Traditional proverbs helping Pacific people endure pandemic

IN times of need and great stress, where do we draw strength from to keep going?

Massey University’s Dr

Apisalome Movono and Professor Regina Scheyvens have been researching how Pacific communities dependent on tourism have responded during the pandemic. They found people had drawn on their culture and heritage to support one another.

‘‘Examples abound of how people have returned to the land and sea to provide for their families, diversified their livelihood systems, shared more with their neighbours, worked communally for the common good, and supported the less fortunate,’’ Movono and Scheyvens said.

They have compiled a book of traditional proverbs that highlights the wisdom, strength and resilience of people across the Pacific. The book, Mana of the Pacific, shares photos from Pacific nations, with accompanying proverbs, written in each national language as well as English, revealing the importance of Pacific customs, traditions and lifestyle.

‘‘It shows Pacific people to be resilient, hardworking, caring, family-oriented, grounded in their culture, and strongly attuned to the natural and spiritual worlds. We feel there are many things in here that might encourage children of the Pacific living in other countries like Australia and New Zealand, and also many proverbs that will inspire non-Pacific readers who are interested in the Pacific region and its peoples.’’

The proverbs came from both published books and a contest on social media to help source more proverbs, especially for languages where there was no previously published work.

The images aren’t necessarily from the same country as the accompanying proverb – a deliberate decision by the authors to highlight unity across the Pacific and recognise that many of the values are shared across the nations.

The book is divided into several themes: kinship and culture, land and spirituality, wisdom, leadership, preparedness, diligence, perseverance and community solidarity.

Movono and Scheyvens said for too long Indigenous peoples of the Pacific have been made to feel that their culture is outdated, their traditions lack value, and the only way they can develop is by drawing on external ideas and resources. They say Mana of the Pacific challenges that thinking and offers an important counter view, highlighting core values of Pacific people’s cultures and knowledge.

The following images and proverbs are a selection from the book:

TUVALU

‘‘Ulu kite fatu e malu ei koe.’’

Translation: Shelter in the rock for your safety. Meaning: It is important to protect one’s culture as the foundation of identity.

TONGA

‘‘Motu ka na‘e navei.’’

Translation: If the handle breaks off the basket, the navei (supporting strap) will remain and save the basket’s contents from falling out.

‘‘Rakau e to¯ na natura, a manu e to¯ na natura. Ko te tangata koia e tiaki.’’

Translation: Plants have their natural place. Animals have their set ways. Humans are but the caretakers. Meaning: We each have a responsibility to conserve and protect our environment as we are its guardians.

TOKELAU

‘‘Toto¯ hau to¯ kiga nei, aua na tupulaga e fa¯ i mai.’’

Translation: Plant a seed today, for future generations.

Meaning: Help your children to learn about their culture and heritage so they can be confident in their identity.

SAMOA

‘‘Ia malu le vai i lou finagalo.’’

Translation: May your mind be like cool water. Meaning: When seeking forgiveness, approach with a calm heart.

NIUE

‘‘Tagata ne ai kiva e tau lima, nakai fai tonuhia ke fai talahauaga.’’

Translation: Those whose hands are not dirty should not have a say in important village matters.

Meaning: To earn the right to have their voices heard, aspiring leaders should work in the community and serve their people.

THE MARSHALL ISLANDS

‘‘Kandridrik fan, yokwe dikdik.’’ Translation: A little bit of food, a little love. Meaning: Even if you have just a little bit of food, share it.

WALLIS AND FUTUNA

‘‘Ka ta¯ te fala pea tu‘u o me‘e.’’

Translation: When you hear the beat, get up and dance.

Meaning: There is a time for everything. Take appropriate action when the time is right. Otherwise you might miss your chance.

HAWAI’I

Meaning: Always be prepared for disaster.

FIJI

‘‘Madu¯ na wa¯ vuka qai gata.’’ Translation: When the wa¯ vuka (a reed) matures, it grows sharper.

Meaning: With age comes wisdom and true strength.

COOK ISLANDS

‘‘E lauhoe mai na wa‘a; i ke ka¯ , i ka hoe; i ka hoe, i ke ka¯ ; pae aku i ka ‘a¯ ina.’’

Translation: Everybody pull the canoe together; bail and paddle, paddle and bail; and the shore will be reached.

Meaning: If you pitch in with others, the objective will be achieved.

Extracted with permission from Mana of the Pacific by Apisalome Movono & Regina Scheyvens, $39.99 RRP. In bookstores or order at pottonandburton.co.nz. All proceeds go towards community resilience-building initiatives in the Pacific.