The Anthems Podcast

Samoa and The Banner of Freedom


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Today, we delve into the national anthem of Samoa, titled "Ole Fuā'ā O Le Soifuiga O Samoa," and explore its historical and cultural significance. Patrick takes us on a journey through the rich tapestry of Samoa's past, highlighting the impact of colonialism and the struggles for independence that shaped the nation. He discusses the anthem's creation by Sauni Elijah Carusa in the context of Samoa's newfound self-governance in 1948, leading to the anthem's eventual adoption in 1961. The episode also touches on the themes of national identity, pride, and unity encapsulated in the anthem's lyrics, which serve as a rallying call for the Samoan people. With insights into Samoa's geography, climate, and cultural practices, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the anthem that symbolizes freedom and resilience for the nation.

I know, I know. WWI started in 1914 and not 1948 but that is the year that Samoa was granted self governance. It was in my head and I didn't notice until after I edited the entire thing and I lack the time to go back and add me saying the correct date.

Here are the sources:

  1. https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-318925666/view?sectionId=nla.obj-333096340&partId=nla.obj-318987683#page/n81/mode/1up 
  2. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/218049060 
  3. https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-317352062/view?sectionId=nla.obj-330039968&partId=nla.obj-317363860#page/n0/mode/1up 
  4. http://www.paclii.org/ws/legis/consol_act_2019/ofanaosa1994308/ 
  5. https://moanaleilua.wordpress.com/2017/06/05/o-au-o-le-samoa/ 
  6. https://catholicoutlook.org/fr-tovia-bears-sign-jesus-died-samoa/ 
  7. https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/98436 
  8. https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/L6Y8-RJV/malotuto%27atasi-iiga-sauni-ioane-kuresa-1901-1978 
  9. https://natlib.govt.nz/records/35402307?search%5Bi%5D%5Bcategory%5D=Music+Score&search%5Bpath%5D=items&search%5Btext%5D=samoa 
  10. https://symbolhunt.com/samoa/national-anthem/ 
  11. https://books.openedition.org/pacific/126#:~:text=Conversion%20made%20easy%20by%20the,to%20be%20accepted%20in%20Samoa
  12. https://pmcarchive.aut.ac.nz/pacific-media-watch/samoa-auckland-helps-50th-anniversary-independence-celebrations-7964.html 
  13. https://signum-crucis.tumblr.com/post/25281842452/samoan-national-anthem-the-banner-of-freedom 
  14. https://slideplayer.com/slide/6127236/ 
  15. https://www.wolframalpha.com/input?i=9410+miles 
  16. https://www.thecoconet.tv/songbook/learn-language-songs-from-the-pacific/the-national-anthem-of-samoa-samoa-tulai/ 
  17. https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/culture/why-moana-the-first-docufiction-in-history-deserves-a-new-life-24631/ 
  18. https://web.archive.org/web/20101223022921/http://oceandots.com/pacific/bankx/ 
  19. Roberts, J. Timmons; Thanos, Nikki Demetria (2003). Trouble in Paradise: Globalization and Environmental Crises in Latin America. Routledge, London and New York. p. Vii.
  20. https://books.google.com/books?id=8V3vZxOmHssC&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA569&hl=en&source=newbks_fb 
  21. https://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-TuvAcco.html 
  22. https://nationalanthems.info/ws.htm 
  23. http://www.nzlii.org/nz/legis/hist_act/wsa19611961n68189/ 
  24. https://www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2017-06-14/samoa-constitutional-amendment-makes-christianity-the-national-religion/#:~:text=The%20Explanatory%20Memorandum%20that%20accompanied,%2C%20Parliament%20of%20Samoa%20website.) 
  25. https://devpolicy.org/christianising-samoas-constitution-religious-freedom-pacific-20170427/ 

https://www.nzjh.auckland.ac.nz/document.php?wid=1669&action=null

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The Anthems PodcastBy Patrick Maher