Essay on Samoan Culture - 758 Words

Keenan Schwalger Mrs. Kay Berry English 1010 10/19/10 Samoan culture plays a large part in the lives of those with Samoan heritage. Samoan culture is kept strong in a Samoan house hold by keeping the culture alive. This is done by keeping family unity, the art of traditional tattooing, and eating traditional foods and cooking traditional ways. Family life in Samoan culture is huge. They value family very much. It is one of the most important parts of their life. They mostly live with their extended family all in one house in Samoa, or very near them here in the US. Traditionally the Grandmother and Grandfather will live with one their children and sometimes if needed, so will a couple of the Aunts and Uncles. The idea of sending a†¦show more content†¦Samoans believe the circular flying represents the cycles of life.† (Channell,18). In Samoa these tattoos are given to the chief of the family and he is the one who is fully tattooed. The tattooing is a very painful process and is done by taking pieces of sharpen bone and i nk and taping the tattoo in with a mallet. The tattoo designs are beautiful designs consisting of many geometric shapes put together in a way they flows. The tattoo is much respected. Once started, it must be completed or it will bring shame upon the young man, and his family. After it is completed, the young mans gains new status among his people. With the receiving of his tattoo, he has now taken on the responsibly of being a man, and also to be an example and leader of his family. In Samoa, eating is a large part of the traditional culture. Almost all Polynesians eat in family groups and often invite others to join in their large meals. They almost always cook more than is needed just in case someone drops in for dinner. A Sunday feast called toonoi is prepared in a large cooking pots big enough to feed almost an army. In Samoa, traditional meals are cooked in an umu, which is an in ground cooking pit. Food is cleaned, and traditionally wrapped in banana leaves and put on the top s of rocks that have been heated. The food is then covered by more leaves, and the entire oven steams together for several hours. HotShow MoreRelatedSamoan Tataus and My Culture1875 Words   |  8 Pagesits significance. Back in Samoa, a small little cultural country, traditional Samoan Tattoos are something that are considered sacred and have true meaning behind it. The artwork and designs go beyond being skin deep. In every Samoan tattoo, there are history and deep meanings behind each and every one. It takes a lot of hard work to earn in order in having the honors to receive the Samoan tattoo. 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