Folklore – Why the dead do not come back
At one time men rose again from the dead and came back to earth to their friends. Only animals never returned.
There was a man, who lived with his sister, and she had a dog of which she was very fond, and the dog died. When people rose again, it was the rule for all the living to adorn themselves in their best to go and meet their risen friends. The man and his friends said to his sister, “Put on your good clothing and come to meet the risen.” She replied, “No. Why should I go when my dog is dead and gone?”
Ruhanga heard her and was angry and said, “So people don’t care what becomes of the dead. They shall not rise again, for death will end their careers.” Now when a man dies he does not come back.
The people still believe that the dead come to see them in the eventide, and they dress up in their best clothes and sit by the door with a pot of milk and other food and remain silent lest they should disturb the dead who come to partake.
Widows say that their husbands will wear the clothing that they offer them, and they leave things about in the house for them.