Samoa is a Polynesian island country located between New Zealand and Hawaii in the South Pacific Ocean and has some of the world’s best beaches. The official name of the country is the Independent State Of Samoa.
Samoans are pleasant, kind people that enjoy rugby, taro, and coconuts. They also have a distinct culture and history that makes them fascinating to study! Here are some interesting facts about this lovely Pacific island nation.
1. Taro Is A Common Staple In Samoa
Taro is a common staple in Samoa. It is a vegetable that grows in the ground and can be picked for consumption.
Taro is so significant in Samoan cuisine that it’s commonly referred to as “breadfruit.”
2. The Samoans Adore Rugby
Samoan rugby players are known for their zeal and patriotism. They play with aggression on the field, but they also have a strong sense of dignity rooted in their culture.
This is evident in how they treat one other off the field: when one Samoan wins, everyone rejoices; when one loses, no one criticizes him for his loss; and everyone respects each other’s abilities, no matter how big or small they are.
3. The Official Languages & Capital City
Samoa’s capital city is Apia, which has roughly 25,000 people and is located on the main island of Upolu. In fact, it is Samoa’s largest city and serves as the country’s principal business, government, and tourism hub.
The country has two official languages- English & Samoan.
4. Samoans Are Kind, Friendly, And Warm People
Samoans are kind people. Visitors will find the Samoan culture quite open and hospitable, with a strong feeling of community. The Samoan culture is built around extended family groups known as luaus (which can mean “family” or “village”).
Each family unit member within a luau is assigned specific tasks, such as hosting visitors at each other’s houses on holidays or major events such as birthdays and weddings.
5. Samoan Men Are In Charge Of Home Cooking
Samoan males are in charge of the kitchen, while Samoan women are in charge of the housekeeping. Samoan women also take care of their gardens. Therefore, they are great gardeners.
As a result, these couples find it much easier to maintain their houses neat!
6. Samoa Was Previously A Part Of New Zealand
You may have heard that Samoa was formerly a part of New Zealand. However, did you know that there is still a military base there?
Samoa was a British colony from 1914 to 1962, when it gained independence. The US created the base during WWII and remained operational until 1991, when it was closed owing to financial constraints on both countries’ governments.
7. Tattoos Are Very Important In Samoan Culture
Tattoos are very important in Samoan culture. They are not only for the wealthy and famous; everyone receives one! Tattoos symbolize respect for their ancestors but are also a way to express yourself.
In fact, it’s believed that the word tattoo originated from Samoa. Early Samoans called them Tatau. The male tattoo, known as pe’awas printed on the bodies of males. It represented their ancestors’ journey from Asia to Polynesia.
8. In Samoa, Village Dwellings Are Known As Fales
In Samoa, village dwellings are known as Fales. They are open-air houses made of coconut palm leaves that constitute Samoa’s traditional way of life.
They can be found on all ten islands in Samoa, but if you want to experience a true Fale, go to Apia (also known as Aiga), the capital city of Samoa and home to many travelers on vacation or business.
Also, out of these ten islands, four are inhabited. These are- Upolu, Sava’ii, Apolima, and Manono. The uninhabited ones are – Namua, Fanuatapu, Nu’ulopa, Nu’ulua, Nu’utele, and Nu’usafe’e.
9. Samoa Is Located Right On The International Date Line
The date line is a 180-degree meridian that divides the Pacific Ocean. It connects the North and South Poles, splitting the world into two equal halves.
The International Date Line is used to identify what day it is at any particular location.
10. In Samoa, There Is A ‘Third Gender’
This country located near Fiji has a third gender, fa’afafine, which means “to act like a lady.” Although fa’afafine is neither male nor female, they dress and act like women. They can even be seen wearing dresses and high heels!
Fa’afafine has been used in Samoa since ancient times and is even mentioned in the Bible when God created Eve from Adam’s rib (Genesis 2:22).
11. Kilikiti Is The Samoan Equivalent Of Cricket
Kilikiti is a bat-and-ball game played with a lulu, that is, a coconut. The game was popular in the Pacific and Southeast Asia but hasn’t been played in Samoa since the 19th century because of its link to colonialism.
Kilikiti is said to have begun in Tonga as an exercise for young men who had to spend time away from their spouses while attending school or working outside the community.
The guys would play this game after church on Sundays, so they might go home early enough to sleep with their wives before nightfall.
12. The To Sua Ocean Trench Is A Famous Swimming Location
The To Sua Ocean Trench is a famous swimming location with excellent swimming opportunities. Because of its depth and freezing water temperatures, it’s also known as the “Trench of Tears.”
The trench is home to some of the world’s deepest scuba diving spots, where you can witness incredible marine life, including sharks and whales.
If you want to snorkel or surf at To Sua Ocean Trench, look no further than your computer screen— you’ll find lots of information on how it works on the internet!