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What Is A Haka?

Performed by the Māori people, it is one of the most intimidating and beautiful tradtional dances

Nov 28, 2016

Endicott College

548

What Is A Haka?

A haka is a Māori traditional war cry, dance, or challenge that is meant to intimidate opponents, but to rally their own people together. The haka has been thrust into the mainstream when the All Blacks, New Zealand’s national rugby team performs a haka before a game. A haka consists of people vigorously moving together and chanting. A haka may also be performed at weddings, funerals, to show respect to others, and to show solidarity with others. A haka is performed with extreme passion, vigor, and energy.

Haka are incredibly moving and powerful. One of the most common hakas performed, usually by the All Blacks is:

Leader: KA MATE! KA MATE!

Chorus: KA ORA, KA ORA!

Leader: KA MATE! KA MATE!

Chorus: KA ORA, KA ORA!

Together: TENEI TE TANGATA PU'RU-HURU

NA'A NEI TIKI MAI WHAKA-WHITI TE

RA! UPANE! KA UPANE!

A UPANE! KA UPANE!

WHITI TE RA!

HI!

Some of the most powerful haka I have come across:

2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand

Haka performed at a New Zealand Māori wedding with subtitles

Haka performed by indigenous Māori people to show support and solidarity with indigenous Native Americans protesting Standing Rock

Each time I watch a haka being performed, I get chills. They have brought me to tears because of their intensity, beauty, and passion.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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