Do Samoans eat with their hands?

Many Samoans eat with their hands, but will often offer cutlery for guests. Taking a second serving is thought to be rude. Take everything you plan to eat on the first serving. As a sign of appreciation and respect, try every dish offered.

What are some Samoan values?

Within the family, giving and receiving tautua (service), fa’aaloalo (respect) and alofa (love) are crucial in Samoan social relations. Young people are expected to serve and show respect to elders, and can expect to receive love, protection, honour, a name to be proud of, and defence by the family when it is needed.

What do Samoans do in their free time?

With the beautiful landscapes of Samoan islands, also comes the fun, jovial and happy-go-lucky nature of the Samoan people. Their form of entertainment includes singing songs, dancing and enjoying great delicacies. Dances include the synchronized Sasa routine, the graceful Siva dance and the knife-fire dances.

What do Samoa celebrate?

Samoans celebrate the peaceful attainment of constitutional independence in 1962 on 1 June.

What are Samoans famous for?

According to legend, Samoa is known as the “Cradle of Polynesia” because Savai’i island is said to be Hawaiki, the Polynesian homeland. Samoan culture is undoubtedly central to Polynesian life, and its styles of music, dance, and visual art have gained renown throughout the Pacific islands and the world.

What is offensive to Samoans?

To show respect and honor to elderly Samoans, do not eat or drink while standing in their presence. To do so is considered rude and offensive. While it is not rude to refuse something to eat or drink when offered, if it is offered more than twice, the food and drink should be accepted.

What is a Samoan dress called?

puletasi
The puletasi (Samoa) or puletaha (Tonga) is a traditional item of clothing worn by Samoan, Tongan, and Fijian women and girls. Today, puletasi is used as female full dress. It is most commonly worn to church and formal cultural events.

What does fa a mean in Samoan?

The Samoan Way
Fa’a Samoa, in the beautiful Samoan language, literally means “The Samoan Way.” The phrase refers to the Samoan culture and traditions that color the everyday lives of many Samoan people. At the heart of fa’a Samoa is ‘aiga, the Samoan word for family.

What are Samoan tattoos?

The Samoan style of tattoo, or the tatau, is essentially a type of tribal tattoo that uses black ink to create rhythmic patterns is symbols from nature that are meaningful and relate to the Samoan culture.

What is Samoan art?

Traditional Samoan arts include tatau, siapo, and ie toga, which are body art, decorative fabric, and fine mats. Current Samoan artists, like Fatu Feu’u are inspired by traditional Samoan art and share it with the world.