Samoa Project

The five stars represent the moonlight and the colours date back to the 19th century which mean blue= water and hope red= land and blood.Independent Samoans are very tradition-oriented, very steeped in a complex set of social hierarchies, courtesies and customs that regulate their social, religious and political life. Independent Samoan culture is based onfa'amatai, a system of government that has a chief, or matai, governing an entire aigaor extended family. Wealth and food are distributed on a needs basis and honour and social standing is shared or shouldered equally by all members of the aiga. The matai represents the family on the village council, metes out justice, and makes sure that all customs are properly observed. In fact Independent Samoa has more rules of etiquette than a finishing school for young ladies and a keen sense of propriety and respect. Thematai is also a living archive, responsible for remembering the ancient folk lore, the family genealogies, and the stories of the old gods, and passing them onto his successor.The seal of the territory of American Samoa is based in traditional local design. Thefue or the fly switch, represents wisdom, while the To'oto'o or staff represents authority. Both symbols are used by talking chiefs indicating their rank. The Tanoa (kava bowl) represents service to the chief.The Samoan motto Samoa Muamua Le Atua is translated “Samoa, Let God Be First”.