Samoa, A Hundred Years Ago And Long Before by George Turner
page 25 of 222 (11%)
page 25 of 222 (11%)
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2. Aitu langi was the name of a village god in another place, and supposed to be incarnate in the owl. If, when going to fight, an owl flew before, it was a good sign; but if across the road or backwards they returned immediately. 2. ALII TU, or _The God who stands._ This god was seen in the Ve'a, or rail (_Rallus pectoralis_). The flight of this bird was also observed during war. If it flew before, it was a good omen; if otherwise they went back disconcerted. 3. AVE I LE TALA, Or _Take to the end of the house._ This was the name of an accoucheur god, whose priest went, when sent for, and prayed for the safety of the patient. This god is specially noted as having predicted the arrival of a powerful foreign god, who was to eat up all the gods of Samoa except one, and that was himself; and then he added pathetically through the priest to the family where he was supposed to reside, "When the great god comes, do not you all leave me, but let two still keep aloof and stand by me." On the introduction and rapid spread of Christianity many said, "The prediction of Ave i le tala has come true." 4. FONGE AND TOAFA. 1. These were the names of two oblong smooth stones which stood on a |
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