The Boy Who Didn’t Wash His Hands

Episode 44 - The Boy who didn’t wash his hands (Tikanga Based Story) 

Why wash your hands when you leave an urupā? As kids, the choice was straightforward: wash your hands or get a kick in the pants from Nan. And with the decision always came a foreboding "beware curse" from Nanny, delivered in a chorus of voices, warning of the dire consequences that might ensue if you neglected this ritual. Nowadays, I gently remind my moko with the sweetest intonation, "Horoia ō ringaringa." Man, what whimps we've become! But what if Nan was right? And yes, I can hear her voice from the other side chiding, "Of course I am, you silly boy!" This tale delves into the repercussions faced by a heedless child (not me!) who disregards Nan's sage advice. 

T. A. Whero