| American Samoa Culture Despite political and economic differences over the last hundred years, American Samoa and Independent Samoa share a closely-related traditional culture. Samoan culture dates back to the arrival of the Polynesian people in about 800 BC. Although most Samoans these days are Christian, their adherence to traditional life ( fa'a Samoa ) exceeds that of all other Polynesian people. Religion is a big part of Samoan life and the Sunday service is the most important event in the week. Absolute fealty to the church pastor and strict observance of the religious rules is a must. Many visitors have suggested that Christianity has become 'Samoanised', and this observation is borne out in the complex code of traditional ethics and behaviour mixing with distinctly Christian practices. Samoan culture is steeped in a complex set of social hierarchies, courtesies and customs that regulate all aspects of public and private life. Samoan culture is based on the fa'amatai system of government, with a chief, or | |
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