Traditional customs and habits of Western Samoa
Samoa is a South Pacific island country located in the middle of the South Pacific and in the center of Polynesia. It is known as the "Heart of Polynesia." It consists of two major islands: Savaii and Upolu. In addition, there are some small islands scattered around Upolu Island. The national political and commercial center is on Upolu Island, the second largest island, and is the most developed area in the country.
Apia, the capital of Samoa, is also Samoa's main port. It is located in the northern part of Ubulu Island. It is a typical tropical city with beautiful scenery, surrounded by mountains and rivers, surrounded by lush coconut groves and exotic flowers and grasses all over the mountains and plains. In addition to various modern shops and goods in Apia, you can also buy traditional Samoan handicrafts, bark cloth, hardwood carvings and shell ornaments. Because the International Date Line is immediately west of Apia, it is the westernmost capital in the world. Samoa, on the other hand, is known as the country where the sun sets last. Every year, it is the latest to welcome the New Year, so when the New Year approaches, people always come to the seaside here to enjoy the last sunset.
Samoa is a country with traditional Polynesian culture. For thousands of years, Samoa has always attached importance to maintaining its traditional culture and way of life. The social structure is basically tribal, with each tribe being a patrilineal clan, and the "Maathai" or chief) being the family leader of each tribal family, managing the family's economic, political and social affairs, while enjoying the ownership of traditional inherited land. The land distribution rights of the tribe were in his hands, and he also distributed it to each household for cultivation, and he was responsible for distributing the harvest. Even candidates for members of the National Parliament are decided by committees composed of Matai in each village. Villagers who have not been recommended to participate in the election of members without authorization will be severely punished or even expelled from the village. Such incidents have occurred in previous general elections. Several incidents have occurred. Now there have been improvements, and the farmers have all their gains.
In Samoa, people do not judge their status based on their clothes, but use the title of Matai (Chief Matai) to distinguish their identities. Samoa has about 20,000 people in Matai with various titles. After being awarded the title of Matai, the title was placed at the top of the name, and people often called it by title. The title of Matai is not a name, so the title cannot be preceded by Mr. or Mrs. The customary address for the current head of state is: "His Highness Maietoa Taumafili II";"Your Highness" to his face. Use "Honorable" before addressing Prime Minister, Minister and Member of Parliament.
The Samoan people are also a people who can sing and dance well. During festivals, men, women and old all wear a traditional dress called "Lawarawa", wear garlands, paint facial masks, and gather together to sing and dance. There are many fascinating legends on Samoa, which have been passed down from generation to generation, explaining the natural landscape of villages and the origin of other Samoan cultures. They especially like to tell their stories to guests coming from afar, which is a sign of friendliness. At the same time, a traditional ritual called the "Kava Ceremony" will be held when receiving distinguished guests or other major events, where guests are presented with kava wine. This is made from the roots of the pepper plant Kava (kava is a plant unique to the South Pacific region. It belongs to the Pepper family. Its roots can be made into powder and dissolved in water. It has the functions of relieving summer heat and calming, etc.), dried, ground and added water. After drinking it, you will feel like you're high.
There is also a set of fixed procedures for the Kava ceremony, including activities such as honoring Kava to VIPs and important figures. However, the entire process is in Samoan, so foreigners basically cannot understand it and can only follow the guests. When the master presents kava, he has to drink it, but he can drink less. Pour some on the ground before drinking to show a memorial service. At the same time, you need to sit cross-legged and do not stretch your legs in front of you. At the end of the ceremony, the guest of honor must give money to Matai, who presided over the ceremony.
Another custom here is tattooing, carving pictures and tattooing flowers on the body. If you want to become a chief, you must have many tattoos on your body. You must form a circle around your body. They are all Samoan patterns. In Samoa, tattoos are a symbol of strength and strength. Over time, the tattoos here began to become famous for their excellent skills. Many people who originally did not have any desire for tattoos couldn't help but "take" one home when they arrived here.
