Pōhutukawa

Maisey Rika's song "Pōhutukawa" is a deeply spiritual and culturally rich piece that delves into the Māori beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife. The lyrics are imbued with references to the pōhutukawa tree, which holds significant cultural and spiritual importance in Māori tradition. The song begins by describing the journey of a person's spirit after death, starting with the phrase "mate ana te tangata ka tīmata tōna hāere i te ara wairua," which translates to "when a person dies, their journey on the spiritual path begins." This sets the tone for a narrative that is both solemn and reverent, guiding the listener through the stages of the spirit's journey to the afterlife.

The pōhutukawa tree, mentioned repeatedly throughout the song, is symbolic of this journey. In Māori mythology, the ancient pōhutukawa tree at Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua) is believed to be the point where spirits leap into the afterlife. The lyrics, "kei raro o te aka ko te aka roa ko te aka maroke," refer to the roots of the tree, symbolizing the connection between the physical world and the spiritual realm. The song also mentions "te whetū tapu o te kāhui matariki," or the sacred star of the Matariki cluster, which is another significant element in Māori culture, representing guidance and the cyclical nature of life and death.

Maisey Rika's ethereal voice and the haunting melody enhance the song's spiritual atmosphere, making it a poignant tribute to the Māori traditions and beliefs. The repeated invocation of the pōhutukawa tree as a beacon of love and death, "he tohu aroha, he tohu mate," underscores the duality of life and death, love and loss. The song is not just a reflection on death but also a celebration of the spiritual journey and the enduring connection between the living and the deceased. It is a call to honor and remember those who have passed, guided by the sacred symbols of the pōhutukawa and the Matariki stars.