Haka Dance History

We all have heard about different dance styles, right? But have you ever heard about the “Haka Dance?” Without any delay, let us get into the blog to learn more about the Haka dance, its history, and many more!!

What is Haka Dance?

The Haka dance is a traditional dance of the Maori people of New Zealand. This dance showcases the Maori people’s pride, strength, and unity. This dance form conveys various states of emotions, from joy to grief. It is performed by both men and women before going to the war. They believe this is the only way to connect with their ancestors and spiritual beliefs to win the war. It is also known as the “War Challenge” and “War Cry” in the Maori culture. 

About Haka Dance

This posture dance involves many rhythmic movements, like swaying, slapping on the chest and thighs, stamping, and gestures of violence. This dance is completely accompanied by the chant of fierce facial expressions like bulging eyes sticking out the tongue, etc. These aggressive expressions are meant to scare the opponents in the war. Also, sometimes they cry while dancing, which says that they are pleasing God to help them win the war. In addition, Haka originated in the Maori, and the Sun God “Tama-nui-te-ra” is the spiritual god of New Zealand people. The sun god and one of his wives, Hine-Raumati, is the god of summer, and they had a son named Tane-rore. The Maori believe that Tane more dances for his mother on hot summer days, with the foundation of Haka. 

More traditionally, haka was performed as their ritual when the two parties or opponents met or visited the community. However, the modern days of haka involve birthdays, funerals, and many other events to establish the symbol of tribal identity. Since 1972, the haka dance has been one of the stamps of authentication for the popular Te Matatini dancing in New Zealand.

Where Are Haka People Originally From?

The Haka people are originally from the North Chinese, called Hakka Han, Chinese Keija, or K’o-chia people. They are the ethnic group of China that originated from the Henan and Shanxi provinces of the Huang He Valley in Northern China. 

Traditional History

Their traditional history tells about their origins in terms of waves of migration in the “great fleet” in the 14th century from the Hawaiki. This history also provides the basics of traditional Maori social organization through many archaeological techniques and discoveries in New Zealand about 1300 CE. 

This social order was established when Abel Tasman, the first European, arrived in New Zealand in December 1642. He started the battle with the Maori group on the South Island and left the area unexplored. Then, in 1769-1770, Captain James Cook navigated the two major islands and wrote about the intelligence of the Maori people and their culture of New Zealand for the colonization. The Maori initially welcomed many sealers and many other Europeans seeking profit with the introduction of muskets, disease, missionaries, and other Western agricultural methods. But by the late 1830s, New Zealand had joined Europe. 

Origins and Significance

The Haka has its own significance in Maori mythology. It was created by the Tane-more, the beloved son of the Sun God. Here are some of the types of haka that you have to know!!

Types of Haka

Each haka has its unique purpose and specialty: 

1. Ngarahu

This “Ngarahu” is performed to test the warriors in the semi-war. 

2. Ka Mate

This was created by the Ngati Toa Chief Te Rauparaha and Ka mate, and it tells the entire story of his escape from the subsequent rise to great Maori leadership. 

3. Peruperu

This “Peruperu” haka dance was performed with the weapons to show their strength. 

4. Haka Tui Waewae

Haka Tui Waewae represents non-combative expressions like joy or anger. It gives the combined emotions before going to the war. 

Initially, the Haka dance gained a good reach and fame worldwide through New Zealand’s All Blacks rugby team, through the performance of the Ka Mate before each game. All dance performances initiate the energy and honor of the Maori culture. 

All Blacks

All Blacks are New Zealand’s national rugby team. They perform a haka dance before each match, a performance that has been part of their 120-year history. They believe that the haka will help them establish their victory globally. Did you know that out of 612 tests, the All Blacks team has won nearly 77% of their matches? This gives the All Blacks a psychological advantage and elevates their opponents’ matches. 

In addition, if the haka gives the All Blacks an advantage in sports, this will be of secondary importance to them. Instead, it is used for more traditional reasons that show pride, cultural strength, and unity. 

Black Ferns

The Black Ferns are the New Zealand women’s rugby team. As said before, the women in the Maori also perform haka. Their haka dance, “Ko Uhia Mai,” which means “Let It Be Known,” was created especially for the women by the Whetu Tipiwai, a respected community leader.  

Culturally Significant

New Zealand has had a violent colonization for a very long period, during which the Maori culture has been suppressed. The Maori people believe that haka will help them, along with their ancestors, from the earth to the soul, to compete against their struggles. 

“I feel a connection with the land,” says TJ Perenara. He is part of the committee that performs the haka dance. He explains that “when playing in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, All Blacks always used to perform the Ka Mate, other than the other alternative dances like Kapa O Pango. He says it is all because Wellington lies on the land historically belonging to the Te Rauparaha.” 

How Are the Opposition Teams Reacted?

The haka has traditionally met many responses, but the common reaction is in the terms saying them to stand silently in a line. Still, some have taken this a more confrontational approach and stepped forward. However, one notable reaction was when the Australian winger David Campese chose to ignore the haka; instead, he practiced his kicking at the far end of the pitch before the rugby union match, which sparked controversy. 

Before the 2019 Rugby Union World Cup semi-final, the England team formed a V-shape to surround itself. In the 2007 World Cup Quarter-final, France came near the New Zealand players during the haka. England and France were to win their matches. Did you know? The only World Cup games that New Zealand has lost are in 2003. Although it went as a problem, the Maori experts said there was no issue with their responses through their haka. Although it was a problem, the Maori experts said there was no issue with their responses through their haka. 

Do Other Nations Have Their Versions?

Of course, yes!! Many other countries have their versions. Tonga performs the Sipi Tao, Samoa Manu Siva, and Fiji has the Cibi.The haka and the latter are both war dances.

Has it Ever Been Controversial?

The haka has faced many controversies in the tournaments so far. Once upon a time, both the Netherlands and Spain were criticized for posting videos of their training, which appeared to include the players mimicking the dance. 

It has been seen as disrespectful for the other countries to perform the haka. Later, the statement about the dance clearly explained that it was the belief that the Maori economy had about the haka. 

This blog helps you understand what haka dance is and their cultural beliefs and cultural facts.