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NEW
ZEALAND GIFTS, MAORI DESIGNS, KIWI GIFTS
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Before you buy any of the unique New Zealand
products in our store, pause for a minute and read about meanings
and symbolism of the maori carvings as well as our unique
native materilas.
»» koru - fern
frond
»» double
koru
»» hei matau -
fish hook
»» twist
»» Taniwha
Koru
- the fern frond
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The
spiral is a Koru, represents
the fern frond as it opens bringing new life and purity to
the world.
It also represents peace, tranquility
and spirituality along with a strong sense of regrowth or
new beginnings.
The Koru is also often associated with nurturing so when interlocked
with others is frequently used to represent the strength and
purity of a loving relationship within a family.
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Double
Koru design
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The
design in the shape of two unfolding fern fronds
symbolize the bonding within a family with two opposite but
complimentary life forces.
As each frond unfolds to leave
the circle, it reaches out for a new life, new growth and
so represents the cycle of life. |
Hei
Matau - Fish hook design
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Hei-Matau
(fish hook) represents strength and determination.
It brings peace, prosperity, abundance and good luck.
It also is said to provide good luck and
safety when traveling over water so is often worn by travelers.
Hei-Matau are also symbols of power and authority which are
held in great reverence by the Maori people.
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Koru
- single twist design (eight shape)
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The
twist with its crisscross
form represents the many paths of life and love and as such
is regarded as the original eternity symbol.
The single twist
in particular shows the joining together of two people for
eternity. Even though they sometimes move away from each other
on their own journeys, they will always come together again
sharing their lives and blending to become one. It tells how
the strength of bond of friendship, loyalty and love will
last forever.
The double and triple
twists have a similar meaning but refer more to the
joining of two peoples or cultures rather than individuals.
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top of the page
Taniwha
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Taniwha
(pronounced "TAH-ni-fah") is a legendary being said
by the Maori to live in the ocean and inland waters of New
Zealand, hiding in deep pools, rivers, lakes, and dark caves.
The Waikato River proverbially has a hundred of them, one
on each bend.
Taniwha were often guardians
to Maori tribes and also pets or friends to specific historical/legendary
people.
Wellington's harbour, Te Whanganui-a-Tara,
was reputedly carved out by two taniwha, the petrified remains
of one became one of the hills overlooking the city.
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