SUPPLEMENTARY REMARKS BY MR. E. H. NEPIA.

Forest and Bird, Issue 25, 1 October 1931, Page 10

SUPPLEMENTARY REMARKS BY MR. E. H. NEPIA.

Let me briefly tell of the prominence given to birds in symbolic references and proverbs relating to daily life. Some such are as follows: — “He kaka kite ngahere; he wahine kite kainga.” As is the parrot in the forest; so are womenfolk in the home. Again: “He parahako i te koekoea.” An (egg) abandoned by the koekoea (cuckoo). (The cuckoo left its eggs in the nest of other birds to be hatched as an abandoned child.) The grey warbler (riro-riro) is immortalised in the proverb: “I whea koe i te tangihanga o te riro-riro?” Where wert thou when the riro-riro was calling?” (A remark made to shame a person who came to seek food not having made a cultivation of food in the planting season-- i.e., when the riro (also the koekoea) calls.) Then again: “Me he tarakihi e papa ana te wawaro.” Like unto the locusts is the din of many voices. (Said of people overlong at meals and jabbering away senselessly—a reminder to get back to daily tasks.)

Certain birds are held in respect because of their supposed omen-giving significance. If a newly-married man dreamt of tattooed heads decorated with huia feathers, that was regarded as an indication that his wife had conceived a daughter; whereas if the plumes be those of the kotuku (or heron) that was an omen that a son may be expected.