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Written by Staff
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Fa’afetai i le Atua
Muamua ona si’i le fa’afetai i le Atua…
(I would first like to give thanks to God…)
How often have we heard this phrase spoken or seen it written? It
prefaces letters to not only loved ones but letters that are more of an
official nature. Even public speakers will begin speeches with
the phrase. This familiar phrase reveals an insightful fact about
all Samoans; they love and openly recognize the hand of God in
their lives.
There was a teacher, a palagi atheist, in Samoa who expressed his
irritation with his students who would hand in essays each of which
began with: Muamua ona si’i le fa’afetai i le Atua… He frequently
stated that it was unnecessary and should not be included in any
assignment that was to be handed in. Alas, essays weren’t the
only homework that contained this or similar phrases, there were also
narratives, journal entries and more. As you might imagine the
teacher didn’t last long in Samoa. Not that he didn’t have a
valid point, but more importantly he didn’t take into account the
influence of the culture of Samoa on his students, a culture that
recognizes the importance of God.
The importance of God in the culture of Samoa is evident in the
village. Take for example the faife’au (minister). Although
not of the same gafa (genealogy), the minister receives similar gifts
and formal greetings as the village matai (chief). This honor is
received because the faife’au is seen as a person doing chores
(faife’au) for the Almighty. Like God is to be thanked and
recognized, so also are his servants thanked and recognized by Samoans.
The CIA world fact book breaks down religions in Samoa according to
denomination. However, there is one consistent theme with both Samoa
and Amerika Samoa, they are Christians. The percentage of Samoans that
are Christians is probably more than the 97% that the world fact
states. This is assumed because it doesn’t take into account the
thousands of Samoans living away from the islands that haven’t
forgotten who to thank first.
This phrase defines a dominant aspect of Samoan culture. It is evident
in the communication of the government and citizens alike. The public
seal for Samoa bears the following motto: Fa’avae i le Atua Samoa (God
be the Foundation of Samoa). The Amerika Samoa motto states: Samoa
Muamua le Atua (Samoa, God is first).
As we enter this Christmas season the Sa’o staff would like to first
thank God for all things we see, hear, feel, touch, and taste.
Our hope is that as we Samoans disperse ourselves throughout the world
we perpetuate to our children and neighbors alike, this legacy of
giving thanks to God, making Him our foundation, and putting Him
first. We hope your holidays are safe and joyful.
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Fa'a Samoa 