Too Many Fa’alavelave

This is the biggest complaint I hear from Sāmoans on a regular basis. I am told not to marry a Sāmoan because there are too many fa’alavelave. Sāmoans are so busy because there are too many fa’alavelave. So, now you’re probably wondering what on Earth fa’alavelave is.

The literal translation for fa’alavelave is inconvenient. So I guess it lives up to what it is called.

Most Sāmoan events (weddings, funerals, etc.) are pretty similar to what I’ve been to and seen in the U.S. The difference, however, is that each one of these events includes a fa’alavelave. This is essentially an exchange of  gifts. Typically, whoever is hosting the event is the one giving the majority of gifts. For example, with a funeral, the family who lost someone gives gifts to the people who attend. Same with a wedding; the families of the bride and groom are the ones giving the gifts.
So what kinds of gifts are exchanged? Traditionally, just ie toga (fine mats) were exchanged at fa’alavelave. Who gets the best fine mats (the largest ones) depends on matai (chief) titles. Faifeau (pastors) are given the best ones, followed by the highest matai titles. Typically only those with matai titles are given ie toga.

In modern Sāmoa, more gifts than just fine mats are given. Now, one can find anything from laundry detergent to ie (fabric) to ula (necklaces) to wine to money to pusa apa (boxes of tin fish or corned beef) being given to guests at fa’alavelave. I once witnessed someone get 60 boxes of eleni (tin fish) at a fa’alavelave. Now that’s a lot of mackerel.

The way that gifts are presented are also an important part of fa’alavelave. One person is typically announcing the gifts and who they are for. Women and taule’ale’a (untitled men) then present the gifts. Small items are usually brought over on trays and the woman sits to present it (out of respect). Fine mats are unfolded and at least two people hold it and run it over to the receiver. While gifts are presented, you also have your "choo girls". These women shout "choo-hoo" as they present gifts. I have been to many fa’alavelave where I have been a "choo girl".

Fa’alavelave are a very unique part of Sāmoan culture that Sāmoans seem to have a love/hate relationship with. They happen pretty often and go with any welcoming, goodbye, wedding, funeral, reunion, etc. It’s no wonder that I regularly hear Sāmoans say "too many fa’alavelave."