faailoga o le satauro
The phrase for "the sign of the cross" in Samoan is faailoga o le satauro.
What does it mean word for word?
faailoga means sign or mark, o le means of the and satauro means cross.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the article le because satauro is a singular noun.
Did you know?
- The term faailoga is used not only for the cross but also for 'omens' or 'signs from nature', linking the religious gesture to the broader Samoan tradition of reading signs.
- Because Samoan is a highly hierarchical language, the way one discusses the faailoga o le satauro might change depending on whether they are speaking to a chief or a peer.
- While the faailoga o le satauro is a Catholic practice, it is widely recognized in Samoa because the country's identity is deeply intertwined with a general 'Christian' culture across multiple denominations.
Examples in context
- O le faailoga o le satauro e tāua.The sign of the cross is important.
- Ia e faia le faailoga o le satauro.Make the sign of the cross.
- Na ia faia le faailoga o le satauro.She made the sign of the cross.
Example conversation
A mother is teaching her son about prayer.
- SinaTasi, faia le faailoga o le satauro.Tasi, make the sign of the cross.
- TasiO le a le mea e faia?What do I do?
- SinaFaia le faailoga o le satauro i lou ulu.Make the sign of the cross on your forehead.
- TasiUa ou faia i le taimi nei, Sina.I am doing it now, Sina.
