POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
261 
occasion^ as some of the principal chiefs sat at the 
lowest end. 
The word tapape^ used in the first instance^ was that 
which appeared the most suitable^ as we were anxious to 
divest the rite of every thing extraordinary or mysterious. 
The signification of the word is to apply water^ without 
expressing the precise mode of application. They have 
no word answering to the term baptize^ as now under¬ 
stood in the English language^ though they have distinct 
words for sprinklings pourings bathing, &c., but we con 
sidered the simple application of water to approach 
nearer to the original word baptisto, than either of these; 
and it seemed so appropriate, as to render it unnecessary 
to introduce any other. Subsequently, however, our 
opinions changed, and we adopted the original word, 
which in Tahitian is written ba~pa-ti~zo^ and used only 
to signify this sacred rite. 
The water was not sprinkled on the face with force, 
the sign of the cross was not made, nor was water poured 
on the head from any vessel, but, taking one hand from 
the vessel containing the water, and holding it over the 
individual, we allowed so much water as was held in or 
attached to the hand, to fall upon the crown or fore¬ 
head of the baptized, pronouncing, at the same time, the 
name, and the words prescribed in the Gospels. 
Some difficulty was experienced with regard to the 
names, as many of the natives, especially the chiefs, 
have a number; some of office, others hereditary, 
and not a few intimately connected with their former 
idolatry, or its abominable institutions. It was not 
thought desirable that they should assume a new name 
on receiving baptism, or that it should interfere with any 
name of office, station, or hereditary title, that might 
