What is Samoan culture?
The traditional culture of Samoa is a communal way of life based on Fa’a Samoa, the unique socio-political culture. In Samoan culture, most activities are done together. Elders in the family are greatly respected and hold the highest status, and this may be seen at a traditional Sunday umu (normal oven).
Is Samoan a gendered language?
As there is no proper gender in Oceanic languages, different genders are sometimes expressed by distinct names: ʻO le matai, a chief.
What is FA Samoa?
Fa`a-Samoa is often heard in American Samoa, and refers to the traditional Samoan lifestyle, or way of life. Fa`a Samoa places great importance on the dignity and achievements of the group rather than on individual achievements. The traditional communal lifestyle revolves around the aiga, or family.
Why do Samoan get tattoos?
The tattoo and designs of the Samoa islands represents community, power, status, respect, honor, and is a mark of pride that are only to be worn by Samoans. For those who have no cultural influence or heritage background it is an act of disrespect to display their symbols and designs.
What is the meaning of the word fa afafine?
Pronunciation /ˌfɑːˈfɑːfɪnə/ noun plural noun fa’afafine (in Samoa) a person whose birth sex is male but who is raised as a woman, and identifies with neither, both, or a combination of male and female genders. ‘he was brought up by a fa’afafine’
Who is a Fa afafine in Samoan culture?
‘Now they’ve immortalised themselves as a bunch of kids who attend a college where their headmaster is a fa’afafine.’ ‘A fa’afafine is a Samoan who is physically male but with the spirit of a woman, which is not seen as unfortunate or problematic in Samoan culture, but as a gift.’
Who are the FA afafines and FA afatamas?
These societies often misuse or do not fully understand categories such as transgender, homosexual and transvestite, all of which were created to classify males and females. Samoans reject many of these terms; fa’afafines and fa’afatamas identify as separate genders.
Why are FA afafines chosen for the role of taupou?
The taupou is a ceremonial host, usually chosen by the village high chief. During a pageant, a fa’afafine or fa’afatama is chosen to take on the role of taupou because of their gender-fluid nature, which allows them to dance in a graceful and feminine manner and to use sexual comedy to highlight taboo subjects.