Kawakawa has always played a significant role in the Māori spiritual and physical world, tracing the life cycle from birth to death.
Kawakawa has always played a significant role in the Māori spiritual and physical world, tracing the life cycle from birth to death. The leaves act as a good luck charm from birth, naming ceremonies, the removal of tapu, at the opening of a new meeting house, launching a new canoe and the blessing of food or even war enterprises. Finally, kawakawa leaves are a symbol of mourning being carried at funerals, along with recognised medicinal qualities