What is the culture of American Samoa?
The traits of Samoan culture are called Fa’a Samoa (fah-ah-SAH-mo-ah), and include an emphasis on family hierarchies, the extended family (aiga), Christianity and respecting elders. It is also important to note that revealing clothing should not be worn in American Samoa.
What is the importance of the Samoan culture?
Adhering to fa’a Samoa brings a sense of pride and respect as well as social cohesion within the Samoan community. Fa’a Samoa is holistic, meaning that Samoan culture is often understood as encompassing nearly all facets of life. For many, adhering to fa’a Samoa is closely associated with honouring one’s family.
What are the three key elements of FA a Samoa?
The three main pillars of Fa’a Samoa are the matai (chiefs), aiga (extended family), and the Christian church.
What is the significance of tattooing in Samoan culture?
The tattoo and designs of the Samoa islands represents community, power, status, respect, honor, and is a mark of pride that are only to be worn by Samoans. For those who have no cultural influence or heritage background it is an act of disrespect to display their symbols and designs.
Where is the Samoan culture from?
The Samoans are a Polynesian people closely related to the native peoples of New Zealand, French Polynesia, Hawaii, and Tonga. The Samoan way of life, or fa’a Samoa, is communal. The basic unit of social organization is the extended family (aiga).
Where did the Samoan culture come from?
Samoans or Samoan people (Samoan: tagata Sāmoa) are the indigenous Polynesian people of the Samoan Islands, an archipelago in Polynesia, who speak the Samoan language.
What does the PE A represent?
In Samoan society, the pe’a and the malu are viewed with cultural pride and identity as well as a hallmark of manhood and womanhood. Pe’a is the traditional tattoo design for men that spans from the waist to the knee.
What does the turtle symbolize in Samoan culture?
In Samoan folklore, sea turtles were believed to have the power to save fishermen who were lost at sea by bringing them safely to shore. The Samoan word for sea turtle, I’a sa, translates literally to “scared fish”, presumably because of this ability.
What is unique about Samoan culture?
The traditional culture of Samoa is a communal way of life based on Fa’a Samoa, the unique socio-political culture. In Samoan culture, most activities are done together. Elders in the family are greatly respected and hold the highest status, and this may be seen at a traditional Sunday umu (normal oven).
What are the do’s and don’ts in Samoa?
In a Samoan home, don’t talk to people while standing, and don’t eat while walking around a village. Avoid stretching your legs straight out in front of you while sitting. If you can’t fold them beneath you, then pull one of the floor mats over them.