Sayings of Samoan origin
A careless person will be taken by surprise by his watchful enemy.
Blessed is the moon; it goes but it comes back again.
The mat is warm.
Having foolishly got into trouble he is asking for help.
Gather the breadfruit from the farthest branches first.
Like a fish, one should look for a hole in the net.
The hand strikes the eye.
The stones and the earth weep.
The way to authority is through service.
If at first you don’t succeed try, try and try again.
Catch the bird and watch the breakers.
Sit and wait for the good chestnuts.
There is a lou (harvesting pole) for every crop.
Sin is carried in the mouth.
May it end with threats and not come to blows.
Who sits at home in the morning will not eat in the evening.
The deaf hears when he is tapped.
The snake when about to be killed looks but does not escape.
It grew in the bush, but it is cast away in the road.
Strong in heart, but broken in the back.
May your mind be like cool water.
We must be of one mind in the undertaking.
Look before you leap.
Stones decay; words last.
One good turn deserves another.
The coconut tree doesn’t sway on its own, but is swayed by the wind.
The offspring of birds are fed with flower nectar, but the children of men are nurtured with words.
The person who has burned their fingers often asks for tongs.
Let each do his share of the work.
A decision made at night may be changed in the morning.
Words don’t break bones.
You shake in vain the branch that bears no fruit.
Our lives are decreed to be taken by the gods.
When a crab is caught it is pierced with its own leg.
Singing like the birds dawn chorus.
Samoa, officially the Independent State of Samoa, formerly known as Western Samoa, is an Oceanian country encompassing the western part of the Samoan Islands in the South Pacific Ocean. It became independent from New Zealand in 1962. The two main islands of Samoa are Upolu and Savai’i, one of the biggest islands in Polynesia.
More on Samoa from Wikipedia!
Samoan and English are official languages. Samoan Sign Language is used by at least some of the deaf population.
Apia is the capital and the largest city of Samoa. The city is located on the central north coast of Upolu, Samoa’s second largest island. Apia is the only “city” in Samoa and falls within the political district of Tuamasaga.
“The Banner of Freedom” (O Le Fu’a o Le Sa’olotoga o Samoa) is the national anthem of Samoa.(Video)
The Lyrics( English translation)
Samoa, arise and raise your flag, your crown!
Look at those stars that are waving on it:
This is the symbol of Jesus, who died on it for Samoa.
Oh, Samoa, hold fast your power forever.
Do not be afraid; God is our foundation, our freedom.
Samoa, arise: your flag is waving, your crown!