Vocabulary Of Some Maori Words Requiring Explanation.

Ihi has the sense of tapu when occurring in karakia, or invocations of spirits.

Kahukahu, the spirit of the germ of a human being: also called Atua noho-whare, or house-dwelling Atua. Verbi kahukahu significatio simplex est panniculus; et panniculus quo utitur femina menstrualis nomine kahukahu dicitur κατ' ἐξοχὴν. Apud populum Novæ Zelandæ creditur sanguinem utero sub tempus menstruale effusum continere germina hominis; et secundùm præcepta veteris superstitionis panniculus sanguine menstruali imbutus habebatur sacer (tapu), haud aliter quàm si formam humanam accepisset: mulierum autem mos est page 108 hos panniculos intra juncos parietum abdere; et hâc de causâ paries est domûs pars adeo sacra ut nemo illi innixus sedere audeat.

Karakia. This word generally rendered by ‘charm,’ does not signify what the word charm would mean, in its popular sense. The word ‘invocation’ conveys more correctly its meaning; for it is a prayer addressed to spirits of deceased ancestors, in form somewhat like a litany.

Kaupapa, one whom the spirit of an ancestor visits, and who is its medium of communication with the living.

Pukenga, a spirit, the author or first teacher of any karakia.

Tapairu, any very sacred ancestral Spirit: also sometimes applied to the female Ariki.

Tauira, a person who is being instructed by a tohunga, or by the spirit of a parent or ancestor. He had to submit to a strict fast of several days before he was taught any important karakia.

Tipua, or Tupua, the spirit of one who when living was noted for powerful karakia.

Tiri, a strip of flax leaf or toetoe so placed as to serve as an imaginary pathway for an Atua. In sickness a tiri is suspended above the head of the sick person to facilitate the departure of the Atua who causes the disease. A tiri is also suspended near the kaupapa, when he desires his Atua to visit him. It is also applied to signify the karakia used on such occasions.

Tohunga, a person skilled in karakia, also one skilled in any craft.

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Tuahu, a sacred place where offerings of food—first fruits—for the Atua were deposited.

Wananga, the spirit of anyone who when living had learned the karakia of his ancestors: thus when a tauira died he became a wananga.