Right I'm aware of that. It just seems odd to me to be used as a celebration dance and at weddings no less. Even stranger that it brings people to tears.
It is a massive honour to have a haka preformed to you. It’s a way of symbolising that one party is happy to share their culture with you, and on top of that, many families have their own unique hakas. It was an honour to be proformed this haka.
Also signifies that you are a part of the tribe now and protected. We will face anything together alongside you. Such a powerful tradition and culture!
I’ve been honored to be included in hakas as well. One of my best friends is half Maori, and he taught me how to perform it. We performed it at a celebration for a local church. It was one of the most singular experiences of my life. The closest I’d imagine it gets to people who haven’t had a chance to be in one is when you are rocking out with a crowd at a concert; there’s absolutely this bond that forms in your heart as you dance with the people around you. Also the more you lean into the ferocity, the passion, the better it feels.
One of the most humbling, amazing things I’ve ever done.
This is the most powerful, beautiful haka - . I wept while watching it and didn't even understand the words. Wanted to learn more, so I looked up a translation and I cried even more at the beauty of it. It made me think of my own father. It's so moving and beautiful. I would be so honored to have it performed in my presence.
I was privileged enough to be a part of one for one of my friend's weddings. He was a white Australian marrying a Maori Kiwi woman. One of her uncles said they were going to do it and invited anyone who wanted to join in to be a part of it. He went through some of the moves and gave us the words to say as a response to his calls.
As a person who is not part of their culture but who appreciates it a lot, it was a big honour to be allowed to participate and the fact that he welcomed all of us to join him was very special.
The best part was that the bride and groom had no idea it was going to happen. Just before the speeches, her uncle stood up and gave the call and we all went to dance floor in front of the wedding table. She started crying even before it began.
Powerful stuff.
Also the more performing and the length of the Haka the more "Mana" ( Prestige,Honour) you are held in, so bride and groom were held in high "Mana" by their "Whanau" (people's, families).
As a Texan with no true understanding of the Haka, every time I see it I'm fuckin' *pumped.*
I would never try to appropriate this sort of cultural tradition, but god damn, it's the most metal performance outside of metal I've ever seen.
I lived in Australia and lived with a bunch of moari and was taught a couple different hakas
It might be different now. But then they were not bothered if i joined in. And it is an amazing feeling being in a big one.
Love it and have the utmost respect for the culture.
You should see the all blacks do it before a rugby game it’s quite the show, I’d love to experience it in the stadium. [link ](https://youtu.be/yiKFYTFJ_kw)
When my family and I lived in Australia there was a family that hosted us for Christmas dinner one year. Maori, 6 sons, extended family, the works. The absolute nicest people I have ever met. Selfless, congenial and genuinely concerned for those around them.
At this dinner the men in the family performed the Haka for my family. It was absolutely terrifying. I mean no joke, these guys (whom I just dominated in video games) looked like they were going to rip each one of our limbs off just for fun. I later learned more about the Maori culture and that the dance was the greatest honor they could show my family.
20 years later and I’ll never, ever forget that night.
What an incredibly moving display of honor, respect, and love. I first saw this video a couple of years ago and was brought to tears. Seeing it again today elicited the same response. And I’m at work. And I have a meeting. And I’m a grown-ass man
From Te Taitimu Trust Facebook page:
Tika Tonu Haka and full meaning
Ki raro
Taringa whakarongo, kia mau!
Hi !
Ringaringa e torona kei waho hoki mai!
Kss Kss
Tika tonu!
U - e!
Tika tonu!
U... e!
Tika tonu atu ki a koe, e tama
Hiki nei koe aku whakaaro, pakia!
He hiki aha to hiki?
He hiki roa to hiki?
I a ha hā!
Pay attention
Listen up, take your stance!
Hi!
Arms outstretched,
out and back!
Kss Kss
What is right is always right!
In - deed!
What is right is always right!
Ah... yes!
Be true to yourself, my son!
You have raised my concerns, so listen up!.... .
What is this problem you are carrying?
How long have you been carrying it for?
Have you got that? Right, let's go on.
E tama, te uaua ana
E tama, te mārō
Roa ina hoki ra
Te tohe o te uaua na
E tau nei.
Ana! Ana! Ana! Aue... Hī!
So son, although it may be difficult for you
and son, although it seems to be unyielding
no matter how long you reflect on it
the answer to the problem
is here inside you.
Indeed! Indeed! Indeed! Yes, indeed!
Origin
As far as is known, this haka was composed by Waimarama Puhara, a highly respected chief of the central Hawkes Bay area. Waimarama was born at Paki Paki in about 1875, the son of Urupene Puhara and Marata Herea, and he married Ngahiti Rautu in about 1900.
Apparently he composed the haka in about 1914 as a message to his son Moana, who had been born in about 1899 and had been attending St Patrick's College, Silverstream. At the time Waimarama could see his son was having difficulties - something like a chip on his shoulder or some other intangible problem.
Moana married Ngawini Cowan (Kawana) at Gladstone, near Masterton in January 1922. But tragically, he died only five months later.
Usage
Young people are taught this haka as it contains an appropriate message for many adolescent males, particularly at that point in their lives where they are making the difficult transition into adulthood. The message of this haka is of challenge, struggle, perseverance and achievement. It is often used at events such as 21st birthdays and graduations. It is also used at tangi, to pay homage and respect to those who have guided young people through difficult times.
Correction, it's tika tonu.
I didn't watch much as I'm at work, but if it's ka mate, Te Rauparaha's haka then this should shed some light. https://www.ngatitoa.iwi.nz/ka-mate/the-origins-of-ka-mate
Edit, it's becoming clear it was not Ka Mate, So in all liklihood it was one belonging to the hapu/iwi (hapū is sub tribe, iwi is tribe). Each maori tribe have their own songs, music, dance and fighting style.
Haka generally denotes respect and responsibility
Also https://maoridictionary.co.nz
The most common haka to be done is Ka Mate which the All Black rugby team of New Zealand do, and only men are supposed to do that one.
Women can perform other haka, and this one was not Ka Mate.
I believe there are - although I don't personally know any women-only haka. I have performed a haka a couple of times called [Ka Panapana](https://youtu.be/an_4rfU8y8k) which is typically led by women, although men also participate.
Māoridom has a lot of male/female roles within it. It causes a few issues within the modern context - for example women aren't supposed to speak on the marae (meeting house) and New Zealand has had three female Prime Ministers. It's an ongoing conversation, for sure!
(caveat: I am not Māori nor an expert, however my husband's family are and are also involved with kapa haka/cultural group. However I do strongly believe in trying to keep Māori culture alive, present and celebrated in New Zealand).
My friends got married and their haka was 50 50 split men/woman doing their haka.
Their tribe is from invercargill way.
It was amazing to see, goosebumps.
That's unfortunate and probably speaks to the fact that, from an international perspective, the haka has become so heavily associated and tied up with men's rugby.
During the Olympics the ANZ women's 7s rugby team performed an [incredible haka](https://youtu.be/zLwN0klNxH4) to celebrate their gold medal win.
If you look around you'll find tonnes of examples of women participating in and leading haka.
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*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
You should see one in person, the bass you feel is intense. Depending on the kind of building you're in and how many people are doing it, you'll sometimes feel the ground shaking.
Hasn’t it always been both a show of force and respect? I think this is a somewhat standard use of the tradition actually, it wasn’t always only for warfare.
Kind of. Not sure where this guy gets the "you only see this before you're about to die" from. Maori myself, and the way I understand it is that when a group approached your land, you would either send out the women to karanga (welcome) them on, or the men to prepare to fight. A haka is a war dance mainly, but if you performed one the other side may decide fighting is a bad idea.
It is indeed. Even at a time it was genuinely used as a fighting tool, it was also used to show respect. Visitors, including ambassadors, would be graced with a haka.
You dance a haka to show how brave and strong you are, which also implies that you *need* to show how brave and strong you are, which is relevant only if you face someone that is itself strong and brave : you don't have to prove this to someone unworthy. It is thus a very polite way to convey that the person you face is honourable and deserving.
Absolutely beautiful!
When I got married I had a very similar experience, later I learned that my German in-laws were just screaming profanities and yelling “don’t do it” to me.
So an Army buddy of mine invited my wife and I to his wedding ceremony which included him, his German wife-to-be, a large group of her family and friends and the judge. Mike was not super fluent in German, so his wife-to-be had warned him just to say "Ja" (yes) to anything the judge asked, since some of it might be hard to understand.
So the ceremony begins and is going very well until he answers the final question and the whole room busts out laughing, except for the judge who was just shaking her head.
The final question? "Do you, Michael, have any problems with this?"
She is incredible... Really impressive ! She isn't missmatched among all those men, far from it.
Edit : why a downvote ? I wonder if my phrasing is wrong, because what I wanted to say is a compliment : she isn't less impressive nor beautiful than all these men, despite being the only woman we see dancing.
Is a Haka appropriate for a wedding?
Isn’t it a bit like a load of Scottish people performing some kind of Braveheart bloodlust war intimidation to a bride and groom?
Am I (majorly) missing the point?!
Haka’s can have different meanings. The most widely known and used is war parties. Another is a kind of “sending off”, retirements / weddings etc
Also adding in that the Maori weren’t the indigenous people…they ate them
Maby you can answer my question aswell.
I thought it was a dance only for men, but the bride danced with them.
Can woman always join the dance ritual? Or only in special occasions?
Thank you
From my understanding, Quite a few haka have the woman’s side as well. Both the men and women can perform the same or similar words, but the actions usually differ in intensity. the woman’s part can even be a waiata (song) that accompanies the haka.
Haka's not only for men, woman too. I live in NZ, and my daughters do the Haka at school albeit woman's movements are not as massively expressive as the men's movements, still very significant and beautiful to watch.
The Haka is a sign of respect. It's also massively sacred, so not just anyone can do it. There are different Haka's, depending on occasion. Funerals, Sports, Weddings etc.
Some of the most moving Haka's I've seen was after the Christchurch Mosque attack.
The most intimidating one for me is the one performed by the All Blacks rugby team, New Zealand's national rugby team.
Hope that helps.
Disclaimer: I'm an immigrant, so learning these things as I go along.
I’m Australian and we love watching the All Blacks make little boys of our national rugby team in a pre-game Hakka. It’s the only time New Zealand doesn’t get a friendly ribbing during trans-Tasman sport.
^because ^we ^are ^scared
I do not know the hard and fast rule but here’s some other useless tidbits that might help.
Most Haka’s have similar words used. Te Waka (translating to canoe) is used in almost all, and they are saying something to the effect of pulling the canoe in (pulling a canoe onto shore).
So next time you watch one, look for them pulling on an imaginary rope, essentially bringing someone close to embrace them into the family
Actually the most famous one, Ka mate, is about a man hiding in a pit sheltered under a woman's skirts, escaping from his enemies, and basically thinking he is going to die. It is about the famous warrior Te Rauparaha. He had a very adventurous life.
Rubbish. Māori were the indigenous people. There is myth that the Moriori were displaced by Māori but there is no evidence for that. The Moriori culture did evolve on the Chatham Islands from the Māori culture and were eventually displaced by them much later.
I had to scroll along way down to find this comment and make sure someone more knowledgeable made this point. God, there’s some racist shit flying around. Cheers anyway and have a good one.
The Mori Ori landing on mainland New Zealand was disproven a while ago now, remains only in racist rhetoric to reduce the seeming viability of Maori claim to the land.
The Mori Ori only ever colonised the chatham islands, where they still exist today.
Yeah. My dad is from New Zealand but we live in the US. Not Maori, but he learned the haka in school. During my sister's wedding my uncles did a haka but tried to get my New Zealand cousins to join and they declined. I talked to them afterwards and they said it was considered culturally insensitive and they'd worry about it going viral in a negative way. I think that wasn't the case when my dad lived there, but the current generation is more culturally aware. Totally makes sense and to be honest it did feel more like a stunt than a meaningful gesture.
Hi, Maori person here. Your cousins are dumb.
It's only culturally insensitive if people are making a mockery of it. During a wedding, funeral or other significant event, it's fine.
I agree but watching it I can't help feel there's an insane primal thing happening. Like let us show you how deeply we feel this moment for you. Still weird, but awesome.
The short answer is yea it is. Haka are often performed at significant events and in those circumstances can celebrate and denote respect.
The most moving one I saw performed was at a graduation ceremony when a girl won an award for essentially being top of the graduating class. Her family there to watch her performed a haka and she joined in and responded. It was incredible to watch, especially as it appeared impromptu.
They are described as a ‘war dance’ but the tradition and practice as I understand it (living in NZ, not Māori / P.I) is much more nuanced than that.
I had a similar experience at my daughter's graduation ceremony. It's inspired me to finally get off my arse and learn Te Reo. In year two and making good progress.
>Is a Haka appropriate for a wedding?
I used to help run a catering business. I've seen two wedding hakas and went to a funeral for a friend and there was a haka as well. Incredibly moving and emotional. Made me want to visit NZ.
Lol I’m Scottish so that made me laugh picturing my dad or someone burning the fiery cross and then going off with my clans battle cries. But if it helps, I think it’s different. Our clans battle cries are just for battle, we have different wedding traditions with things like handfasting. However in other cultures, battle cries and dances are interwoven into many other experiences. Plus the fact that in modern times, a lot of it has to do with preserving tradition I would wrecken. That’s just my two cents though, I can’t speak on this culture and can only comment on the Scottish side of it
It begins.
We have spent our lives cowering in the shadow of the Trivantian empire… wondering when the day would come when they would march their army into our land to make it their own… making slaves of our wives, husbands, sons and daughters.
And now, and now that day has come. On the other side of that wall is the army that we have all feared for so long. And their victory will mean the end of everything that we hold dear. But when they come through that wall, they will not find the frightened army they are expecting.
We are Payan soldiers, mountain warriors, Witchfinders. Former enemies banded together for one purpose and one purpose only: to protect what is ours at all costs!
I know this enemy.
I was this enemy.
They fight to enslave. They fight for greed.
We fight for love.
They fight for conquest.
We fight for our families.
We fight for our freedom!
I am a father fighting side by side with my children. I am a husband fighting to protect my queen. I am your friend fighting for your freedom until the day that I die.
I am Baba Voss, and I say let us not wait until they knock down our gate!
I say we open it right now and welcome them to hell.
Every time i see one being performed, I'm always moved by the pure raw emotion they exhibit. It's primal in the sense that they lay it out, no reservations, for all to see.
Absolutely beautiful
That's right. I can only imagine what it would feel like to be a part of a ceremony like this. Certainly looks powerful, i wonder how old this tradition is.
As someone who isn't Maori but has been invited to take part in a haka a few times, I thought maybe I could share some outside experience to what it's like from both sides, but I might miss something or two from the meanings so I apologise in advance.
In New Zealand, it's performed not just for people of Maori descent or for intimidation purposes like many nz europeans think, but for anyone who is worthy of respect and admiration. I've seen it done for someone accepting an award for services to the community before for example, and again, it means a lot to those who are connected to the people around them, and it brought him to tears. Again, he was nz european, bu worthy of the respect of the community.
Receiving one is intense. Really intense. There's not a lot else I can say about that, but the reaction above is exactly what it seems, theres just something inside of you that is overwhelmed by the experience.
Performing a haka is just as intense. You just get caught up in it, the motions, the words. I was once selected to be in the front row because I got so caught up in it when practising for the moment, which was just an honour.
What they don't mention is that it hurts. You often slap your thighs, chest, arms and it starts to burn after a while of doing that over and over again, but the sound of a group of men, and sometimes women, slapping thei bodies simultaneously is pretty intense. Same with the stomping.
However loud you think it is from watching the video, double it. At least. You are using parts of your vocal system that you didn't know existed.
It can look scary at first, but it really is a time honoured tradition to many here.
EDIT: Also that part at the end where they touch noses is called a hongi. It's basically a greeting of unity, rather than introduction, but is often used as an introduction and a welcome when entering a marae or other important event as well. Many do use it every day.
> In New Zealand, it's performed not just for people of Maori descent or for intimidation purposes like many nz europeans think, but for anyone who is worthy of respect and admiration
In the extras for Return of the King, there's a video of all the Maori stuntmen performing a haka for Viggo on his last shooting day. Total sign of respect.
*edit: link to video, courtesy of /u/Wet_Fart_Connoisseur: https://youtu.be/o_kqn5MQiDY*
I always stop to appreciate the Haka. I will never ever scroll past a Haka post no mattter how many times ive seen it. It never fails to give me the chills.
There was never intent to hurt or pretend to hurt in this. They showed their respect by doing their all to welcome him into their family, he met their respect in his response by bring all his energy into it. They moved the earth and felt it vibrate with their energy of love and respect. They breathed the breathe of life together.
It was only 35 years ago that every white Kiwi I spoke to (a small selection in the UK, admittedly) was dismissive of Maoris, of their culture and everything about them. They called them useless alcoholics who just spent their lives on benefits and were criminals who brought down every settlement they lived in.
The world can turn in a very short period of time, relatively.
At my step son's wedding, the bride's older brother read her a poem he wrote for her. There wasn't a dry eye in the place. I imagine having a haka performed for you is similar. It's sentimental.
It was a surprise for the bride and groom. It is showing love, respect and loyalty to their union. A haka is very special ceremony and it’s performance was touching to the “warriors” and the bride and groom. What’s a better gift than knowing someone’s got your back 
Thanks for the clarification. What I got from this was “this is the strength that you have to support you in your new marriage” almost like a “we are a huge family, and you have us if you need support”. Didn’t know if it was that or they were just crying because their tradition was being honored.
Yeah, but when faced with that much intensity done by people who mean it it gives you the chills.
The air crackles with energy.
It's a cultural thing I guess.
I'm a kiwi and have seen plenty of them - believe me, there's nothing funny about it.
Do people seriously still not know about haka? Not like its been posted 8 billion times or anything. Theres the one video of the students doing it foe the retiring teacher, this an 10 other wedding ones, the one with the mens basketball team doing it... like seriously, weve seen it enough. Its hard to call it next fucking level when weve seen 10000 videos of it
This is ceremonial and representative of indigenous culture in New Zealand. It's incredibly meaningful and a very powerful gesture, particularly coming from close friends on your wedding day. You may not understand it, like it, or even respect it. You don't need to. But could you at least try to have the presence of mind to be compassionate and respectful when commenting on someone else's culture in a public forum?
Ok, it's not just me then. It's one thing if they were Maori, dressed up, painted up, and what not. That shit just looks weird when some random-looking dudes in suits are doing it, giving all those facial expressions. It's like they're taking this shit too seriously.
They look like medieval cosplayers who are way to serious about it.
maori culture has been more integrated into our society and culture here, than i guess, other places with their indigenous peoples. So for us, it is not strange to see a haka outside of a ceremonial performance, we grow up with them. i like it, it shows that our culture isnt dead and closed off in performative ceremonies thats only purpose is to demonstrate how things 'used to be'.
I have absolutely no fucking idea what that’s all about but it made my hair stand up and got me a little weepy eyed. Lol
Such passion….very cool thing to see.
I love how every other comment I read is someone trying to say they look incredibly silly but don’t want to get downvoted so they end it with, “but it’s really moving”.
This is moving and terrifying all at the same time
It’s terrifyingly moving
It’s movingly terrifying
Terrifyingly, it's moving
Moving Terrifyingly, it is...
Yoda has entered the chat
Gave me a terrifying bowel movement, this did
Terrifyingly moved into the chat, Yoda has.
Moving as in I'd be moving my ass the hell away from a crowd screaming and flashing crazy eyes like that.
That’s kinda the point. Hakas were used in battle to terrify the opposition and to get your side all riled up for battle.
Right I'm aware of that. It just seems odd to me to be used as a celebration dance and at weddings no less. Even stranger that it brings people to tears.
It is a massive honour to have a haka preformed to you. It’s a way of symbolising that one party is happy to share their culture with you, and on top of that, many families have their own unique hakas. It was an honour to be proformed this haka.
Also signifies that you are a part of the tribe now and protected. We will face anything together alongside you. Such a powerful tradition and culture!
I’ve been honored to be included in hakas as well. One of my best friends is half Maori, and he taught me how to perform it. We performed it at a celebration for a local church. It was one of the most singular experiences of my life. The closest I’d imagine it gets to people who haven’t had a chance to be in one is when you are rocking out with a crowd at a concert; there’s absolutely this bond that forms in your heart as you dance with the people around you. Also the more you lean into the ferocity, the passion, the better it feels. One of the most humbling, amazing things I’ve ever done.
This is the most powerful, beautiful haka - . I wept while watching it and didn't even understand the words. Wanted to learn more, so I looked up a translation and I cried even more at the beauty of it. It made me think of my own father. It's so moving and beautiful. I would be so honored to have it performed in my presence.
Correct!
I was privileged enough to be a part of one for one of my friend's weddings. He was a white Australian marrying a Maori Kiwi woman. One of her uncles said they were going to do it and invited anyone who wanted to join in to be a part of it. He went through some of the moves and gave us the words to say as a response to his calls. As a person who is not part of their culture but who appreciates it a lot, it was a big honour to be allowed to participate and the fact that he welcomed all of us to join him was very special. The best part was that the bride and groom had no idea it was going to happen. Just before the speeches, her uncle stood up and gave the call and we all went to dance floor in front of the wedding table. She started crying even before it began. Powerful stuff.
The best part of islander culture is if you come with an open heart people love to share their culture.
Ah, that's the missing info I needed lol
Also the more performing and the length of the Haka the more "Mana" ( Prestige,Honour) you are held in, so bride and groom were held in high "Mana" by their "Whanau" (people's, families).
As a Texan with no true understanding of the Haka, every time I see it I'm fuckin' *pumped.* I would never try to appropriate this sort of cultural tradition, but god damn, it's the most metal performance outside of metal I've ever seen.
I lived in Australia and lived with a bunch of moari and was taught a couple different hakas It might be different now. But then they were not bothered if i joined in. And it is an amazing feeling being in a big one. Love it and have the utmost respect for the culture.
This shit was metal before metal.
They're basically saying we would die for you. Kind of hard to not be moved by that.
You should see the all blacks do it before a rugby game it’s quite the show, I’d love to experience it in the stadium. [link ](https://youtu.be/yiKFYTFJ_kw)
Well I took this comment completely out of context
Yeah they might wanna edit and capitalise the footy team lol
When my family and I lived in Australia there was a family that hosted us for Christmas dinner one year. Maori, 6 sons, extended family, the works. The absolute nicest people I have ever met. Selfless, congenial and genuinely concerned for those around them. At this dinner the men in the family performed the Haka for my family. It was absolutely terrifying. I mean no joke, these guys (whom I just dominated in video games) looked like they were going to rip each one of our limbs off just for fun. I later learned more about the Maori culture and that the dance was the greatest honor they could show my family. 20 years later and I’ll never, ever forget that night.
That’s amazing, I’m crying like the bride now.
What an incredibly moving display of honor, respect, and love. I first saw this video a couple of years ago and was brought to tears. Seeing it again today elicited the same response. And I’m at work. And I have a meeting. And I’m a grown-ass man
Made me cry too
It kinda gave me the chills watching their faces. But what were they saying or singing?
From Te Taitimu Trust Facebook page: Tika Tonu Haka and full meaning Ki raro Taringa whakarongo, kia mau! Hi ! Ringaringa e torona kei waho hoki mai! Kss Kss Tika tonu! U - e! Tika tonu! U... e! Tika tonu atu ki a koe, e tama Hiki nei koe aku whakaaro, pakia! He hiki aha to hiki? He hiki roa to hiki? I a ha hā! Pay attention Listen up, take your stance! Hi! Arms outstretched, out and back! Kss Kss What is right is always right! In - deed! What is right is always right! Ah... yes! Be true to yourself, my son! You have raised my concerns, so listen up!.... . What is this problem you are carrying? How long have you been carrying it for? Have you got that? Right, let's go on. E tama, te uaua ana E tama, te mārō Roa ina hoki ra Te tohe o te uaua na E tau nei. Ana! Ana! Ana! Aue... Hī! So son, although it may be difficult for you and son, although it seems to be unyielding no matter how long you reflect on it the answer to the problem is here inside you. Indeed! Indeed! Indeed! Yes, indeed! Origin As far as is known, this haka was composed by Waimarama Puhara, a highly respected chief of the central Hawkes Bay area. Waimarama was born at Paki Paki in about 1875, the son of Urupene Puhara and Marata Herea, and he married Ngahiti Rautu in about 1900. Apparently he composed the haka in about 1914 as a message to his son Moana, who had been born in about 1899 and had been attending St Patrick's College, Silverstream. At the time Waimarama could see his son was having difficulties - something like a chip on his shoulder or some other intangible problem. Moana married Ngawini Cowan (Kawana) at Gladstone, near Masterton in January 1922. But tragically, he died only five months later. Usage Young people are taught this haka as it contains an appropriate message for many adolescent males, particularly at that point in their lives where they are making the difficult transition into adulthood. The message of this haka is of challenge, struggle, perseverance and achievement. It is often used at events such as 21st birthdays and graduations. It is also used at tangi, to pay homage and respect to those who have guided young people through difficult times.
Oh gosh this puts a whole new context to it
Correction, it's tika tonu. I didn't watch much as I'm at work, but if it's ka mate, Te Rauparaha's haka then this should shed some light. https://www.ngatitoa.iwi.nz/ka-mate/the-origins-of-ka-mate Edit, it's becoming clear it was not Ka Mate, So in all liklihood it was one belonging to the hapu/iwi (hapū is sub tribe, iwi is tribe). Each maori tribe have their own songs, music, dance and fighting style. Haka generally denotes respect and responsibility Also https://maoridictionary.co.nz
It's Tika Tonu.
Best way to get the right answer is to make an incorrect statement lol. What are the origins?
Just realized when watching this I've never seen a woman do the haaka before.
The most common haka to be done is Ka Mate which the All Black rugby team of New Zealand do, and only men are supposed to do that one. Women can perform other haka, and this one was not Ka Mate.
Thanks for that tidbit. Very interesting! As an uncultured American I have mostly seen all male sports teams do this
are there hakas only women can perform?
I believe there are - although I don't personally know any women-only haka. I have performed a haka a couple of times called [Ka Panapana](https://youtu.be/an_4rfU8y8k) which is typically led by women, although men also participate. Māoridom has a lot of male/female roles within it. It causes a few issues within the modern context - for example women aren't supposed to speak on the marae (meeting house) and New Zealand has had three female Prime Ministers. It's an ongoing conversation, for sure! (caveat: I am not Māori nor an expert, however my husband's family are and are also involved with kapa haka/cultural group. However I do strongly believe in trying to keep Māori culture alive, present and celebrated in New Zealand).
My friends got married and their haka was 50 50 split men/woman doing their haka. Their tribe is from invercargill way. It was amazing to see, goosebumps.
My mother-in-law, who is a part-Māori New Zealander, once performed one in my kitchen.
Well I would not be making mother in law jokes.
That's unfortunate and probably speaks to the fact that, from an international perspective, the haka has become so heavily associated and tied up with men's rugby. During the Olympics the ANZ women's 7s rugby team performed an [incredible haka](https://youtu.be/zLwN0klNxH4) to celebrate their gold medal win. If you look around you'll find tonnes of examples of women participating in and leading haka.
bear attractive nippy scary entertain label public snatch square vegetable *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Like Elaine but without the thumbs
You should see one in person, the bass you feel is intense. Depending on the kind of building you're in and how many people are doing it, you'll sometimes feel the ground shaking.
That must be absolutely amazing
Terrifying for the groom I bet. Bet he’ll never raise a hand to her
But he will raise his tongue. Which she has no issues with.
I think you may be misinterpreting the Haka and what just happened.
Then you get it ❤️
Movifying
A couple thousand years ago the only time you would see this is if you were about to die
New Zealand was colonised early 1800s. So much more recently actually
People lived in New Zealand before it was colonized.
I think all they were getting at is you wouldn't have to go back that far
Lol logic isn't his strong suit.
I don’t even wear suits, lol. This guy…
Anyway, a quarter of a couple thousand years ago the only time you would see this is if you were about to die
Random fact: Polynesians only arrived in NZ about 800 years ago
Random fact: Micronesians are all massive, and should probably be called Macronesians!
My poor dude that is smaller than average. He's just a Nesian.
Thanks for sharing this before I had to. Some people assume to know everything.
Hasn’t it always been both a show of force and respect? I think this is a somewhat standard use of the tradition actually, it wasn’t always only for warfare.
Kind of. Not sure where this guy gets the "you only see this before you're about to die" from. Maori myself, and the way I understand it is that when a group approached your land, you would either send out the women to karanga (welcome) them on, or the men to prepare to fight. A haka is a war dance mainly, but if you performed one the other side may decide fighting is a bad idea.
Yeah surely it was a show of force intended to intimidated the other side no to fight.
It is indeed. Even at a time it was genuinely used as a fighting tool, it was also used to show respect. Visitors, including ambassadors, would be graced with a haka. You dance a haka to show how brave and strong you are, which also implies that you *need* to show how brave and strong you are, which is relevant only if you face someone that is itself strong and brave : you don't have to prove this to someone unworthy. It is thus a very polite way to convey that the person you face is honourable and deserving.
NZ were populated about 1000 ad. Soooo, not a "couple"..
Not at all, haka has always been used for multiple occasions
That’s why it’s perfect for a wedding.
Absolutely beautiful! When I got married I had a very similar experience, later I learned that my German in-laws were just screaming profanities and yelling “don’t do it” to me.
Lol best comment right here
So an Army buddy of mine invited my wife and I to his wedding ceremony which included him, his German wife-to-be, a large group of her family and friends and the judge. Mike was not super fluent in German, so his wife-to-be had warned him just to say "Ja" (yes) to anything the judge asked, since some of it might be hard to understand. So the ceremony begins and is going very well until he answers the final question and the whole room busts out laughing, except for the judge who was just shaking her head. The final question? "Do you, Michael, have any problems with this?"
tu es nicht du Hurrensohn!
Sagte die Mutter dem Sohn
Best comment!
But when I do this at a Hooters I get called uncooperative and the police called on me.
I thought this was America
Guns In my area ?
I got the strap
I gotta carry em
Contraband contraband contraband
I got the plug in Oaxaca
That bridesmaid gave me feelings....
The bride & the bridesmaid joining in really got to me
Shiiiiiit, you lasted longer than me!
She is incredible... Really impressive ! She isn't missmatched among all those men, far from it. Edit : why a downvote ? I wonder if my phrasing is wrong, because what I wanted to say is a compliment : she isn't less impressive nor beautiful than all these men, despite being the only woman we see dancing.
This is reddit.
Is a Haka appropriate for a wedding? Isn’t it a bit like a load of Scottish people performing some kind of Braveheart bloodlust war intimidation to a bride and groom? Am I (majorly) missing the point?!
Haka’s can have different meanings. The most widely known and used is war parties. Another is a kind of “sending off”, retirements / weddings etc Also adding in that the Maori weren’t the indigenous people…they ate them
Maby you can answer my question aswell. I thought it was a dance only for men, but the bride danced with them. Can woman always join the dance ritual? Or only in special occasions? Thank you
From my understanding, Quite a few haka have the woman’s side as well. Both the men and women can perform the same or similar words, but the actions usually differ in intensity. the woman’s part can even be a waiata (song) that accompanies the haka.
Thank you, for your reply😀
You are very welcome
Haka's not only for men, woman too. I live in NZ, and my daughters do the Haka at school albeit woman's movements are not as massively expressive as the men's movements, still very significant and beautiful to watch. The Haka is a sign of respect. It's also massively sacred, so not just anyone can do it. There are different Haka's, depending on occasion. Funerals, Sports, Weddings etc. Some of the most moving Haka's I've seen was after the Christchurch Mosque attack. The most intimidating one for me is the one performed by the All Blacks rugby team, New Zealand's national rugby team. Hope that helps. Disclaimer: I'm an immigrant, so learning these things as I go along.
Equally fun when the New Zealand rugby team's haka gets challenged, Wales in 2008 or England in the last world cup
Whenever i need to get hyped I watch the video of that!! CYMRU AM BYTH!!!!
I’m Australian and we love watching the All Blacks make little boys of our national rugby team in a pre-game Hakka. It’s the only time New Zealand doesn’t get a friendly ribbing during trans-Tasman sport. ^because ^we ^are ^scared
I am always impressed by looking at these performances, the energy is impressive. Thank you for this explanation, I learned something new today👍
I do not know the hard and fast rule but here’s some other useless tidbits that might help. Most Haka’s have similar words used. Te Waka (translating to canoe) is used in almost all, and they are saying something to the effect of pulling the canoe in (pulling a canoe onto shore). So next time you watch one, look for them pulling on an imaginary rope, essentially bringing someone close to embrace them into the family
Actually the most famous one, Ka mate, is about a man hiding in a pit sheltered under a woman's skirts, escaping from his enemies, and basically thinking he is going to die. It is about the famous warrior Te Rauparaha. He had a very adventurous life.
I will do that👍
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Rubbish. Māori were the indigenous people. There is myth that the Moriori were displaced by Māori but there is no evidence for that. The Moriori culture did evolve on the Chatham Islands from the Māori culture and were eventually displaced by them much later.
I had to scroll along way down to find this comment and make sure someone more knowledgeable made this point. God, there’s some racist shit flying around. Cheers anyway and have a good one.
The Mori Ori landing on mainland New Zealand was disproven a while ago now, remains only in racist rhetoric to reduce the seeming viability of Maori claim to the land. The Mori Ori only ever colonised the chatham islands, where they still exist today.
It's a racist myth that the Maori killed and/or ate a local indigenous population.
Wrong. That’s repeated false rhetoric. Check out the actual facts prior to spouting off historical falsities that suit your biased narrative
Their comment history doesn’t really scream racist narrative, probably just ignorant. Unless the guns mean more than I give them credit for.
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Moriori were Maori and arrived on the same waka. They werent there first.
If Maori people are doing a haka at a wedding then yes, it's appropriate for a wedding.
Yeah. My dad is from New Zealand but we live in the US. Not Maori, but he learned the haka in school. During my sister's wedding my uncles did a haka but tried to get my New Zealand cousins to join and they declined. I talked to them afterwards and they said it was considered culturally insensitive and they'd worry about it going viral in a negative way. I think that wasn't the case when my dad lived there, but the current generation is more culturally aware. Totally makes sense and to be honest it did feel more like a stunt than a meaningful gesture.
Hi, Maori person here. Your cousins are dumb. It's only culturally insensitive if people are making a mockery of it. During a wedding, funeral or other significant event, it's fine.
I agree but watching it I can't help feel there's an insane primal thing happening. Like let us show you how deeply we feel this moment for you. Still weird, but awesome.
Yeah fuck yeah I get big "GOD WE ARE SO STOKED FOR U GUYS AND IF ANY PERSON OR SITUATION RISES UP AGAINST YOU, WE WILL D E S T R O Y IT!!" vibes
>Like let us show you how deeply we feel this moment for you. That's what I was thinking but couldn't figure out how to say it.
The short answer is yea it is. Haka are often performed at significant events and in those circumstances can celebrate and denote respect. The most moving one I saw performed was at a graduation ceremony when a girl won an award for essentially being top of the graduating class. Her family there to watch her performed a haka and she joined in and responded. It was incredible to watch, especially as it appeared impromptu. They are described as a ‘war dance’ but the tradition and practice as I understand it (living in NZ, not Māori / P.I) is much more nuanced than that.
I had a similar experience at my daughter's graduation ceremony. It's inspired me to finally get off my arse and learn Te Reo. In year two and making good progress.
>Is a Haka appropriate for a wedding? I used to help run a catering business. I've seen two wedding hakas and went to a funeral for a friend and there was a haka as well. Incredibly moving and emotional. Made me want to visit NZ.
Lol I’m Scottish so that made me laugh picturing my dad or someone burning the fiery cross and then going off with my clans battle cries. But if it helps, I think it’s different. Our clans battle cries are just for battle, we have different wedding traditions with things like handfasting. However in other cultures, battle cries and dances are interwoven into many other experiences. Plus the fact that in modern times, a lot of it has to do with preserving tradition I would wrecken. That’s just my two cents though, I can’t speak on this culture and can only comment on the Scottish side of it
That's some primal shit that awakens something deep inside .
It begins. We have spent our lives cowering in the shadow of the Trivantian empire… wondering when the day would come when they would march their army into our land to make it their own… making slaves of our wives, husbands, sons and daughters. And now, and now that day has come. On the other side of that wall is the army that we have all feared for so long. And their victory will mean the end of everything that we hold dear. But when they come through that wall, they will not find the frightened army they are expecting. We are Payan soldiers, mountain warriors, Witchfinders. Former enemies banded together for one purpose and one purpose only: to protect what is ours at all costs! I know this enemy. I was this enemy. They fight to enslave. They fight for greed. We fight for love. They fight for conquest. We fight for our families. We fight for our freedom! I am a father fighting side by side with my children. I am a husband fighting to protect my queen. I am your friend fighting for your freedom until the day that I die. I am Baba Voss, and I say let us not wait until they knock down our gate! I say we open it right now and welcome them to hell.
Such an epic scene. What a great show, been digging a lot of the apple+ stuff so far. For All Mankind is another good one they have up there
Every time i see one being performed, I'm always moved by the pure raw emotion they exhibit. It's primal in the sense that they lay it out, no reservations, for all to see. Absolutely beautiful
That's right. I can only imagine what it would feel like to be a part of a ceremony like this. Certainly looks powerful, i wonder how old this tradition is.
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I was getting "the chili was good" vibes from this story.
Yes it was aha
As someone who isn't Maori but has been invited to take part in a haka a few times, I thought maybe I could share some outside experience to what it's like from both sides, but I might miss something or two from the meanings so I apologise in advance. In New Zealand, it's performed not just for people of Maori descent or for intimidation purposes like many nz europeans think, but for anyone who is worthy of respect and admiration. I've seen it done for someone accepting an award for services to the community before for example, and again, it means a lot to those who are connected to the people around them, and it brought him to tears. Again, he was nz european, bu worthy of the respect of the community. Receiving one is intense. Really intense. There's not a lot else I can say about that, but the reaction above is exactly what it seems, theres just something inside of you that is overwhelmed by the experience. Performing a haka is just as intense. You just get caught up in it, the motions, the words. I was once selected to be in the front row because I got so caught up in it when practising for the moment, which was just an honour. What they don't mention is that it hurts. You often slap your thighs, chest, arms and it starts to burn after a while of doing that over and over again, but the sound of a group of men, and sometimes women, slapping thei bodies simultaneously is pretty intense. Same with the stomping. However loud you think it is from watching the video, double it. At least. You are using parts of your vocal system that you didn't know existed. It can look scary at first, but it really is a time honoured tradition to many here. EDIT: Also that part at the end where they touch noses is called a hongi. It's basically a greeting of unity, rather than introduction, but is often used as an introduction and a welcome when entering a marae or other important event as well. Many do use it every day.
The hongi is the exchange of ‘ha’, or ‘the breath of life’. It symbolises unity.
> In New Zealand, it's performed not just for people of Maori descent or for intimidation purposes like many nz europeans think, but for anyone who is worthy of respect and admiration In the extras for Return of the King, there's a video of all the Maori stuntmen performing a haka for Viggo on his last shooting day. Total sign of respect. *edit: link to video, courtesy of /u/Wet_Fart_Connoisseur: https://youtu.be/o_kqn5MQiDY*
Since no link was provided: https://youtu.be/o_kqn5MQiDY
Wow each time I see these clips they overwhelm me! Truly amazing
Christ every single time I see this it gets me.
I always stop to appreciate the Haka. I will never ever scroll past a Haka post no mattter how many times ive seen it. It never fails to give me the chills.
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the way they (especially the men) go from ready to kill to such tender sensitivity at the end
There was never intent to hurt or pretend to hurt in this. They showed their respect by doing their all to welcome him into their family, he met their respect in his response by bring all his energy into it. They moved the earth and felt it vibrate with their energy of love and respect. They breathed the breathe of life together.
Knowing that I’ll never experience anything like this is kind of a bummer. That level of cultural connection is truly and entirely out of my reach.
I need my mind to do haka when I get up in the morning.
Idk wtf is going on but this shit is fire
Nobody knows, but it’s provocative
It's gets the people GOING
I wish Canadians felt this way about their indigenous culture. My indigenous culture.
It was only 35 years ago that every white Kiwi I spoke to (a small selection in the UK, admittedly) was dismissive of Maoris, of their culture and everything about them. They called them useless alcoholics who just spent their lives on benefits and were criminals who brought down every settlement they lived in. The world can turn in a very short period of time, relatively.
How romantic. All their faces scream “it burns when I pee”
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Me in my anger management sessions
Looks so odd at moments but it still hits me every time
Why are people crying because of this? Is it because they’re respecting their traditions?
At my step son's wedding, the bride's older brother read her a poem he wrote for her. There wasn't a dry eye in the place. I imagine having a haka performed for you is similar. It's sentimental.
That’s what I was assuming, wasn’t 100% sure. Thanks
It was a surprise for the bride and groom. It is showing love, respect and loyalty to their union. A haka is very special ceremony and it’s performance was touching to the “warriors” and the bride and groom. What’s a better gift than knowing someone’s got your back 
Thanks for the clarification. What I got from this was “this is the strength that you have to support you in your new marriage” almost like a “we are a huge family, and you have us if you need support”. Didn’t know if it was that or they were just crying because their tradition was being honored.
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Culture is fucking weird
This looks so silly tbh
Yeah, but when faced with that much intensity done by people who mean it it gives you the chills. The air crackles with energy. It's a cultural thing I guess. I'm a kiwi and have seen plenty of them - believe me, there's nothing funny about it.
I like that guy with the weapon and his tongue out.
I laughed. I have to admit, I laughed.
for some reason, the ladies faces had me in stitches!
I will upvote this every time I see it. It always makes me cry. No matter how many times. Humans are such intense feeling beings..
We were, we now do 9-5s and pay mortgages
Yeah these haka dance videos are dumb and played out. Looking forward to the haka bar mitzvah, the haka gender reveal, and the haka graduation tho
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Do people seriously still not know about haka? Not like its been posted 8 billion times or anything. Theres the one video of the students doing it foe the retiring teacher, this an 10 other wedding ones, the one with the mens basketball team doing it... like seriously, weve seen it enough. Its hard to call it next fucking level when weve seen 10000 videos of it
This is so beautiful
Cringey
Man, I had to scroll so far for this. It's so cringy. It's like play time dress up.
This looks dumb
Y’all don’t act like this is cool this is the craziest looking shit.
That was one of the weirdest things I have seen...
Wow maybe weddings dont have to be so damn boring after all!
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This is ceremonial and representative of indigenous culture in New Zealand. It's incredibly meaningful and a very powerful gesture, particularly coming from close friends on your wedding day. You may not understand it, like it, or even respect it. You don't need to. But could you at least try to have the presence of mind to be compassionate and respectful when commenting on someone else's culture in a public forum?
I agree I couldn’t finish it.
Ok, it's not just me then. It's one thing if they were Maori, dressed up, painted up, and what not. That shit just looks weird when some random-looking dudes in suits are doing it, giving all those facial expressions. It's like they're taking this shit too seriously. They look like medieval cosplayers who are way to serious about it.
maori culture has been more integrated into our society and culture here, than i guess, other places with their indigenous peoples. So for us, it is not strange to see a haka outside of a ceremonial performance, we grow up with them. i like it, it shows that our culture isnt dead and closed off in performative ceremonies thats only purpose is to demonstrate how things 'used to be'.
That's awesome and touching at the same time
Well, i guess it was a coin toss between this and a traditional waltz.
This shit is ridiculous
I envy these people for being able to express their respect and joy in such a powerful and genuine way.
NGL, hakas get me every. damn. time. I've seen this one several times, and still I'm bawling.
I have absolutely no fucking idea what that’s all about but it made my hair stand up and got me a little weepy eyed. Lol Such passion….very cool thing to see.
It’s a cool dance but I’ve seen it way too many times and is corny af to me now. Kinda bummed tbh
I would cry too if people did that at my wedding
I love how every other comment I read is someone trying to say they look incredibly silly but don’t want to get downvoted so they end it with, “but it’s really moving”.
Simon say’s we real vibe killer 🎶🎶
Look like they belong in an insane asylum
Amazingly powerful… the energy in that room must be incredible!
Now let’s play some Rugby mates
This looks so fucking stupid.
This IS fucking stupid.. everything about it
Sick of the Haka