Parekawakawa

He aha te tikanga o te parekawakawa?

He tikanga o Tainui no mai rā anō. He tohu aroha ki te hunga mate.

What is the significance of the parekawakawa?

This is an old custom of Tainui from many years ago. A symbol of respect for those who have passed on.

He aha i takoto ai te parekawakawa i te taha o te kāwhena?

He tohu aroha ki te aitua me hora atu ki te aroaro o te mate. Ka takoto i te mutunga o te hongi ā ka nehua i te taha o te tupapaku.

Why is the parekawakawa laid beside the coffin?

A sign of respect to the deceased as a shedding of sorrow for the deceased. The parekawakawa is laid at the end of the hongi and is buried at the side of the deceased.