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Show •\2 ceremony sent the soul flitting safely on its way and prevented it from hovering about its earthlv abode A kaumatua or elder of the tribe stepped to the open grave to begin the ritual. He was old and bent with age, and his mournful chant hung on the breeze, adding an eerie atmosphere to the event. "Farewell! Go forth to the region wherein human life began. There your ancestors and elders will greet you, and convey you to the oath bv which your "forbearer Tane ascended to the besnaced heavens. Even so shall you enter the presence of Pangjatea, the abode of Io_ the Parent, there to be welcomed by celestial maids and male attendants." The old man reached down and scooped a handful of dust which he threw into th<= wind. It drifted off with his chanted words. Roa felt depressed at these mournful events. His young mind couldn't understand all that took place, and somehow couldn't accent it all either. Finally his distress got the better of him, and he broke a certain taou by nuestioning his father who stood by his side. "My father, this tangi is such a mournful event. Surelv this isn't the end of thy brother |
