Fa'asamoa - The Samoan Way

 

Taupou and Manaia performing traditional dance.

NPS photo.

 

Samoan leader speaks at an event.

NPS photo.

The Fa’asamoa: A Way of Life

Fa’asamoa, or the Samoan way, is the foundation of Samoan culture and society, providing a framework of customs, social practices, and values that guide the daily lives of the people of American Samoa. This cultural system is deeply rooted in a sense of community, mutual respect, and the importance of family, known as aiga. It is a living tradition that has adapted over the centuries, yet remains one of the oldest and most enduring cultures in Polynesia.

At its core, fa’asamoa emphasizes respect for elders, a communal approach to living, and the prioritization of familial and community ties. In Samoan culture, the family is not limited to the nuclear family but extends to the aiga, which includes a broad network of relatives connected by blood, marriage, or adoption. The aiga forms the bedrock of Samoan society, creating a strong sense of belonging and responsibility to one’s extended family.

Respect, known as fa’aaloalo, is a cornerstone of fa’asamoa. This respect extends not only to elders and family members but also to cultural traditions and the natural environment. Elders are revered as the keepers of wisdom and custodians of cultural knowledge, and they are central to the decision-making process within families and villages. This hierarchical respect ensures that Samoan customs and practices are passed down through generations, preserving the integrity of the culture.

The Matai System: Leadership Through Service

Integral to the fa’asamoa is the matai system, which governs both family and village life. The matai, or chief, is the head of the aiga and is responsible for leading the family with wisdom and humility. The role of the matai is not just a position of authority but one of service. A matai is entrusted with the welfare of the family and must ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of all members. This leadership structure is built on the values of fa’asamoa, where collaboration, consensus, and respect are key to maintaining harmony.

Each village is composed of several aiga, each led by its respective matai. The matai represents the family in the village council, or fono, which governs the village. The fono is a collective body of matai, where important decisions about the community’s welfare, resources, and conflicts are made. Leadership within the fono is based on rank, with the highest-ranking matai, known as the ali’i, presiding over the council. Supporting the matai in governance are the tulafale, or talking chiefs, who act as advisors and communicate decisions to the wider community.

The matai system ensures that the interests of the aiga are represented and protected. It fosters a culture of shared responsibility, where each family contributes to the welfare of the village. The matai does not act alone but is supported by the collective wisdom of the fono, ensuring that decisions are made with consideration for the common good.

Communal Living and Collective Responsibility

Communal living is another defining feature of fa’asamoa. The concept of tautua, or service, is central to Samoan life. Members of the aiga are expected to contribute to the family and village through acts of service, whether that be in the form of labor, caregiving, or supporting community events. This collective responsibility ensures that the needs of the community are met, and that no one is left behind.

Traditional practices such as farming, fishing, and food preparation are often done communally, reinforcing the strong bonds within families and villages. Resources are shared among the aiga, and there is a deep sense of obligation to care for one another. This communal approach is reflective of the broader Samoan worldview, where individual success is seen as interconnected with the success of the family and the community.

Law, Custom, and Social Order

The fa’asamoa also encompasses the governance and legal systems of Samoa. While the matai holds authority within the family, they also have a role in maintaining law and order in the village. The fono oversees the enforcement of village laws, known as fa’alupega, which are based on customary practices passed down through generations. These laws are designed to maintain social harmony and uphold the cultural values of fa’asamoa.

Punishments for infractions are typically handled within the village and are based on restorative principles, emphasizing reconciliation and the restoration of balance within the community. This system reflects the deeply ingrained belief in collective responsibility, where the actions of one individual can impact the well-being of the entire community. Therefore, maintaining social order is seen as a shared obligation.

The Enduring Spirit of Fa’asamoa

Fa’asamoa is more than just a set of customs; it is a living cultural philosophy that adapts while preserving the essence of Samoan identity. Even in the face of modernization and external influences, Samoans continue to honor their traditions, ensuring that the values of fa’asamoa—respect, family, service, and community—remain central to their way of life.

While education, commerce, and technology have become integral to modern Samoan society, these advancements are embraced in ways that complement the principles of fa’asamoa. This balance between tradition and modernity is one of the great strengths of Samoan culture, allowing it to thrive in the contemporary world without losing its sense of self.

In American Samoa, fa’asamoa continues to guide the people in their daily lives, shaping their interactions, governance, and relationship with the land. Visitors to American Samoa can witness the enduring spirit of fa’asamoa in the strong familial ties, the respect shown to elders, and the communal approach to living that defines Samoan society.

 

Cultural Guide for Visitors to American Samoa

Samoan culture is among the oldest in Polynesia, with a heritage stretching back over 3,000 years. The first people of the Samoan Islands are believed to have come from southwest Asia by sea. Over centuries, a distinct set of cultural practices emerged, known as fa’asamoa (fah-ah-SAH-mo-ah), or the Samoan way of life. As a visitor, it is important to observe these customs out of respect for the Samoan people and their traditions.

Follow the Samoan Way: Fa’asamoa

1. Ask Permission

Always ask villagers for permission before taking photographs, using the beach, or engaging in any activities, no matter how minor or unobtrusive they may seem. Permission is almost always granted, but asking first is a sign of respect.

2. Respect the Fale (Traditional Home)

When entering a traditional Samoan home, known as a fale (fah-LAY):

• Sit down on the floor before speaking, eating, or drinking.
• It is customary to cross your legs or cover them with a mat. Stretching out uncovered legs is considered impolite.

3. Observe Sunday Traditions

Sunday is a day for rest, church, and quiet in Samoan villages.

• Activities that might be acceptable on other days, such as swimming, may not be permitted on Sunday.
• Be mindful of the peaceful atmosphere in the villages on this day.

4. Respect Sa – Evening Prayers

Each evening around dusk, villagers observe a time for prayers known as Sa.

• If you are entering a village during Sa, stop and wait quietly until the prayers conclude.
• You may be invited to join in family prayers, which is considered an honor. However, Sa does not apply to travelers on main roads.

5. Participate in Ava Ceremonies

If offered ava (a traditional drink made from the root of the pepper plant), it is a mark of honor.

• To show respect, spill a few drops onto the ground or mat before drinking.
• Raise your cup and say "manuia" (mahn-WE-ah) before taking a sip.

6. Mindful Eating and Drinking

Do not eat or drink while walking through a village. It is important to sit down when consuming food or beverages as a sign of respect.