Story: Birthdays and wedding anniversaries

The symbolism of the pare (3rd of 4)

The symbolism of the pare

The intricate carving of the 21st-birthday pare can be seen in this close-up. It was accompanied by the following greeting:

Tēnei rā te kuwaha ki ngā tau e heke nei
Anei te Pare he tohu rangatira e,
Ko te manaakitanga, te arohatanga,
te wairuatanga, me te whanaungatanga e,
Ngā pou hei arahi koe i ngā wā katoa,
Tēnā rā koe, tēnā rā koe, tēnā rā koe!

(This is the passage to the years that will follow.
Here is the Pare that is a sign of leadership, hospitality, loving kindness, spirituality and kinship.
These are the anchor points that will guide you at all times.
Warm greetings to you on this day!)

Using this item

Private collection, Tutaki whānau

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'Birthdays and wedding anniversaries - Birthday rituals', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/40241/the-symbolism-of-the-pare (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 5 Sep 2013