In olden times marvellous things occurred in the world of light, according to Maori myth and folk lore, hence we hear of strange cases of unnatural birth and weird forms of parentage. The tutelary beings presiding over birth were Hina-te-iwaiwa or Hine-te-iwaiwa, and Hine-korako, both of whom are lunar personifications.
The first-born female of such a family was, in like manner, considered to be of more importance than later-born females. The most elaborate ceremonial was that connected with the first-born male child of a superior family, younger sons were not, apparently, honoured to so great a degree. The ritual formulæ employed at such dedication are of an extremely archaic nature and interesting withal. The ritual connected with birth, as pertaining to the cult of Io, the Supreme Being, is of special interest, as in the dedication of the child to that This budget includes the higher form of ritual employed by the Takitumu folk. With regard to the science of genesiology, the writer happens to possess a somewhat extensive budget of data as collected from several different tribes. Thus it is that, in order to explain the more interesting customs and practices connected with birth, it will be necessary for us to deal with a family of the chieftain class. It has already been explained that the Maori has strong aristocratic tendencies, and that the more elaborate ceremonies and high-class ritual were not employed in connection with the common folk of a community. High-class ritual pertained only to superior families-The first-born male and female children of most importance-Tutelary beings presiding over birth-The Children of the Mist, born of the Mist Maid-The mate marama-Giving birth no severe ordeal to the Maori woman-Future mother congratulated by people-Rite to cause conception-Rite to prevent conception-Childless women and sooterkin-Curious beliefs-Cosmogonic period of birth-Abortion-Immature birth a danger to the community-The nest house-Segregation-The tapuhi or attendants-Parturition-Ritual formulæ-Child welcomed into the world-Disposal of the iho-The Tohi rite-Divination-The Oho rangi rite-Ceremonial release of a bird-The Pou uekaha or birth registration-The Maioha rite-Child dedicated to Supreme Being-The baptism of the child-The birth tree-The Tua rite-Ceremonial feast- Tapu name of child-Illegitimate children-Weaning-Curious form of cradle-The nanu-Massage of infant-The names of Io, how used-Flute played to expedite birth-Phallic flutes-Infanticide. IX Social Customs- Continued Customs Pertaining To Birth
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