ʻAva ceremony

It is considered as one of the Unique Cultural Characteristics In Samoa. The 'ava ceremony is one of the most important Samoan customs. It is a solemn ritual in which a ceremonial beverage is shared to commemorate significant events in Samoan society. The Samoan word 'ava (pronounced with a glottal stop) is a cognate of the Polynesian word kava, which is associated with Oceania's kava cultures. In Samoa, both terms are understood.

Within Samoan culture, the 'ava ceremony follows the same ritual pattern, with minor variations depending on the parties involved and the occasion. It always includes speeches and oratory, as well as the formal drinking of 'ava, including women if they are present, with special attention paid to drinking order precedence. The bestowal of matai chiefly titles is one of the most important occasions for the 'Ava ceremony.

Tanoa, similar to those used in other Polynesian kava cultures, is a ceremonial item for the 'ava ceremony. Tanoas come in a variety of sizes and are supported by a ring of short legs. These bowls and related instruments are frequently ornately decorated. The 'ava, also known as kava in other parts of Polynesia, is a beverage made from a plant that is consumed throughout the western Pacific region. In Samoa, 'ava is typically consumed during highly ritualized ava ceremonies. A group of people known as aumaga prepare the kava. The drink is served in a polished half shell of a coconut.