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.