Tua rite.

This rite was repeated was performed about 8 days after childbirth at the place where the child was born. Its object was to remove the tapu from the mother and the child and also to endow the child with vitality and the qualities necessary to success in life. The gods were also invoked to protect the sacred life principle which was so necessary to the preservation of human life. The following is an example of a 'tua' incantation given by Best:-

Tenei tua ka eke
Kai runga kai tenei tamaiti
Ko tua o nga koromatua,
Tena tua ka eke
Ko tua o nga pukenga,
page 55 Tena tua ka eke
Ko tua o te putanga
Ki te whai ao
Ki te ao marama.

This rite has been performed
performed upon this child,
It is the tua rite of his ancestors.
That rite has been completed
The sacred rite of the priests,
That rite has been completed
The rite by which he will emerge
Into the world of light
Into the world of being.