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Families make plantations usually on the hillsides. Sometimes the local Matai oversees the distribution of produce from the plantations for the whole village.An area is cleared of trees, then bananas, breadfruit, taro, papaya etc. are planted. In some lowlands a swamp can be used for water taro.In this warm moist climate a fallen tree rots away in about 6 months. The jungle takes over a plantation just about as fast if the weeds are not cut regularly.
It is an old tradition for the chiefs and any man deserving respect, to have geometrical tattoos on their body from waist to knee. The designs have meanings like the designs on tapa cloth.Old-style tattoos are painful and it is right of manhood, bravery and perseverance to get the tattoo. Every big chief needs a good tattoo :)Photos from a tattoo festival:http://www.samoanews.com/2006FestPhotos/
Most villages have activities for all ages with singing, traditional dance, siva siva, and Umu food. But Samoa is a modern educated place. You will see respect for old dress and customs, but most Samoans live with new music and dress like everywhere else. I include this 100-years-old picture because I like it. It brings memories of an exotic and more romantic time. The good old days. :) On special holidays, like April 17 Flag Day (secession day), you may see much time spent making traditional clothing with creative laurels and plant skirts and lavalavas to augment dress. Very beautiful.For most it is easier to see traditional Samoan culture in Hawaii, go to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Many Mormon students are from Samoa and demonstrate traditional customs. You might find many samoans representing other islands at the center. Samoans are the largest ethnic Polynesian group in...
Samoan language is gernerally pronounced like a romantic language. Here is how to count to ten. We put more words on the linked page.1. tasi2. lua3. tolu4. fa5. lima6 ono7. fitu8. valu9. iva10. sefuluhttp://www.ipacific.com/samoa/speak.html
Samoa has had their own stamps for about 100 years and many are in circulation for collectors. Postage to American Samoa is almost the same as American states because of the close relationship between the territory and the US since April 17, 1900 when American Samoa seceded to the US and became under a US naval government. Samoa has its own elected government now.
The piece of cloth in a bright color or Hawaiian print is the traditional garb of men and women. It is a great wraparound for a swimsuit now and very comfortable for men to sit. You can buy them inthe shops and it si a great souviner to keep and use at home, beach or swimming pool. The usual size needs to be wide enough to wrap around yourself 1.5 times and length from waist to over the knee for men and similar for women used from bust to thigh or longer.It is like sitting in your towel all day, pamper yourself!
1)Do not barter, it is considered very offensive. If you do not like the price then don't buy it.2)Cabs: always ask what the fare is to where you are going first, note if travelling within town, like Aggie's to McDonalds is 2 tala.3)You can't just swim anywhere, if you see a great beach at the side of the road, ask the village whose beach it is if you may use it, chances are it is ok4)Women: outside of Apia do not wear shorts or tan tops. Dress is conservative, pick up a few lavalavas for yourself and you will be set. Bikinis are not ok at beaches, only palagi places like Tanu or Palolo Deep5)When you walk down the street people will smile at you and say hello, say hello back they are just being friendly and so should you!
Respect 'Sa' or Sacred Time, usually around 6pm tho it can vary from village to village. When in doubt ask someone (they will appreciate this) and remain indoors during Sa time.Ask before you use any beach unless it is posted or you know who's beach it is.Maintain comfortable attire, but remember Samoa maintains someting of a 'beach attire' dress code (especially American Samoa where bathing attire is more likely to get you into trouble in some outer villages). Just for the ladies a modest Sarong type of wrap over (except in the water of course).
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Built with hardwood tree posts, floored with coral gravel and thatched with palm fronds, all lashed together without nails. Still used in villages and for ceremonial gathering places.
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Reviews and photos of American Samoa attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for American Samoa sightseeing.
Q: I hope to visit American Samoa during 2012. In doing my research, I am developing the opinion that it is next to impossible to get...
A: Although it will take you a long time to reach American Samoa from N.C. isn't 'next to impossible'. The route runs through Honolulu. The AS airport is on the main...
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