Nga tikanga o te raranga
- Rebecca Smye-Rumsby
- Aug 1, 2019
- 2 min read
This is information provided by Kylee in order to follow nga tikanga o te raranga.
I have used this with a few students in my FISHY class to harvest flax to make fishing equipment.
I also asked my student Zoe to support me in doing this and make sure that I was carrying out the process correctly.
Symbolism – the harakeke family
For Māori, the fan-shaped harakeke plant represents a whānau (family). This symbolism reflects the importance of the plant in Māori life.
The rito, or inner shoot, is likened to a child and is never removed. A family must protect its offspring if it is to survive.
The awhi rito, or protectors of the rito, stand on each side. They are seen as mātua (parents). Like the rito, they are never harvested.
Only the outer leaves, likened to extended family members, are harvested.
Harvesting harakeke
Māori maintain many tikanga (protocols) to nurture harakeke. The protocols differ by iwi (tribe), but some, like those below, are commonly followed.
Weavers say a karakia (prayer) before cutting the first blade of harakeke.
They always cut on the diagonal, away from the plant’s heart and from top to bottom. This helps rainwater drain away and prevents the heart from being flooded and dying.
Harvesting is not permitted at night or in rain.
No food can be taken into the pā harakeke.
Customarily, pregnant or menstruating women do not harvest or weave, as they are in a tapu (sacred) state.
Karakia mo te Harakeke
Te Harakeke (the flax)
Te Korari (the flowering stalk)
Nga taonga I whakarere iho (the treasure passed down)
Ko te rangi (the heavens/sky)
Ko te whenua (the earth)
Homai he oranga mo matou (give unto us your sustenance)
Tihei mauri ora (the breath of life)
Karakia Timatanga (used to start raranga)
E te Atua
Manaakitia matou
Ki tenai ra
Arohaina o matou maki katoa
Amene
Karakia Whakamutunga (used when finishing raranga)
Kia tou kia tatou katoa
Te atahai o tatou
Ariki a Ihu Karaiti
Me to aroha o te Atua
Me to whiwhinga tahitanga
Ki te Wairua Tapu
Ake ake ake
Amene
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