I have been working these past few months on getting Ma'a's pedigree chart established.
For one of my classes at BYU Idaho, I had to research into a cultural aspect of my family life that would help in understanding my ancestors heritage. I wanted to learn more about matai titles, and try to figure out what name(s) to enter into my family history databases. In Samoa, from my understanding, when a man is given a chiefly title (matai title) his whole name changes into whatever title is bestowed upon him.
In The Pacific Islands: An Encyclopedia, Volume 1, I learned that “The matai title was awarded to deserving heads of family groups, with those below them obliged to render feudal services. Members of each family can recount the origins of their title, and the tulafele- the orators, keepers of Samoan traditions – can recount the origins of paramount or prominent matai titles. Matai titles are of two orders, the ali’i (chiefs) and the tulafele (orators). In the book, Lagaga: A Short History of Western Samoa, I discovered that “ali’i titles are those which go back to Tagaloa-a-lagi. In this respect ali’i titles were ‘sacred’ titles which carried with them the mana of the gods – the older the title and the closer to its origin to the sacred ancestress, the greater its mana and the higher its rank. Tulafele titles did not depend upon mana or sacred ancestry; although they originated from the same ancestral origins as ali’i titles, they were ‘executive’ titles and carried special duties. Ali’i and tulafale had different roles in the government of villages; the role of the ali’i was to make the final decisions having listened to the advice of the tulafale who spoke for and issued orders from the ali’i.” As I looked into matai titles, I found that there is a lot of confusion (and not just by me) on how to enter Samoan names into family history records. I asked many Samoan friends and family members throughout New Zealand and Australia what names I should use to record family names into my family history database. One of our friends told me that whatever is recorded on the headstone is the legal name that should be entered in. Another person told me that the matai name is not considered to be their legal name as it is only a title. On my father-in-law’s headstone it has his name written as Misa (matai title) Kofe Koko Fa’amausili(another matai title) which is how I recorded my father-in-law in my database. As I was searching the cemetery records in New Zealand, the cemetery has my father-in-law's full name as being Misaofaleomalietoa Kofe Koko (Faamausili). The translation of Misaofaleomalietoa is Misa – ofale (of the house) – omalietoa - (of the king Malietoa). I just found out from my Auntie Laloua in Australia that Ma'a's dad received an orator (tulafale) title. His oldest brother Lealofi, and another brother, Rolagi have the same title. Uncle Ma'afala, as a church minister doesn't hold a title. Fa'amausili is the chief. It's one of the most high chiefs in the village. I was born in Samoa but raised in New Zealand. My parents had very little money - but with the help and support of their extended family - they were able to emigrate to New Zealand in the 1970's in search of a better life. My parents decision to uproot themselves from their homeland and everything that they had known and loved to give us a better life, is a testimony of their love for us, and the sacrifice that were willing to endure to ensure our success. Like many Pacific Island parents during that time, my parents wanted more for us than what they had back In Samoa. This included better educational and employment opportunities.
I am forever indebted to my parents for their hard work, as well as to family members who helped our assimilation to New Zealand Life. Their struggles and sacrifice has made me who I am today. Although I now live outside of New Zealand and rarely see these family members, those memories of long ago - as well as my deep love for them remain strongly intact. When ever I find myself facing obstacles in my current situation which can some time feel insurmountable, I often reflect on these memories to remind myself that my situation is not as bad as that which my parents endured. I hope that I have lived my life in a way that honors the decision that my parents made when they left Samoa many years ago. My parents legacy lives in me, and will live with my children as well as their children. What my parents envisioned for me and my siblings, is the same vision that we have for our kids today. My generation will eventually pass - but before that happens, I will strive to instill in my children the characteristic and traits that will make them men of God; doing good and promoting kindness among their fellow citizens. I know that this is what my parents envisioned for me. My dear father and some of his family members who were instrumental in getting our family to New Zealand, have since passed and are no longer with us on this earth. I miss them and think of them often - but find comfort in knowing that I will see them again some day. My dear mother currently resides in New Zealand, and continues to keep herself active in her community. We were very fortunate to have had her visit us recently in the US. While she was here, we spent a lot of time reminiscing of times long ago, and the changes that have occurred back home since I left. We also spent a lot of time watching her favourite rugby teams - the Hurricanes and the All Blacks. My mother is probably one of the most loyal Hurricane fans in Wellington. We love her and miss her......... This week we were able to receive Ma'a's priesthood line of authority. |
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