The Haka - A Maori Custom

In researching the Haka, I found that it is a dance originally from the Maori people in New Zealand performed before battle. It has spread to all the Maori islands, including French Polynesia. The words differ, depending on the what message is being expressed. For example, The All Black Rugby Team in New Zealand performs the Haka before every game. The Haka is performed at weddings, homecomings at airports and many other important events. with the sticking out of the tongue portrayed as an act of defiance. Here are a few interesting videos about the Haka. The first is about heritage and being a part of the land. The second is a Haka done at a Mormon wedding reception. The words are different, but feeling is the same-- one of pride and heritage. The words to the Mormon Haka are listed below.

The Haka - We Belong Here

Mormon Wedding Reception Haka
Words Below:

Tika Tonu!

(What is right is always right!)

 U-e!

(In-deed!)

Tika Tonu!

(What is right is always right!)

U-e!

(Ah…yes!)

Tika tonu atu ki a koe, e tama

(Be true to yourself, my son!)

Hiki nei koe aku whakaaro,

(My concerns have been raised about you.)

pakia!

(so pay attention!...)

He hiki aha to hiki?

(What is this problem you are carrying?)

He hiki roa to hiki?

(How long have you been carrying it for?)

I a ha hae!

(Have you got that? Right, let’s go on.)

E tama, te uaua ana

(So son, although it may be difficult for you)

E tma, te maro

(and son, although it seems to be unyielding)

Roa ina hoki ra

(no matter how long you reflect on it)

Te tohe o te uaua na

(the answer to the problem)

E tau nei.

(is here inside you.)

Ana!

(Indeed!)

Ana…Hi!

(Yes, indeed!)

REPEAT