Peace Corps 40 - The Ava Ceremony

This is the traditional Samoan Ava Ceremony. Dylan is placing the ava sticks next to the important people within the circle.The main speaker on the right side is one of the best orator's in Samoa, Onafia.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Peace
• Corps
• 40
• Ava
• Ceremony
• Fiafia

[tclaie808]

Dayumm we're doing the ava ceremonies for tourists now? How sad! We going to end up like the Hawaiians!

[psilentzeo]

Tourists? This was a gathering of the first Peace Corps volunteers who came to Samoa 40 years ago. For many of them this was their first time coming back to Samoa since their service ended. They helped build the program that continues to help Samoa to this day. Have a little respect.

[galuegagmail]

aye...u crak me up! LOLOL..

[samoanboi714]

oh if my grandfather was still alive he would be the orator he was the best EVER.

[tclaie808]

Calm down buddy. Just a little misunderstanding...hehehe...do­nt get all ita and sheiit...take a deep breath..okay not exhale..I thought it was tourists ok? LOL My bad buddy...

[Tamaleaitu]

sole magaiga video malo le post

[Lagonaolealofa]

fa'afetai lava le post o video i le ava o le mea ua sili lona taua i le aganu'u fa'asamoa

[SivaTauTele]

Afio mai.

[hajqbvii]

Faafetai lava

[SivaTauTele]

Hey man,

To answer your question, the 'ava sticks are used usually as gifts or rewards as homage to great orators in Samoa, the 'ava sticks are sort of like trophies, and the sticks themselves are pounded to make the ceremonial drink: 'ava.

Although in this situation, the 'ava sticks are put next to the people (guests etc..) that have a well known reputation/well known/important etc...

And it is put next to them, mostly as a sign of respect.

Hope it helps...