Hi just here to translate and explain some things that could be confusing for some. 1. The word taualuga can translate to two things. One being the name of the very top part of the Fale (Samoan house) and the other being the name of the dance performed in the video. Both having the same meaning, that being the completion of a task/event/ etc. Just as the house is incomplete without the Taualuga (top roof), same can be said about any special occasion /performace/ event where the Taualuga (The final dance) isn’t performed. It is incomplete. 2. The dance traditionally was for the Ali’i (high chief), the faletua (his wife), the manaia (his son), or his daughter (taupou) to perform. Nowadays it’s acceptable for anyone to perform the dance. 3. Mamalu - “Honor” or “Sacred” 4. Malu - Shade. The role of the taupou ( chiefs daughter ) is to act as the shade for her family during heated times by providing decisions that affect the family and Village 5. Nifo oti - The knife or machete that is implemented in the dance 6. Tuiga- Ceremonial Headdress. Made up of 5 components: The foga (Bun of the wearer, the foundation that holds everything upright), the Lave(the frame made of sticks), the Lauao (Hair from an ancestor), Pale Fuiono (Nautilus shell headband), and the Titi Ula (rare red bird feathers that are stringed together and placed on top of the hair). 7. The hair of the tuiga is usually that of an ancestor who has long since passed. The belief is that their mana (spiritual power) resides within the Lauao (hair). So when one wears a tuiga, they wear it with the belief that their ancestors are there with them. A true tuiga can only be worn by those who are related to the ancestor/ancestors the lauao comes from (as explain by Apulu @6:41) I hope this brings some better understanding. Soifua! (Good Health to you!)
Recommend 'Polyfest', an annual competition among secondary schools in Auckland, New Zealand featuring song and dance of various Pacific Island nations... Samoa stage is outstanding... appreciate your interest.
Just a little info about the “Tuiga” / Crown. The “hair” traditionally was made from deceased loved ones hair woven into the tuiga. The elderly lady dancing is a chief in her village.
❤This is cool. Next time you guys should do a story of the very rich and beautiful culture of early europeans. All the medicine scientists and doctors who helped the whole world. God Bless
I really like this. One thing that has always bothers me is that in the USA, besides the Native Americans and Hawaiians, there are other native and/or long-standing cultures that exist in the territories. The U.S. territories are part of the USA and the people are Americans. The territories area always sidelined. We should remember that the USA is made up of 50 states, DC, and 5 populated territories--that one day may become states [Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa]. There was a time when there were more territories that eventually became states.
