MAORI MEMORIES.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 April 1938, Page 9

MAORI MEMORIES.

CUSTOMS AND HABITS (Ritenga). (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) Emotion was shown when friends or acquaintances met; but in parting there was complete silence. When meeting both men and women pressed their noses together, whining amidst a shower of tears as though in grief. Relatives or friends carried on such a display for half an hour. This custom of pressing noses is known as hongi. It is associated with smelling, and like, the old Eastern custom of eating salt, it removed all hostility between enemies. The ceremony of pressing noses is unknown among other races. The ancient Greeks pressed chins, the Turks their foreheads, and Moors kiss beard. The modern method of shaking hands is taking the place of the ancient custom of the Hongi among the Maoris. It is said that the thrill of kissing was quite unknown between the Maori lads and lasses, though some linguists apply their word Mote (to suck) to it.

In the Marae (Lawn) the guests and host met and Hongi before food is served. Unlike our custom, the guests partake of their food quite apart from the host who welcomes them.

Consideration for strangers is a notable feature among the Maori people. The polite Eastern custom of not conversing with such visitors until they have an opportunity to become familiar with the appearance of the people around them, is always observed. When chiefs or strangers of rank arrive at a Pa, they arc greeted by waving mats and songs which betoken their importance. When sung in unison, a very impressive reception begin thus:—"Welcome, O stranger, from beyond the sky.”