In Maori tradition, creation began with the gods (atua). First came the void (Te Kore), then the night (Te Po) and then the world of light (Te Ao Marama).
Rangi and Papa belifs: The Maori creation myth says that heaven and earth were once joined as Ranginui the Sky Father,and Papatuanuku the Earth Mother as they layed together. They had many children who lived in the darkness between them, the children wanted to live in the light and so they separated their stubborn parents. Ranginui and Papatuanuku continue to grieve for each other to this day. Rangi's tears fall as rain towards Papa to show how much he loves her. When mist rises from the forests in New Zealand, these are Papa's sighs as the warmth of her body is missed by him and continues to nurture mankind.
The story of human creation: Tane made the first woman, Hineahuone, and married her. Tane then separated the two main parents, Papa and Rangi who had eight divine offspring: Haumia the god of uncultivated food, Rongo the god of peace and agriculture, Ruaumoko the god of earthquakes, Tawhirimatea the god of weather, Tane the father of humans and god of forests, Tangaroa the god of the sea, Tu-matauenga the war god, and Whiro the god of darkness and evil. There are also special tribal and family gods.
The story of creation of the land: the god Maui went fishing in a canoe his hook caught a giant fish, which became the North Island. His canoe became the South island, and Stewart Island was formed from his anchor.
Rangi and Papa belifs: The Maori creation myth says that heaven and earth were once joined as Ranginui the Sky Father,and Papatuanuku the Earth Mother as they layed together. They had many children who lived in the darkness between them, the children wanted to live in the light and so they separated their stubborn parents. Ranginui and Papatuanuku continue to grieve for each other to this day. Rangi's tears fall as rain towards Papa to show how much he loves her. When mist rises from the forests in New Zealand, these are Papa's sighs as the warmth of her body is missed by him and continues to nurture mankind.
The story of human creation: Tane made the first woman, Hineahuone, and married her. Tane then separated the two main parents, Papa and Rangi who had eight divine offspring: Haumia the god of uncultivated food, Rongo the god of peace and agriculture, Ruaumoko the god of earthquakes, Tawhirimatea the god of weather, Tane the father of humans and god of forests, Tangaroa the god of the sea, Tu-matauenga the war god, and Whiro the god of darkness and evil. There are also special tribal and family gods.
The story of creation of the land: the god Maui went fishing in a canoe his hook caught a giant fish, which became the North Island. His canoe became the South island, and Stewart Island was formed from his anchor.
Find more about the mythical Maori creation at: www.crystalinks.com/maoricreation.html