P. Pilgrim
Samoa is an independent island country located in the central South Pacific Ocean, within the Polynesian region. It is situated roughly halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand and lies northeast of Fiji and is part of the Samoan archipelago. In Samoa tattoos are a fundamental part of the Pacific peoples identity. Historically there was no writing in Polynesian culture so the Polynesian’s used tattoo art that was full of distinctive signs to express their identity and personality. Tattoos would indicate status in a hierarchical society as well as maturity, genealogy and one’s rank within the society. This tradition continues even today as most young Samoan boys receive a tattoo signalling their responsibility to their people and their chief. Naturally then, the marks cover the arms of the Samoan men’s rugby team members. It is seen as an expression of their culture and history and worn with great pride. However, when the rugby team travelled to Japan in 2019 for the rugby world tournament these tattoos were seen to cause some problems. Tattoos in Japan can carry negative connotations, as they have long been associated with members of ‘yakuza’ crime syndicates. Therefore, the teammates realised their symbols could present a problem for their host nation. In a generous act of friendship, the Samoans wore skin coloured sleeves covering the designs. ‘We are respectful and mindful to the Japanese way’, the team captain explained, ‘we’ll be making sure that what we’re showing will be OK’. They did not wish to offend the people of Japan.
In an age emphasising individual expression, it’s remarkable to encounter self- limitation. Today the idea of self-limitation is alien. Instead, men and women are encouraged to seek their own pleasure and not to be concerned with the needs or happinesses of others. However, Paul wrote about this concept in the book of Romans. He told us that love sometimes requires us to lay down our rights for others. Rather than pushing our freedom to the boundaries sometimes it is better to allow love to reign us in. The apostle explained how some people in the church believed they were free to eat anything, but others ate only vegetables. ‘For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs’, Romans 14 verse 2. While this might seem like a minor issue, in the 1st century, adherence to Old Testament dietary laws was controversial. Paul instructed everyone to stop passing judgments on one another. The apostle Paul wrote in Romans chapter 14 verse 13 ‘Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way’. He was encouraging the believers to promote each other’s spiritual interests before their own. In his letter to the church at Philippi Paul says ‘Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.’, in Philippians chapter 2 verses 2-4. It is the same sentiment and teaching. Being selfless or self-limitating may not be a common practice in modern society but it is a biblical standard for pleasing God. At times loving another means limiting our own freedoms. We don’t have to always do everything we are free to do. Sometimes our concern and respect for others should reign in our desires and rights. Just like these rugby players, they had the right to display their tattoos, but they also wanted to show respect to the Japanese sensitivities and culture. pilgrimway101@yahoo.com
