Seihou I Makei Taiba
Seihou is a piece of recitative verse that always precedes a traditional pena performance
Seihou is a piece of recitative verse that always precedes a traditional pena performance
Seihou (literally "the beginning of a song") starts with an extended syllable "umm", followed by an invocation to the primordial figures of father (sky) and mother (earth) who bestowed the essence to all that is living and nonliving. Through this invocation, the creation of the cosmos and its progenitor are recalled. The verse is symbolic of one that can: centrifuge the vibration of the universe that seems to propel from the hum of a spinning top; clear a clogged mountain stream. After presenting such symbols, the invoker humbly begins the performance.
Maikei Taiba (literally "sewing the directions") is an incantation which invokes the deities who safeguard the universal space and realms, which includes the eight cardinal and intercardinal directions along with the two points in space known as Upwards and Downwards. Here are the names of some deities: Thangjing, the guardian at Santhong (SW); Wangpurel at Meiram (SE); Marjing at Chingkhei (NE); Awang Koubru (SW) at Liklam; Salairel at Upwards; Thongarel at Downwards and many more. Essentially, Maikei Taiba is an entreaty offered to these protectors for the well-being and safety during a performance.
