Samoa

Samoans approach life in a friendly and playful way, with a strong sense of 'fa'a Samoa' or 'the Samoan way'. This indicates a relaxed way of life with respect for family and tradition. Respect, cooperation, consensus, a sense of humor, and hospitality are all valued highly. The individual gives way for the good of the group. Sharing is more prized than ownership. Oral skills are praised and cultivated, and people tend to solve disputes through verbal negotiation.

Family and friends usually hug and kiss on the cheek. Others are greeted with a handshake and a warm smile, or by raising the eyebrows and smiling. First names are used for friends, but strangers or community leaders are greeted respectfully by a title. Professional people or chiefs can be greeted by Lau Susuga. Before opening a conversation, Samoans may say: Susu mai or Afio mai meaning 'Welcome'.

Hand gestures are used dramatically in oratory speech, it not generally to accompany conversation. Beckoning by waving all fingers with palm down is reserved for small children. Samoans point with the chin, as pointing with the index finger is rude. Lifting the eyebrows signals 'yes', while furrowing the brow indicates 'no'. Scratching the head during conversation is a hostile gesture, expressing inferiority, uncertainty or shyness. If walking in front of someone, Samoans may bow from the waist. Public display of physical affection between the sexes is generally regarded as inappropriate.

When entering a Samoan home, wait until the mats have been spread upon the floor before entering. Leave your shoes at the door and then sit cross-legged on the mat. Conversation takes place once you are seated. The national beverage of Samoa is "kava" and it is appropriate to rop a few drops of it on the ground before drinking it.

Visiting people takes place in the home, on the road or at church. Women visit while weaving, making handicrafts. Visiting unannounced is common, and people may stay till long into the night.

When a guest enters the home, the host makes a speech of welcome and the guest makes a formal response. The best floor mats are laid out for visitors in traditional homes. It is customary to leave shoes outside, and sit cross-legged on the mat. Legs should be tucked behind the person. Legs should only be stretched out if they are covered properly, and pointing feet at someone is rude. Refreshments such as coconut, biscuits and soft drinks may be served. Speaking to someone in the home while standing, is considered impolite.

Traditional attire is still commonly worn in Samoa, though Western clothing is gaining popularity. Men wear a straight wraparound lavalava along with a shirt. A shirt with pockets and a lavalava may be worn to church or official gatherings. It is forbidden for women to wear pants except in athletic events. Women wear a puletasi (short skirt over a longer dress) or a muumuu (wraparound skirt). Women style their hair in a bun with a stick securing it. Rubber flip-flops or sandals are the common footwear. People tend to take pride in neat, well-pressed clothing.

The original staple food was taro, but it was destroyed by blight. It has been replaced by a larger root called ta'amu, green bananas and yams. Rice, seafood and breadfruit are other basic foods. Coconut cream (Pe'epe'e) is popular as a sauce. The traditional underground oven umu is still used for ceremonial occasions.

Samoan cuisine reflects the islands' Pacific heritage, with food playing a central role in cultural ceremonies, family gatherings, and daily life. Meals are typically communal affairs, and hospitality toward guests is considered a fundamental social obligation.

The foundation of the Samoan diet is built around starchy staples such as taro, breadfruit, bananas, and coconuts. These are complemented by fresh fish, shellfish, and other seafood caught from surrounding Pacific waters. Pork and chicken are the most commonly eaten meats, while beef is reserved for more significant occasions. Coconut cream, known locally as pe'epe'e or used broadly as supo esi, appears in many dishes as a cooking base and flavor enhancer.

One of the most iconic elements of Samoan dining is the umu, a traditional earth oven in which food is cooked on hot volcanic stones. The umu is typically prepared on Sundays and for feasts, with whole families coming together for the preparation process. Foods such as taro leaves wrapped around coconut cream and meat, called palusami, are classic umu dishes and considered a national staple.

Chop suey, introduced through Chinese and broader Pacific migration influences, has become widely popular and is a common feature at family feasts and celebrations. Similarly, canned corned beef, locally called pisupo, has been absorbed into everyday cooking since its introduction during the colonial era and remains a widely consumed ingredient.

Koko Samoa, a thick and slightly bitter hot chocolate made from locally grown cacao, is the traditional national drink and is consumed daily by many Samoans, often alongside bread or crackers at breakfast. Cocoa farming remains an important part of Samoan agriculture, and locally produced koko carries cultural significance beyond its role as a simple beverage.

Fresh fruit is abundant, with papaya, mango, and pineapple widely available. Market stalls and small roadside vendors are common throughout Apia, the capital, offering fresh produce, cooked snacks, and local favorites at accessible prices.

Children are taught to respect their elders, avoid shaming their families, and sustain the culture. They are expected to support their parents when they are old. However, if both parents work outside the home, grand-parents care for the grand-children. Discipline is strict; an adult relative may freely scold a child as required. In the extended family, a male or female chief holds authority. The matai (chief) is selected based on loyalty and service to the group. This hierarchy is the basis of Samoan social and political life. A Samoan village is typically made up of several families. Each matai is responsible for the well-being of each member of the village group.

Samoan youth generally meet at church activities or in the village. Dating as in the Western world is not shared. Messages may be sent back and forth through a friend. Wedding receptions are extravagant affairs, with a large party and plentiful food, singing, dance and speeches. After the reception, the tradition is for the bride's family to offer mats (ulumoeaga) to the groom's family. The groom's family reciprocates with money at least equal to the value of the mats.

Rugby football is a popular sport. Entire villages sometimes play kirikiti, which is similar to cricket but involves teams of unrestricted size; games are social and sporting events. Samoans have used outrigger canoes since establishing their first island settlements. Most canoes are confined to lagoons, but many are paddled in ocean races. Footracing, cockfighting, tiak (darts), and spear throwing are also traditional sports.