ORIGIN OF THE WORD “HAUHAU.”

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 230, 29 August 1932, Page 2

ORIGIN OF THE WORD “HAUHAU.”

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —Some interesting remarks and speculations as to the derivation of the name appiied to the religious cult practised by the followers of Te Kooti —Hauhau—by Mr H. Taituha, appear in your Friday's issue. I have always understood that the name “Hauhau” was given by Europeans to any follower or adherent of this particular religious creed, and afterwards became associated with the religion itself. The true Maori name of the religion was “Pai marire,” meaning “Glad Tidings,” “Peace and Goodwill,” “Rest and Peace.” One of the principal features of a full “service” was for all those present to form a ring round a high pole erected in a level, open space, and to circle round and round, chanting incantations of absolutely meaningless words, concluding each chant with the words, “Pai marire. Pai marire, Hau ! Hau ! Hau !” which could be fairly accurately rendered, “Glory Hallelujah. Glory Hallelujah, Hurray! Hurray! Hurray!” The word “Hau” (in this sense) is not a Maori word at all, and used as I have stated, would correspond to the German “Hoch,” the French “Vive,” the English “Hurrah”; and the English settlers witnessing these strange ceremonies. and becoming accustomed to the constantly repeated slogan, applied the word “Hau-hau” both to the half-crazy believers and to the belief itself. I have stated that the incantations were meaningless, and. ns a matter of fact they were grotesque in the extreme. Such words as “Kongo rewa, piki rewa, tipi rewa,” “Teihana!” (Long river, big river, deep river. Attention!). What th" big river, and long river, etc., meant, the Lord only knows. Then might come; “Tiu

Raiti, Tiemana. Teihanal’’ (To your right, gentlemen! Attention!). -Evidently these words had be-en heard on some military parade ground, were presumably much admired, rendered into phonetic Maori, and then repeated with tremendous gusto. It was all utterly amazing and incredible. A curious thing is that they called the central pole the “niii." which, so iar as I know, is not a Maori word, and yet is the common Polynesian name for the coconut palm.—l am. etc.. W. T. MORPETH.

Tangimoana., August 27, 1932