Pacific+Islands+Culture

Samoa, Tonga, Philippines

Amy Hurley and Amanda Hildreth **Filipino Culture** The Philippines is heavily influenced by Spanish culture, due to being ruled by Spaniards for over three hundred and fifty years. The Spanish influence is most prominently seen through Spanish surnames, and can also be seen in names of food, or festivals. Many celebrations in the Philippines are still called fiestas, and some of the foods eaten are chorizo, empanadas, and tortas. Some of the major holidays are the same as those in the United States: Independence Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Eve. Each town of the Philippines has a patron saint which they celebrate through fiestas each year.

The Philippines is made up of over seven thousand islands comprised into three main divisions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. There are thousands of different dialects throughout the islands, Tagalog the main language has many words which derive from Spanish.

Family is extremely important, as Filipinos say, “not being able to know a relative is like turning their backs from where they come from.”



Main cultural elements:
Family or group is much more important than self. Hierarchical family structure Elderly males are at the top of family structure, followed by father, sons, children, mothers. Closeness of family Religious (Catholicism) Being considerate Helpful to others Vocal about feelings Shame-based culture Gender Roles: male, breadwinner & female, homemaker


 * Tongan Culture**



Tonga is made up of 150 islands, 36 are inhabited Four major groups of islands: Tongatapu, Ha'apai, Vava'u, and Niua Tongan is the main language however there are three different dialects of it spoken. One is for the king, one is for the chiefs/nobles, and one is for the common peoples. The villagers no little English but most business transactions are conducted in it. King George Tupou I was the first king of modern Tonga and he introduced the constitution, based upon Christian principles, that they now live by. The constitution eliminated the title of chief and replaced it with noble, and only the king and the nobles are allowed to own or distribute land. Tonga is a constitutional monarchy. Food: basic staples are root crops, meat or fish, and tropical fruit. Kava is a drink served in formal and informal occasions. It is nonalcoholic but acts like a narcotic. Economy: centers on agriculture and fishing. The do export some items but rely mostly on imports and the aid from countries such as the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Gender: Men and woman are equal for the most part. They can both have jobs, they both rear their children and help with the preparation of food. Marriage: Freedom of choice. However, marriages between two people of vastly different social classed is looked down upon and discouraged. The kin groups are very important in the marriage ceremonies. There are two parts to the kin group the family and the extended family. Most important life events, like marriages, are celebrated with elaborate ceremonies and may last for weeks. Etiquette: people shake hands when they meet. If they are related they put their noses on each others' faces and inhale soundly through their noses. Most food is eaten with their hands, silverware is sometimes used, and it is customary to wash your hands before and after the meals. Religion: Christianity is the dominate religion. There are are various branches of it in the forms of the Wesleyan Church (church of state), Roman Catholic Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and The Free Church of Tonga, etc. Holidays: Constitution Day (November 4), Emancipation Day (June 4), King's Birthday (July 4) Arts: bark cloth with geometrical designs, weave mats, flax baskets, (these things are always made in groups while gossiping), men carve wood, black coral jewelry, and objects made out of turtle shell or whalebone.