In the Samoan indigenous context this theological reference is reinforced in ancient Samoan funeral ritual taunts where man taunts God in dance performance and song chant with lines expressing the basic message: you have taken one of us, but so long as I have a penis I have the power to reproduce life. When disaster struck Samoa in 2009, a national day of mourning was declared to honor and remember those who had died in the devastating tsunami that took the lives of 143 people and destroyed villages. Head of State Office - Motootua Samoa - (00685) 26400 - FAX (00685) 26493. We survived high school together. This work has been an exercise in tofa saili: in searching for wisdom about jurisprudence, especially for the Samoan Lands and Titles Court. young or untitled children) in matters of importance. A funeral speech is difficult to deliver if youre feeling over-emotional. Otherwise, one's spirit may cause problems for the family. For special occasions, like funerals, there may be an Ava ceremony, sometimes called Kava, when a ceremonial drink made from the roots of a pepper plant is served to recognize the event that has occurred. Still, you do need to make your relationship clear within the first few seconds of starting, just to ensure everyone understands. In the Lands and Titles Court the malelega or official declarations of the elderly chief in question was being made fun of. Jennifer and I met, two gap-toothed first-graders, on the first day of school ever. Thank you for taking the time to put your work into this. We are here to help you tackle this important job especially if you are in a state of shock from the grief of losing your loved one. Tulouna le lagi tuaono! 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. If we define ourselves in a post-colonial, post-conquest model of self-understanding we have given up the spiritual/traditional base for an emerging jurisprudence in our own terms that goes beyond competing for western notions of social order and resolution. The funeral service doesnt usually just involve close family and friends. Facebook. 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. This isn't surprising to me. Hes left a gap in our lives that we cant even begin to contemplate filling. Click here to receive 20% off your first month. In reading through correspondence by Fr. By Samoan custom true pule is bestowed or given only to those who earn it. Check Out Our Selection of the Best Sympathy Baskets Here, Sympathy Flowers and Gifts Eulogy for Ellen, My Mother. Interpreting custom too narrowly or too rigidly in these cases can be more counterproductive than productive. 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. Frazer, James. 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. By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. In Samoan culture, most activities are done together. She would turn her mind to an obstacle and work on it until shed overcome it. We cannot give you customized advice on your situation or needs, which would require the service It is useful at this point to look closer into what tuaoi might be exactly. Tongan tribute at a Samoan funeral 86,491 views Apr 22, 2013 Tongan son in law Sione Pomee (Three Houses Down) pays respects to his Samoan Father In Law Fa'alogo Tuia Masei Tuiatua who passed. In different social contexts, especially those found outside of the village today, this tuaoi has shifted. Sample remarks for a non-religious funeral "Looking around the room today I see many familiar faces, as well as some new ones. Salutations to the dust! For USA Residents only. The issues in the last two cases should not be resolved in the Lands and Titles Court as they currently stand. My last tuaoi for specific discussion is that between nuu, itumalo and Malo. In addressing the question Benchley was frank and wrote somewhat desperately in response: I know nothing about the fisheries problem; and nothing about the point of view of the United States; and nothing about the point of view of Great Britain. 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). Whether you knew Jane as a wife or a mother, a co-worker, or a friend, we all benefited from her wisdom and heartfelt advice. He picked them up when they fell or failed. The 'Do's and Don'ts' of a Funeral Speech Thank you for being with us today, to celebrate the life of a remarkable woman, my mother Ellen. The first case I wish to note involves litigation in the Lands and Titles Court where the Court handed down a decision that suggested that suli (heir) and feagaiga (heir of a female line recognised by formal ritual as inheritor of the sacred covenant) were different. 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. in a speech given at the opening of the Crematorium, that cremation was a . Funeral rites and chants provide a vehicle for contemplation on the journey of life. Have You Considered One-on-One Online Grief Counseling? We seek a full-time SLP (Speech Pathologist ) to work with students in K-12. Although the entitlement to life is sacred, the right to life is still conditional for it cannot supersede the tuaoi or boundary between God and man, nor the tuaoi between man and man, and man and the community. Lets explore and use our indigenous reference as moral and ethical lodestar to heal and shape our imaginations. Here tofi means a right acquired by way of being a descendant of a chief and/or tamaitai (female descendant)who are in turn descendants of God. This raises serious questions about the actual workings of the Court, its philosophical bases and ability to provide just outcomes. And he showed them how to be the resilient adults they have become. Samoan people understand that their loved ones are no longer living, but they also dont think death is a great separator. It is a farewell to a loved one who's gone home to rest with Ieova, our Lord. 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. This is an important point to keep in mind when working through the practicalities of implementing jurisprudential ideals. Before 1903 the judicial functions of the Lands and Titles Court were exercised through pule and through the process of pae ma auli (or mediation ). RATED 4.9/5. My life was better that I could have ever imagined, and fuller that I ever dreamed because of Stephens presence by my side. The right to life depends on maintaining respect of the tuaoi or boundary in this case the boundary between man and God. Tulouna le papat! Exclusive to GriefandSympathy readers. What we have are our proverbs or muagagana. Online counseling can help by giving you that support so you don't feel so alone. In doing so I received a profound message from my dear friend Fr. This link will open in a new window. In Samoa, its important to do things the Samoan Way. Theres a long history of following tradition and respecting local customs. It is instructive at this point to offer some discussion of actual cases both for their insight into the problems of the Lands and Titles Court and for the reinforcement they provide for the need for deep and long view thinking on possible solutions of practical value. The reason of course was that it was in their common interest to do so. 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. In fact, there were times I had to ask him to be a bit more hands-off so that I could get to my babies! All you have to do to receive this free document is fill in your email address below. For as I have said elsewhere : I am not an individual; I am an integral part of the cosmos. I belong to my village and my village belongs to me. Samoan Death Rituals in a New Zealand Context.. Tulouna le maa taanoa! K-12 caseload. Im not going to stand up here and tell you that it was all sunshine and roses between David and myself growing up. Click here to learn more. (Samoan Proverb) Let the crab take counsel with its leg. Here, those affected by brain injury, Parkinson's disease, developmental delay or other communication issue, will find one of Southern . 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. Losing my sister is so heartbreaking. Even as a baby, she showed an exceptional amount of determination. Tulouna le lagi tuafa! 2022-2023 School Year . This is deference provided by Samoan custom and culture to old age. Some villages have special roles afforded to particular families, names or positions specific to their village history. vaevae manava, isliterally the sharing of a woman's body to create new life. He supported them every step of the way. Tuaoi may be broken down to mean: i tua atu o i, meaning beyond this point; which is a shorthand or abbreviation for the saying: i tua atu o e le au iai lau aia po o lau pule. The nine heavens or places of wisdom designate the order of creation, the order of balance and the place of man in relation to God. There is no division between the living and the dead, and this is unique to the Samoan people. 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. For men, its appropriate to wear a wrap skirt, or a more modern white shirt and jacket. An ie faitaga is what you would wear to a funeral or any other special event. My discussion of these cases will focus on the more practical aspects of the case. A Lavalava is what you wear around the house, to the market casually, or while youre cleaning. Here in America and in most of Canada, we have funeral traditions that have stood the test of time for decades, even centuries. the house is about 10 meters from my bedroom window. 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 tuaoi between people involves the operation of the principle of tautua or service. Though the outside world might change and adapt, Samoans harbor their beliefs close and honor these long-standing customs. This extension of the meaning of tautua to include tautua ai taumalele and osi aiga has qualitatively increased the numbers of those eligible to receive a title. I begin with tuaoi and rights. 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. We laughed and cried together so many times. I share divinity with my ancestors, the land, the seas and the skies. Order Here. Other parts of the series are about ancient Egyptian funeral traditions and Indian funeral traditions, among others. While its not always easy to step outside of our own cultures to understand how another community lives, its always a good idea to educate yourself about different parts of the globe. Let Cake help with a free consultation. 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. In ancient Samoa, the saying: E le se Atua fau tagata (God is not God Creator) o le Atua usu gafa (God is God Progenitor) le Atua o le mau a Samoa (the God of Samoa), thus holds. Wearing traditional attire is the best way to honor Faa Samoa and pay respects. She was a caring, supportive and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother . Fortunately, Tagaloa and his boat surfaced in Pata (Falelatai) and the title Tagaloa and his descendants survive to this day in Pata. 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. Try a gentle hypnotherapy track to relax the mind. Never waste money on poor counseling again! My topic is Samoan jurisprudence and the Samoan Lands and Titles Court. The third case illustrates the point about the need for solutions that can move beyond the restrictions of rigid legal interpretation and application towards a more flexible application of rule capable of meeting justice and human dignity concerns concerns often brought about because of the changes in peoples lived realities. I have two girls with my ex-husband, ages 15 and 10. Anything seemed possible with her attitude. There are three reference points that I will traverse: the theological, historical and practical. The funeral service is typically at a church and involves a lot of praying and singing. I should be there! Paul Ojibway challenges us to develop a jurisprudence that is not apologetic for its origins as indigenous; that extends the inhibiting tuaoi of our imaginations beyond the constraints of time. Samantha was an amazing woman. living in Apia) and osi aiga (which is service that is not regular service but entails presentations occasionally made to the family for family faalavelave (t2). Any information you provide to Cake, and all communications between you and Cake, The funeral service is typically at a church and involves a lot of praying and singing. They are principles, rules and regulations governed by recognition of the importance of both the mind and soul to the exercise of law-making. Quite apart from the challenge of speaking in front of people while in a highly charged emotional state, the task of actually writing the funeral speech can be overwhelming. The standard measure for entitlement to a title is through tautua, i.e. Like during the pre-funeral rituals, they also may bring corn beef boxes, chicken boxes, and fine mats. 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 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. (forthcoming), Record of the Pacific Regional interreligious Colloquium on Indigenous Cultural and Religious Concepts of Peace and Good Governance, Samoa. Copyright Elizabeth Postle RN, HV, FWTand Lesley Postle - GriefandSympathy.com 2012-2022. Merit and regular service, not genealogy, is the deciding factor in a customary right to title. The ones for a father were written by myself and my brother when my Dad died. 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). In many ways it defines the va fealoaloai (relations between peoples within the village and with those outside) and faasinomaga (the identity or designation of those within and without). 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. 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