Found 1 result matching "atua"

• atua

  1. (noun) ancestor with continuing influence, god, demon, supernatural being, deity, ghost, object of superstitious regard, strange being - although often translated as 'god' and used for the Christian God, this is a misconception of the real meaning. Many Māori trace their ancestry from atua in their whakapapa and they are regarded as ancestors with influence over particular domains. These atua also were a way of rationalising and perceiving the world.   See also Aitu, Haumia-tiketike, Tāwhiri-mātea, Rongo-mā-Tāne, Whiro, Tāne-mahuta, Tangaroa, Māui-tikitiki-a-Taranga, Rangi-nui, Papa-tū-ā-nuku, Tū-te-wehiwehi, Tū-mata-uenga, Rongomai, Hine-raukatauri, Aituā, Punga, Hine-te-iwaiwa, Kahukura, Ika-tere, Hine-nui-te-pō, Hine-nui-i-te-pō.
  2. (noun) God.   E tino maumahara ana au ki taua pō e inoi ana tō mātau koroua ki Te Atua kia tohungia mātau (HP wh14).I well remember that night when our grandfather was praying to God that we be spared.