During one of his stays, he noticed that the woman who brought him his breakfast every morning would always place several mounds of rice on the ground outside her house. Upon asking her what they were for she told him that they were offerings for the household spirits. ... However, he later noticed colony of ants taking the rice and came to the revelation that "the spirits" were the ants. ... The shamans give offerings and praise to "the spirits", and in turn the earth takes care of them. ...

• Word Count: 2479
• Approx Pages: 10
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Presumably this releases the evil spirits that posses the body. ... Though small children must be forced to undergo this punishment when they neglect the mouth ritual, adults willingly go to drive out evil spirits and be forgiven. ...

• Word Count: 2054
• Approx Pages: 8
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

I come from the land of the long white cloud and I am proud to be Māori, the natives of New Zealand. Facial expressions are a big part of my culture. We use the 'pukana' a fierce look staring wildly with dilated eyes as an expression to show your inner spirit being released. It can be frighte...

• Word Count: 1471
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School