Fāgogo
An oral story account told at night
that Samoan children looked
forward to after
the day’s chores.
Mostly told by older women, the accounts introduced and reinforced key moral principles, lessons, history, and song.
Aue!
A signal to the narrator of your appreciation, also a sign that you are awake and listening.
Explore The Collective
The Chicken Hidden in the Canoe
Before the sun rose, Sina directed the village women to load the canoes with bundles of their unpainted cloth, freshly squeezed plant dyes, water jugs, etc. With a loud blast of the conch shell trumpet, the women dug their paddles into the sea and headed off for Papaloa with lively cheers.
How “One” Became the First Number
Once upon a time there lived a couple named Sāfea and Falagaua. They had 11 children. The firstborn was Sefulu (Ten).
The Story of Big Sister and Little Sister
This storytime from old Sāmoa features the famous demigod, Tigilau, whose heroic exploits, mischievous shenanigans, legendary voyaging, and prolific lovemaking are recounted throughout Polynesia from the western isles up to Hawaiʻi and down to Aotearoa.
The Story of Why We Greet Each Other By Pressing Noses Together
Prior to the influenza pandemic of 1918 (which wiped out more than 20% of Samoans), the sogi was the universal, everyday greeting in Sāmoa.