"The ten or twelve days when the Sun appeared to linger at the winter solstice were a period of deep concern to primitive man, who trembled lest the luminary hesitate too long or fail to return to give life and warmth to earth and mankind. Hence the reference to the 'long pit' [marua-roa - a term used by the Maori for both solstices (and for the seasons of the solstices)].

Rua or lua is the cavern on the horizon from which the Sun rises or the corresponding pit on the western horizon through which he descends to the Underworld, and the 'long pit' was the one in which he remained for several successive days rising at the same point and setting at the same point while apparently making up his mind to retrace the path toward the equinoxes.

In the short winter days when food was scarce and the earth unproductive and one looked forward with longing to the welcome warmth of spring it was impossible not to feel apprehension until the lengthening of the hours of daylight became perceptible, bringing assurance of the renewal of life." (Makemson)