What is the meaning of the haka dance?

The haka is a type of ceremonial Māori dance or challenge. Haka are usually performed in a group and typically represent a display of a tribe’s pride, strength and unity. Actions include foot-stamping, tongue protrusions and rhythmic body slapping to accompany a loud chant.

Why do they pull faces in the haka?

It was performed on the battlefields for two reasons. Firstly, it was done to scare their opponents; the warriors would use aggressive facial expressions such as bulging eyes and poking of their tongues. They would grunt and cry in an intimidating way, while beating and waving their weapons.

What is the origin of the haka dance?

Haka has its origins in Maori legend. The sun god Tama-nui-te-ra and one of his wives, Hine-raumati, who embodies the essence of summer, had a son named Tane-rore. Traditionally, haka was performed as part of the rituals of encounter when two parties met or when a visitor was welcomed into the community.

What are they saying during a haka?

An upward step, another… the sun shines! Ka mate, Ka mate is believed to have been composed by Te Rauparaha, a Maori warrior chief in early 1800s. He was said to have been running away from an enemy tribe and hiding in a pit when he penned the words.

Can females do the haka?

The modern haka is even performed by women. ‘Ka Mate’ haka (Te Rauparaha haka), performed by the All Blacks, is the most well-known of all haka. It is a ceremonial haka, celebrating life triumphing over death.

Why do Maoris stick tongue out?

Traditionally it is meant to welcome visitors, but also to (again) demonstrate their power and readiness to fight should the visitors decide to attack. One of the typical moves in a Haka is for the males to stick their tongue out and bulge their eyes.

How old are the Maoris?

Māori are the tangata whenua, the indigenous people, of New Zealand. They came here more than 1000 years ago from their mythical Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki. Today, one in seven New Zealanders identify as Māori. Their history, language and traditions are central to New Zealand’s identity.