ID: 1594
Date: 1880s
Title: Tatai Whetu
Gender: Male and Female 
Classification: Game 
Rhyme: 

Katahi, ka ri, ka wara, ka tikoki
Manu ki, manu ka toro, kai o, tungongo.
Kai te koata, raua riki, tara kaina, e hi
Tarera, e tika, ramako, tikina,
Kapohia, te arero, o te rangi
Wiwi, wawa, heke, heke,
Te manu ki, tai keka.

(NZ, c. 1880s)

--
 
Background Info: A breath-holding rhyme known as "Tatai Whetu" or "Tatau Manawa". Players recite nonsense jingles as fast as possible without taking a breath.
The same rhyme was also used as a manifestation of thaumaturgy to prevent frosts that may damage crops. (Best, 1925:165)

==
 
Keywords: Traditional Maori, 
Location: NZ 
Group size: 6 
Incidence: 1