The Meaning of Haka

Example of Haka lyrics

The word 'Haka' simply means a dance or a song accompanied by a dance. While they are the correct terms to associate with Haka, they are not fix only  to the life force, the actions, the words, rhythm, themes, meaning, style or history. Even though there are many types of dance war, they will always have the common feature which is every dance war needs to be performed using weapons. In the early times, the Haka was used as a part of the formal process when two parties come together. For example, an encounter concluded with a 'tangata whanue a haka peruperu', the visitor will respond with their own Haka. After the speeches by both parties, they will perform a gesture called 'hongi'. The traditional greeting by pressing each other's noses. The tradition is not often seen these days. It is largely reserved for special occasions such as visits by the senior dignitaries. However, the principles that underpin the traditional rituals are still retained in a modern form.

The gesture of 'hongi'

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