Samoa, A Hundred Years Ago And Long Before by George Turner
page 67 of 222 (30%)
page 67 of 222 (30%)
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This was the name by which another protector was known. If any members
of the family went to fight at sea, they collected some sea-weed to take with them. If in pursuit of a canoe, they threw out some of it to hinder the progress of the enemy, and make the chase successful in obtaining a decapitated head or two. If the enemy tried to pick up any of this deified sea-weed it immediately sank, but rose again and floated on the surface if one of its friends paddled up to the spot. 9. MOSO'OI. This is the name of a tree (_Conanga Odorata_), the yellow flowers of which are highly fragrant. In one place it was supposed to be the habitat of a household god, and anything aromatic or sweet-scented which the family happened to get was presented as an offering. At any household gathering the god was sent for to be present. Three different messengers had to go at short intervals, as it was not expected that he would come before the _third_ appeal or entreaty for his presence. 10. FATUPUAA MA LE FEE--_The pig's heart and the octopus._ Another family supposed that two of their gods were embodied in the said heart and octopus. Men, women, and children of them were most scrupulous never to eat either the one or the other, believing that such a meal would be the swallowing of a germ of a living heart or octopus growth, by which the insulted gods would bring about death. |
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