pohutu
spirits meet mortals
excitement
This is the Pohutu geyser at Te Puia near Rotorua in central North Island of New Zealand. It erupts once or twice an hour sometimes reaching up to 3o metres in height. This area of the North Island is rich in geothermal activity with an aroma of sulphur often drifting over the city .
The Maori first arrived in New Zealand (they call it Aotearoa) around 1000 years ago by canoe from one or more of Hawaii, Tahiti and the Cook Islands. There were many migrations over the following centuries. As they travelled around the islands and into the North Island the Maori encountered volcanic and geothermal activity. Their stories and legends passed down indicate they were very familiar with this geographic phenomena and earthquakes. They immediately made spiritual connections with hot springs, geysers, mud pools and volcanoes. Maori people of the central North Island around Rotorua tell of the High Priest Ngatoroirangi who called to his sisters Te Hoata and Te Pupa from his homeland of Hawaki. They appeared to him above the ground in the form of this geyser and according to stories also created the other geysers, thermal springs and volcanoes.
This is my contribution to the 52 week Photo Challenge the last one for 2016 is SPIRIT and boy do a lot of us need some. See the other brilliant images for SPIRIT at https://nanacathydotcom.wordpress.com/2016/12/29/photo-challenge-spirit/#comments For next years challenge planned by Cathy and Sandra visit Cathy’s blog at https://nanacathydotcom.wordpress.com/one-a-week-photo-challenge-2017/
Wonderful story to go with your stunning images.
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Thanks Cathy, its a very important place for the Maori.
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A lovely haiku and gorgeous photographs Denis – this looks lkke a very inspiring place to spend some quiet time.
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Thanks Xenia, this is a significant Maori cultural centre where their ancestors have lived for many hundreds of years.
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That had to be rather humbling… In an awe inspiring way and I thank you for sharing the visual along with the haiku.
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It is quite exceptional the first time one sees, hears and feels the eruption.
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Wow! That looks like an impressive geyser, Denis. You captured it very well and I love the haiku. Have a happy New Year!
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Thanks Vashti. It is big, noisy and quite awesome up close.
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Natural phenomenons are so fascinating! I understand why Maori made immediate spiritual connections. Such a powerful sight to see.
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The Maori generally had the right connections with their environment, although they were more exploitative than the Australian Aboriginals. The problem with both was the British turned up and spoilt the party.
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Very informative Denis. It never occurred to me that geysers could come with odors. Beautiful captures.
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There is high sulphur content as the whole area is volcanic,
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This has been, a quick and very pleasant read. I love posts like this, where I can learn something interesting. Thank you Dennis
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Thanks for that feedback. My whole idea is to combine images i take with haiku and a story about that image. This is Haibun, to me the only way to go with haiku.
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