For someone (agent) to test the expediency of wearing a mourning article, bālu, ngūhu, (theme i-).
A person whose spouse or child has recently died must test the possibility of a bad omen which would prohibit the wearing of mourning articles. The person wears mourning articles and goes to sit along a trail near one's home, waiting for an omen by that which gives such a sign, bumāun. This is continued daily until no bad omen is given. To proceed with wearing mourning articles in the face of a bad omen is to risk misfortune such as sickness or death.