In Polynesian languages the word aitu refers to ghosts or spirits, often malevolent. The word is common to many languages of Western and Eastern Polynesia. In the mythology of Tonga, for example, aitu or eitu are lesser gods, many being patrons of specific villages and families. They often take the form of plants or animals, and are often more cruel than other gods. These trouble-making gods are regarded as having come from S moa.^[1] The Tongan word tangi lauaitu means; to cry from grief, to lament.

In M ori mythology, the word aitu refers to sickness, calamity, or demons; the related word aitu means misfortune, accident, disaster.^[2] In Tahitian, aitu (syn. atua/raitu) can mean 'god' or 'spirit'^[3]; in other languages, including Rarotongan, Samoan, Sikaiana, Kapingamarangi, Takuu, Tuamotuan, and Niuean, aitu are ghosts or spirits.

In Cook Islands Aitu is also the name of ancient tribes who came from the east.

^[4]

In the Samoa Islands, aitu also means ghost.^[5]

See also

• Atua
• Kupua
• Nuku-mai-tore
• Polynesian mythology
• Tui Fiti

Notes

1. ↑ In Rotuman similar beings are also called aitu; this may be a borrowing from Tongan which, owing to historical contact, has provided a considerable part of the Rotuman vocabulary. See http://www.rotuma.net/os/Religion.html
2. ↑ The - suffix of aitu imparts the sense infested with aitu.
3. ↑ Fare vana'a dictionary ('raitu' is also an affectionate word given to a cherished child) http://www.farevanaa.pf
4. ↑ "A dictionary of the Maori language of Rarotonga", Manuscript by Stephen Savage. Suva : IPS, USP in association with the Ministry of Education of the Cook Islands, 1983. For an etymologic interpretation of the name Aitutaki see also "Myth and songs from the South Pacific" William Wyatt Gill, London, 1876.
5. ↑