Talofa.
Samoans call their islands ‘The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific’, with age-old customs and traditions that are still part of everyday life and where time slows from the normal pace of modern life. After all, as the western-most country in the world, according to the date line, it is the last nation to see the new day. But Samoa is also modernising and increasing its tourist accommodation and opening its arms to welcome more visitors to its beautiful islands.
Samoa’s cluster of 10 beautiful volcanic islands span a land area of 2,935 km2 and are surrounded by a fringe of coral reefs and lagoons.
The islands boast rugged mountainous interiors of untouched rainforests, tumbling waterfalls, steep gorges and spring-fed pools and streams. The sweeping white coastlines are decorated by villages, coconut plantations and palm trees.
The largest of Samoa’s islands are Savai’i and Upolu where lies the capital Apia, the main political and commercial centre.
Early Samoan history is thought to have begun about 1000BC, judging by the ancient human remains that can be found scattered among the islands.
Early migration is believed to have come from the west; the East Indies, the Malay Peninsula or the Philippines.
European involvement on Samoa began with Louis de Bouganville in 1768, who named his discovery the ‘Navigator Islands’. European trade with Samoa then proceeded before the arrival of the Missionaries in 1828. These Missionaries proved greatly influential on the Samoans who, to this day, remain a devotedly religious people.
Western Samoa became a German colony in 1899 (the United States colonised the eastern islands and is now known as American Samoa), but during World War One, New Zealand took administrational control.
In 1962 Western Samoa became the first South Pacific country to gain independence under a constitutional monarchy. In 1996 the country became officially known as Samoa.
Samoa’s heritage spans more than 2000 years and provides a wealth of traditional beliefs and customs that are still very much respected in present times. Despite outside influences, Samoans are intensely proud and respectful of the way of life that has played a vital role in the lives of their ancestors, and that which now plays a vital role in their every day lives.
These traditional values are named Fa’a Samoa – The Samoan Way. Fa’a Samoa has a strong emphasis on the role of family and respect, governing the obligations individuals hold for their family, community and church. Within each extended Samoan family (aiga), a single person is acknowledged as the chief or matai. Those in positions of authority are given unquestioned respect and the people in charge of welfare and leadership of their family is honoured by everyone.
Dance and sport are two key areas that make up the rich fabric of Samoan culture both within the islands and where Samoans have settled elsewhere. Traditional dance (called siva) such as the Taualuga and the Sasa are widely performed and learnt whilst rugby and the Manu Samoa team is highly respected in and outside of Samoa. Kirikiti, the Samoan version of circket, is also frequently played at social gatherings.
