The Islands of Samoa are surrounded by warm, crystal clear blue waters of the Pacific Ocean . Travellers will find a natural beautiful tropical paradise with a pristine environment, with warm and friendly people maintaining a living culture treasured by all.
History
Samoans are believed to have migrated from the West, (the East Indies, the Malay Peninsula or the Philippines ). The oldest known site of human occupation in Samoa is at the village of Mulifanua on Upolu dating back to 1000 BC (about 3000 years ago) where Lapita pottery was discovered. By far the most important agents of change in Samoa were the Western missionaries.
Geography
Samoa is located east of the International Dateline between longitudes 171 and 172 degrees west and latitudes 13 and 14 degrees south of the Equator. It is about 2,890km from Auckland , 1,200km from Suva , 4,400km from Sydney and 8,400km from Los Angeles.
Culture
Samoa is a traditional society with a distinctive Polynesian cultural heritage. There are over 362 villages in Samoa with a total of 18,000 matai (chiefs). Villages are made up of customary land owned by the extended family units called aiga, whose head is a matai (chief). Traditional authority is vested in the matai of the village. The central structure in each village is the church as well as the Fale Fono, where the matais meet to discuss village matters.
Cultural Tips
The Samoan culture, 'Faa Samoa' has a strong focus on welcoming visitors. However, it is important that you follow protocol when you enter villages and use village resources, including beaches, waterfalls, or pools.
- Avoid walking through villages during the evening prayer curfew (usually between 6pm and 7pm). This usually lasts for 10 to 20 minutes and is often marked at the beginning and end by a bell or the blowing of a conch shell.
- Respect Sunday. While many visitor attractions are open on Sunday, you are expected to behave quietly and to travel slowly through villages.
- Skimpy clothing is not recommended in villages, and will cause offence.
- Women are recommended to wear a lavalava (sarong) rather than shorts or pants, especially if they attend church.
- Almost all shops are shut on Sunday, so buy what you need the day before.
- No nude or topless (for women) swimming or sunbathing.
- Shoes should be removed before entering a fale.
- Never stand within a fale when elders are seated.
- When sitting in a fale, avoid pointing your feet at others. Either tuck them away, cross them (yoga style) or cover them with a lavalava or mat.
- Always ask permission from your host before taking photos in a village.
- Don't offer children money, even if they ask.
If you are in any doubt about what to do, ask your host or a village member. They will help explain to you the cultural protocols of any situation.