Haumia-tiketike
God of Wild Food Plants
Major Deity
Place of Origin: Polynesia, particularly New Zealand
Origin Date: Ancient Māori tradition (exact dates not specific)
Domain: Wild plants, natural resources.
Symbols: Wild plants.
Attributes: Provider of wild food.
Epithets: Haumia.
Equivalents: None directly equivalent.
Religion: Māori mythology
Sacred Texts: Oral traditions and myths.
Iconography: Depicted with wild vegetation.
Relations: Son of Ranginui and Papatūānuku.
Description
Haumia-tiketike is the god of wild food plants, representing the natural bounty that humans gather from the wild.
Narratives
The Birth of Haumia-tiketike
Haumia-tiketike, also known as Haumia, is one of the children of Ranginui (Sky Father) and Papatūānuku (Earth Mother). He is the god of wild and uncultivated food, particularly the starchy rhizome of the bracken fern, which was a significant part of the traditional Māori diet.
The Separation of Rangi and Papa
In the Māori creation myth, Haumia-tiketike, along with his siblings, agreed to separate their parents, Ranginui and Papatūānuku, to allow light and space into the world. Haumia-tiketike was the third child to attempt to push them apart with his arms. Although Tāne Mahuta ultimately succeeded in the task, Haumia-tiketike's involvement subjected him to the wrath of their brother, Tāwhirimātea, the god of winds and storms.
Hiding from Tāwhirimātea
After the separation of Rangi and Papa, Tāwhirimātea unleashed his fury on his siblings for their role in the separation. Haumia-tiketike and his brother Rongo-mā-Tāne sought refuge by hiding under their mother, Papatūānuku. They were concealed underground, with their hair and descendants represented by leaves sticking up out of the earth.
Discovered by Tūmatauenga
Tūmatauenga, the god of war and humanity, felt betrayed by his brothers for not helping him fight Tāwhirimātea. When he discovered Haumia-tiketike and Rongo-mā-Tāne hiding underground, he harvested them with a wooden hoe and devoured them as an act of vengeance. This act symbolizes the harvesting of wild and cultivated plants by humans.
Worship Beliefs and Practices of Haumia-tiketike
Haumia-tiketike is a significant deity in Māori mythology, known as the god of wild or uncultivated food plants. He is particularly associated with the starchy rhizome of the bracken fern, which was a major element of the traditional Māori diet.
Core Beliefs
God of Wild Food Plants: Haumia-tiketike is the god of all uncultivated vegetative food in Māori mythology. He contrasts with Rongo, the god of cultivated food plants like the kūmara (sweet potato). Haumia-tiketike is particularly associated with the bracken fern, whose rhizomes were a staple food for the Māori people.
Creation Myth: Haumia-tiketike is a child of Ranginui (sky father) and Papatūānuku (earth mother). He played a role in the separation of his parents to allow light into the world. This act subjected him to the wrath of his brother Tāwhirimātea, the god of storms, but he was protected by his mother, who hid him in the ground.
Attributes and Significance
Depictions: Haumia-tiketike is often symbolized through representations of the bracken fern and other wild plants. He is associated with the natural, untamed aspects of the environment.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with Haumia-tiketike include the bracken fern and other wild plants. These symbols are used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke his presence and blessings.
Cultural Hero: The stories and depictions of Haumia-tiketike are passed down through generations, maintaining their significance in Māori culture and mythology. He embodies the connection between people and the natural world, particularly the wild, uncultivated aspects of it.
Practices of Worship
Rituals and Ceremonies: Devotees perform various rituals and ceremonies to honor Haumia-tiketike. These include offerings of food, particularly wild plants, and other goods to seek his favor and protection. Rituals often take place in marae (sacred communal places) dedicated to Haumia-tiketike.
Sacred Sites: Temples and shrines dedicated to Haumia-tiketike can be found throughout regions with Māori populations. These sites are often located in natural settings that reflect his association with wild plants.
Offerings: Offerings to Haumia-tiketike typically include wild plants, particularly the bracken fern. These offerings symbolize gratitude and the desire for protection and blessings.
Festivals and Traditions
Harvest Festivals: Festivals dedicated to the harvest of wild plants often honor Haumia-tiketike. These gatherings include prayers, rituals, and activities aimed at celebrating and preserving the natural environment.
Cultural Celebrations: Haumia-tiketike's story may be included in cultural celebrations and festivals that honor Māori heritage and traditions. These gatherings often include music, dance, and storytelling.
Prayers: Devotees pray to Haumia-tiketike for protection, prosperity, and the successful harvest of wild plants. Traditional prayers often invoke his role as the god of wild food plants and a symbol of the natural world.
Haumia-tiketike's role as the god of wild food plants embodies the core values and beliefs of Māori mythology, emphasizing the importance of the natural world and the interconnectedness of all life.