MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 January 1939, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

WORLD OF SPIRIT. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) Some impressions of the Maori World of Spirit, now in danger of being lost for ever by disuse, and by Pakeha ridicule of their religious belief: —

Ihi —Has much the same meaning as Tapu when applied to the invocation of a spirit.

Kahukahu —The spirit of an unborn child.

Karakia—ls the prayer addressed to the spirit of a child, or to that of a deceased ancestor.

Kaupapa —A medium of communication with the living, or one visited by an ancestor.

Pukenga—The author of a sacred Karakia, or the first one who taught it. Tapairu—A very sacred spirit of an ancestor. Sometimes applied to a feminine Ariki, the first born of a high priest.

Tauira —One instructed by a Tohunga (wizard) or the spirit of a parent. Three days fasting was imposed before he was taught a new Karakia. Tupua—The spirit of a dead man who was once noted for his power in Karakia.

Tiri —A strip of flax or toitoi suspended over the head of the sick or dying, by which they may reach the spirit land, or as a means of descent by the Spirit of the Atua who may visit and guide them to the Spirit Land. Tohunga—A person skilled in Karakia or spirit craft. Tuahu — A sacred spot where first fruits were left for. the Atua. Wairua—A spirit appearing vividly as in a dream. Atua—A god or holy spirit.