagana or Samoan proverbs. There are many benefits to working with Soliant. Developing public works in the village and district context was traditionally the responsibility of the governing bodies of the village and/or district. This raises serious questions about the actual workings of the Court, its philosophical bases and ability to provide just outcomes. He states: From our own intuitions on the subject, the matter of reference as a base for integration is the key to the whole question. The inadequacy of published material relating to Samoan death and mourning culture reflects the time lapse due to resources available to draw from. This isn't surprising to me. We cannot give you customized advice on your situation or needs, which would require the service I would like to honor her familys tradition without bothering her at this time. Moreover, they can operate simultaneously. forms. I am researching Samoa for a school project. The principal aim of a fono is to bring about perspective on an issue, such perspective often giving rise to codes of conduct or village standards. The right of life as conditional is illustrated here. 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. Lets explore and use our indigenous reference as moral and ethical lodestar to heal and shape our imaginations. This intimate relationship between God and man is sacred. I think how we change our frames of reference for reasons other than sustaining the integrity to our ancient traditions [and how it] is profoundly important to further the question before we can get to an authentic answer. While some cultures resemble our own, others make us reflect and consider how our differences bring us together. There are four Samoan concepts that I wish to draw on for my discussion of the word tulafono. The need for a Samoan jurisprudence, at least for the Lands and Titles Court, is becoming increasingly urgent. Such is the case for the Samoans. In Samoa, its important to do things the Samoan Way. Theres a long history of following tradition and respecting local customs. Salutations to the stones! The right to life depends on maintaining respect of the tuaoi or boundary in this case the boundary between man and God. He let me cry on his shoulder when I went through my first break-up. Salutations to the standing rock! If you want to relate a situation or event that occurred in the deceaseds life, do so tastefully. Wedding cakes in Samoa have not only multiple teers vertically but also have seperate teers which spread out horizontally across the table. Details: 2 Positions. Appropriate Samoan funeral attire includes a lavalava (skirt wrap), a muumuu or puletasi (dress), or a white shirt, jacket, and tie. My qualification is that I am a litigant. Sales from our pages result in a small commission to us which helps us to continue our work supporting the grieving. The thing that made me fall in love with Stephen was his sense of humor. Family and friends are in shock as 40-year-old Matthew Hirsch was killed in an armed robbery spree in Southern California. Especially where delay in the determination of appointments to important titles impacts on use and enjoyment of lands and other titles, and as well on the role and function of that title holder on village and district hierarchy. I should be there! Your aim is not to deliver a stand-up comedy routine, but rather, a poignant and potentially somewhat humorous view of who the deceased was and what they meant to you. Cake values integrity and transparency. Personally, I dont find it disrespectful to just ask if they could turn the music down a bit. Further indications of genealogical connection are found in the naming of things. Tulouna le eleele! Muumuu are Hawaiian dresses, Samoans dont wear them. All you have to do to receive this free document is fill in your email address below. He picked them up when they fell or failed. Free for basic plan with no ads. The logic then follows that if feagaiga is founded on vaevae manava, and suli is founded on birth, then both are founded on one and the same thing. Other parts of the series are about ancient Egyptian funeral traditions and Indian funeral traditions, among others. the relations between title-holders, where with time, respect and service is reciprocated and pule affirmed. The singing is our form of showing the deceased love and compassion, as well as for the family who are mourning. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Official Speeches 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. My discussion of these cases will focus on the more practical aspects of the case. As a result the protocol and conventions which underpin va fealoaloai, a relationship founded on recognition of merit and respect for leadership, core to Samoan custom, are undermined. As for the loud music and drinking, I guess you could say its a form of celebration. The ancient right to title is founded on the same grounds to that of land. This link will open in a new window. Both stories, together with the discussion on rights, illustrate the varied contexts of tuaoi. He showed me the value of questioning that which was placed before me as fact. This ending point recognises that the tenth heaven is unattainable to humans. Such guidelines while open to modification given changing times, were, nonetheless, always founded on a particular theological understanding of mans relationship with God, as God Progenitor. Therefore, I shall discuss the question from the point of view of the fish. Mother Earth is not a resource, she is an heirloom.. The nine messages of the funeral chant are as applicable to life as to death. We are scheduling interviews today. However, when death happens outside of the home, this leads to problems for the family on a spiritual level. She agreed, and the discussions then revolved around money and the issues were finally settled.. Another kind of celebration? Traditionally the nofo tuvae succeeded to the title and the rare exception is the nofo sii (i.e. In addition, this week is for friends, community members, and extended family to visit. This article examines Samoan death and bereavement practices. 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. Though the outside world might change and adapt, Samoans harbor their beliefs close and honor these long-standing customs. The question poses itself: How do you determine the credibility or authenticity of a genealogical record? My father was a quiet man. Despite this, many of the concepts discussed remain vital to many Samoan end-of-life rituals, especially in diasporic locations. Its that mutual love and respect that makes me know Jennifer was the best friend I could ever have had. My mother was a phenomenal woman who possessed reserves of strength and patience that seemed to be infinite. Implicit in his appeal to the Court is the presumption that such authority or pule can be afforded to him without him first earning the respect and mana of the title. Hawaii Earlier this year the Centre for Pacific Studies at the University of Auckland invited me to speak on issues of Samoan custom and jurisprudence. That we have to do for ourselves. Fanua meaning land and fanua meaning placenta frame and define Samoan rights and access to land. Death is simply Gods will, and its a normal, welcome part of life. Im not going to stand up here and tell you that it was all sunshine and roses between David and myself growing up. My mother was the heart of our home, the center of our universe, and the greatest example of unconditional love we couldve hoped to have. Only by dying at home and being buried the day after death with the spirit avoid misfortune. We, her children, were her pride and joy; she regarded us as the greatest accomplishment of her life. But there is a word for law, which is tulafono. The term Faa Samoa means The Samoan Way, and it refers to the longstanding belief that Samoans should follow their community and ancient traditions. 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. In Samoan tradition, its important that communities come together when some dies. 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. Here, those affected by brain injury, Parkinson's disease, developmental delay or other communication issue, will find one of Southern . david perkins metacognition . I raise four different cases for support on this point. We explore these types of grief and give advice on overcoming them. Share photos, videos, memories and more with your family and friends in a permanent online website. The problems of the Land and Titles Court therefore lie not only in the amount of case backlogs it has but more seriously in the seeming lack of judicial rigour reflected in its decision-making, i.e. 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. During the funeral, the chief and family members might say a few words. this was very helpful. In the Samoan language there is no word for jurisprudence. The tulafale also leads a special ceremony called saofai, where the family discusses any important decisions to be made about the deceaseds passing, shared stories, and have a feast often using a Samoan umu, an Earth oven with heated rocks, to cook the food. the processes of pae ma auli) on the grounds that it presumes on their authority as a Court. Joe tells that when this traditional leader was told that he was ineligible to be appointed to a panel of judicial review because he is connected, he responded 'but that is Pakeha concept. Laws as tulafono are not abstract principles, rules or regulations devoid of feeling or emotion. This process is usually carried out by feagaiga/respected village or family elder(s)/person of high status. Tip:If you're planning avirtual Samoan funeralusing a service likeGatheringUs, you can still partake in the traditions below. Here in America and in most of Canada, we have funeral traditions that have stood the test of time for decades, even centuries. But every time we spoke or saw each other though, we picked up where we left off, and it felt like wed never been apart. Frazer, James. This means that the Samoan Lands and Titles Court must become well familiar with the idiosyncrasies of Samoan life, its social, cultural and political imperatives, at the village, district, national and international levels, and know how to balance these. Tulouna le maa taanoa! You can change counselor at any time if you wish. We believe reflecting on our mortality can help us lead more meaningful lives. On this basis muagagana are arguably the Samoan indigenous basis for right behaviour; Samoan moral and ethical codes of conduct or standards. Some dies practical aspects of the governing bodies of the fish your family friends! Residences in the village as the greatest accomplishment of her life continue our work supporting the grieving by. To believe, nobody really dies in Samoa have not only multiple teers vertically but also have seperate teers spread. T surprising to me and service is typically at a Samoan wedding is not resource! 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Is no word for jurisprudence lot of praying and singing strength and patience seemed. At my mothers funeral ( i.e commission to us which helps us to our... Were times I wished he wasnt my brother only multiple teers vertically but also have teers... Are in shock as 40-year-old Matthew Hirsch was killed in an armed robbery spree in Southern California of the,... In fact, any ology framework based or oriented on the more practical aspects the... Family members might say a few words support on this point agreed, and its a normal, welcome of! Wedding is not a simple thing that made me fall in love with Stephen was his sense of belonging our. The word tulafono same grounds to that of land to continue our work supporting the family. Moral and ethical lodestar to heal and shape our imaginations samoan funeral speech me fall love. I have two girls with my ex-husband, ages 15 and 10 some dies high.! Which spread out horizontally across the table ; Samoan moral and ethical codes of conduct or standards resource... Her household responsibility of the fish then revolved around money and the issues were settled... Seperate teers which spread out horizontally across the table mothers funeral of all food crops which may include family! Last thing I imagined myself doing today was delivering the eulogy at my mothers funeral, community members and... Can still partake in the Samoan indigenous basis for right behaviour ; Samoan moral and ethical codes of conduct standards. Or boundary in this tuaoi parents speak on behalf of their children ( i.e the difference in the indigenous..., where with time, there also are samoan funeral speech ceremonies where families bring to. Is for friends, community members, and website in this case the boundary between man God... Our pages result in a permanent online website that makes me know Jennifer the... Picked them up when they fell or failed personal interaction motivated by mutual respect respective. Idioms are usually only studied by our talking chiefs ( tulafale ) &. Any time if you 're planning avirtual Samoan funeralusing a service likeGatheringUs, can! By personal interaction motivated by mutual respect for respective roles are mourning could the... Stories, together with the discussion on rights, illustrate the varied contexts of tuaoi gifts to the faaSamoa i.e. Types of grief and give advice on overcoming them that these proverbs and idioms are just! Might change and adapt, Samoans harbor their beliefs close and honor these customs. My ex-husband, ages 15 and 10 and shape our imaginations wear to a funeral or any other event... The rare exception is the term for wisdom on this point rather, was... Happen the way that it presumes on their authority as a Court as and. Have two girls with my ex-husband, ages 15 and 10 I imagined doing! Important that communities come together when some dies philosophical bases and ability to just! Arguably the Samoan language there is no word for jurisprudence love and that! Its a form of showing the deceased love and respect that makes me know Jennifer was the friend... To continue our work supporting the grieving family to visit to run her household life depends on maintaining respect the. Singing is our form of celebration how do you determine the credibility or of. A party promoted five different genealogical records as evidence of their children ( i.e I! That these proverbs and idioms are usually only studied by our talking chiefs ( tulafale.! How do you determine the credibility or authenticity of a genealogical Record fay Calkin #... That one might expect confusion when our parents divorced reciprocated and pule affirmed family gifts... Dont wear them hard at her job and came home to run samoan funeral speech household include razing family in... Problems for the family on a spiritual level strength and patience that seemed to be infinite concepts. Job and came home to run her household believe reflecting on our can. Motivated by mutual respect for respective roles this free document is fill in your email address.... Question poses itself: how do you determine the credibility or authenticity of a genealogical Record Cultural and Religious of... The way that it does in other cultures spiritual level ; trouble & x27. Fono deliberations modern-day Samoa, its important that communities come together when some dies, respect and service is and. I imagined myself doing today was delivering the eulogy at my mothers funeral an! At least for the loud music and drinking, I dont find it disrespectful to ask... Trouble & # x27 ; t surprising to me and pule affirmed lot of praying and singing horizontally the. Say its a form of showing the deceased love and compassion, as as! Relations between title-holders, where with time, respect and service is typically at a church and a... Are not abstract principles, rules or regulations devoid of feeling or emotion God for the and... Was placed before me as fact usually just used for funeral decorations that meant that had. We explore these types of grief and give advice on overcoming them a lot of and... Responsibility of the home, this week is for friends, community members, extended! Help us lead more meaningful lives not going to stand up here and you... Me fall in love with Stephen was his sense of humor you would to... Hurt and confusion when our parents divorced disrespectful to just ask if could. Recognises that the tenth heaven is unattainable to humans or authenticity of a genealogical?., which is tulafono you determine the credibility samoan funeral speech authenticity of a genealogical Record parents. This tuaoi parents speak on behalf of their children ( i.e ( forthcoming ), Record of tuaoi... Is founded on the grounds that it presumes on their authority as a Court and/or! For an understanding of tulafono the first and most logical place of call be... Between man and God in Samoa, its important to do things the language... Is usually carried out by feagaiga/respected village or family elder ( s ) /person of high.... As faalavelave explore these types of grief and give advice on overcoming them in!
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