Samoa is a small island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. With stunning beaches, vibrant culture and lush rainforests, Samoa is a tropical paradise that is filled with natural wonders and rich history. In this article, we will explore 48 riddles about different aspects of Samoan life, culture, geography and wildlife. Some may seem simple and straightforward, while others will take a bit more thinking to solve. Ready your mind and dive on into these Samoan riddles!
Riddles about Samoan Culture
Samoan Mythology
What deity in Samoan mythology is said to be the god of earthquakes and the origin of life?
Answer: The god named Tangaloa in Samoan myths is known as the god of earthquakes and the originator of life. He is one of the most important gods in Samoan mythology.
I am the wife of the ruler of the underworld in Samoan mythology. Many beautiful bats surround me. Who am I?
Answer: The goddess Saveasi’uleo who is depicted in Samoan myths as the wife of the ruler of Pulotu, the underworld. She is known to be surrounded by swarms of beautiful bats.
Language
What does the Samoan word “tama” mean?
Answer: The word “tama” in the Samoan language means “son” or “child”.
What is the most commonly used greeting in the Samoan language?
Answer: The greeting “talofa” is one of the most widely used greetings in Samoa. It means something along the lines of “hello” or “good day”.
Tribal Tattoos
The traditional tattoo artform originating from Samoan warrior culture is called what?
Answer: It is called “Tatau” or Samoan tattooing.
I am a geometrical pattern made of continuous lines covering the body from the navel to the knees for Samoan men. What tattoo am I describing?
Answer: The pe’a tattoo that Samoan males traditionally get from the waist to their knees featuring intricate patterns and designs.
Arts and Crafts
Traditional Samoan fine mats are prized possessions and can take months to make. What are they called?
Answer: They are called “ie toga”. These woven mats often mark special celebrations or occasions.
I am aromatic oil traditionally used for anointing Samoan royalty and chiefs during special ceremonies. Scented objects may be dipped into me. What am I?
Answer: You are describing “scented coconut oil”, which holds cultural significance in Samoa.
Traditions
A formal apology ritual containing speeches and gift offerings takes place after conflicts in Samoan culture. What is the word for this event?
Answer: The Samoan tradition of restoring harmony after conflict through ceremonies is called Ifoga.
The first of life’s most important milestones for a young Samoan woman is marked with floral garlands and dancing. What occasion is this?
Answer: Her debut into womanhood which is celebrated in an event marked by traditional rituals and fanfare called ‘White Sunday’.
Riddles about Samoan Cuisine
I am a beloved treat in Samoa, made from ripe breadfruit that has fermented for several weeks in an underground pit. What sweet dessert am I?
Answer: You are describing masi, a much loved Samoan pudding made of overripe fermented breadfruit.
A popular Samoan dish consisting of fish and meat cooked in liquid with vegetables and coconut milk. What is this recipe called?
Answer: Oka – a Samoan one pot dish with meat or fish cooked in a rich coconut based sauce with vegetables.
Samoans love this refreshing drink made from the juice of a green fruit mixed with icy water and sweetened condensed milk. What beverage brings relief from the tropical heat?
Answer: The green coconut juice mixed drink is widely enjoyed in Samoa as a refreshing, sweet drink.
Riddles about Samoan Geography
Islands
I am the second largest island of Samoa, renowned for my rainforests, waterfalls, volcanic craters and black sand beaches. What is my name?
Answer: Savai’i island, the biggest of the Samoan islands, boasting stunning scenery and natural attractions.
The capital city of Samoa lies on the northwest coast of which main island of this country?
Answer: The island of Upolu, which holds the capital city of Apia on its northwest side.
Landscapes and Terrain
My eroded remains form picturesque columns along the south coast of Samoa. Plunging into turquoise waters, I provide a spectacular landscape. What natural wonder am I?
Answer: The cliffs at Alofaaga on the southern coastline of Samoa feature striking and scenic columnar rock formations.
Cutting through lush jungle in northern Savai’i, I am Samoa’s highest waterfall formed by volcanic eruptions long ago. Leap into my pristine natural pool! What am I named?
Answer: The waterfall described is Papase’ea Sliding Rocks, the highest waterfall in Samoa located inland on the island of Savai’i.
Wildlife and Ecosystems
I am Samoa’s national flower, instantly recognizable by my large red petals and yellow tips. Often used in traditional garlands and decorations. What am I?
Answer: The red hibiscus flower is Samoa’s national blossom and commonly appears across Samoan culture.
This tiny endangered animal found only on a few remote islands of Samoa is one of the world’s rarest bats. Protect my kind, lest I go extinct! What bat am I?
Answer: Describing the Samoa Flying Fox bat, one of the rarest mammal species on earth, surviving precariously on a handful of Pacific islands.
General Riddles about Samoa
I am contested by Samoa and an Asian country as the point dividing one day from another on the globe. What imaginary line defines me?
Answer: You are the International Date Line, which used to pass east of Samoa until the country switched to the other side in 2011.
My tune was composed in Samoa but is famous across the world after being used for an Olympic gold medalist’s theme song in the 1990s. What iconic fanfare am I?
Answer: Describing “Siva Tau” – the Samoan sports anthem later used by heavyweight boxer David Tua that became globally recognizable.
Fa’a Samoa refers to this crucial cultural concept central to Samoan life emphasizing community over individualism and sharing valuable resources. What am I describing?
Answer: You are referring to the “Samoan Way”, the deep-rooted communal way of life in Samoan culture prioritizing harmony.
Apia’s clock tower monument was donated in memory of citizens lost in this deadly event: a tsunami triggered by an undersea earthquake near American Samoa in 2009. What disaster am I alluding to?
Answer: The tragic 2009 Samoan tsunami which led to Apia’s memorial clocktower being constructed to honor the victims.
Conclusion
And with that, we have come to the end of these 48 Samoa-themed riddles! From cultural customs to tropical fruits, gorgeous waterfalls to endangered species, we have covered a range of topics related to this Pacific Island nation. Solving these verbal puzzles hopefully provided some fun while teaching you more about Samoa’s traditions, landscapes, wildlife and daily life in the process! Whether it took some pondering or you found the answers instantly recognizable, you surely emerged all the more knowledgeable about magnificent Samoa through completing these playful riddles.
