Samoan History

Here is some background information about Samoa:

The Samoan Island group lies 2,613 miles southwest of  Hawaii. Since 1899 it has been divided into western and Eastern or American-Samoa.  The islands comprise of the only American territory in the Southern hemisphere.

Like most of the islands in the Archipalego, the main island in the American group, Tutuila, is of volcanic origin.  The island’s capital is Pago, Pago (pronounced Pango Pango!, is located in Tutuila.

Apia, the capital of Western Samoa, is situated in the second largest island in the group, Upolu.

The basic unit of the “Fa’a Samoa” or the Samoan way of life is the “extended family”.  The larger family lives together (even after death) with each nuclear family having its own “fale” a space used for entertaining large groups.  (the Samoan’s do not enertain in their homes)   The extended family also elects a chief as its leader.

Family members stay together, EVEN AFTER DEATH.  There are no public cemeteries, therefore, the deceased are buried alongside the fale at the person’s home.

The more important the person, the more impressive the marking.  When one gets married, the couple moves in with the parent that gives them the best deal!!!!!  The children then are entrusted with caring for the elderly parents and relatives.  Parents will send some of the children overseas so that they can earn money and send it back home.  Family plots are owned by Samoan born only and there is no selling of property.

The inhabitants of American Samoa are US nationals but not citizens.

Dress is an important aspect of the Samoan culture with the women wearing their traditional puletasi (tunic and long skirt with flower in the hair).  The typical dress for men are bright, knee-length wraparound skirts called lava lavas.