Samoa 'uma, where life is different . the wire frame in which it hasbeen swinging, turns down the wick until the flameis very dim, then sets it on the floor that it may keepwatch while all are sleeping. Why? As a good Christian woman she is sure that thereare no wandering demons of the night such as herpeople used to believe in when they were heathen, 43 SAMOA UMA, and knew no better and had to keep the fire burningall night long to scare away the evil spirits. Of thisshe is sure in the broad light of day. But in theevening, when it is dark and still, she will tell youthere is no such reason n
Samoa 'uma, where life is different . the wire frame in which it hasbeen swinging, turns down the wick until the flameis very dim, then sets it on the floor that it may keepwatch while all are sleeping. Why? As a good Christian woman she is sure that thereare no wandering demons of the night such as herpeople used to believe in when they were heathen, 43 SAMOA UMA, and knew no better and had to keep the fire burningall night long to scare away the evil spirits. Of thisshe is sure in the broad light of day. But in theevening, when it is dark and still, she will tell youthere is no such reason now to keep the lamp on aglimmer, but after all it does no harm, she says, andit would be convenient if any one should awakeand want to smoke, for then he could toast histobacco leaf and light his cigarette at the night and every night there is not a Samoanhouse in which men are asleep which does not giveout the faint glow of a lamp turned low. And thedemons of the old time never enter a house whichshows this protection. 44. The village taupou and her attendants IV. COURTESY AND CEREMONIES. An inordinately large part of island life is takenup with rude formalities. The Samoan is never socontent as when he is enjoying the opportunity toswagger through some complexity of arrangements,long speeches shouted across the expanse of the vil-lage green, incessant repetitions of set phrases offormal honor, processions in gaudy adjustments ofhis normally scanty attire led by grotesque dances ofofficial beaus and belles of the towns. If a speech isto be made—and life consists mainly of makingspeeches—the tulafale takes his place remote from thehouse in which sits the chief addressed, fifty yards ormore away across the malae, and the neighborhoodresounds with what he says. If a formal present is tobe made, the givers throw their gifts on the grass ofthe meeting place. If a pig is baked for guests it be-comes a triumph as it is borne from the oven on theshoulders of men. Every
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