Le o'o

In Samoa, o’o is often referred to as “the first”. The young coconut shoot is also known as the o’o. This shoot is symbolic of a family. When the o’o matures it produces much fruit or offspring in its own likeness.

In the beginning, when a worthy man was given authority to direct the affairs of his family he would be referred to as the o’o. For example, the first title holder of my Alofipo family in Savai’i is known as Alofipo le o’o. The title Alofipo is passed down from generation to generation but the additional salutation of “le o’o” is reserved only to honor the first.

Like families, there are many types of o’o with unique qualities, characteristics and traits that are passed down to serve the next generation. The traditional economic system was based on this natural law concept. Like the “niu afa’s” fibers, from one generation to the next was used to create rope, so too did that certain family from one generation to the next served to perpetuate those important skills to make that rope.

As time goes on and for a variety of reasons, a new “le o’o” will be granted authority and given land to grow their family. The first thing that’s built is the faleo’o or first house. Like the o’o (young coconut shoot) and the “le o’o” (first title holder) this house gives birth to all generations that follow.





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