When you hear of the Māori, most people think about the haka that has gained much attention in mainstream media. However, their culture and customs go deeper than just the haka dance.
The Māori are the indigenous Polynesian people of mainland New Zealand (Aotearoa). They originated with settlers from East Polynesia, who arrived in New Zealand on several canoe voyages between 1320 and 1350.
The Māori are more than just their haka; they have more profound stories, richer history, and many more lessons to offer.
Some exciting things you didn’t know about the Māori
1. The marae is the way
The marae is by far the best way to experience the culture of the Māori. A marae is a communal or sacred place in Polynesian societies for religious and social purposes. Through the marae, people can interact with the local Māori for a first-hand introduction to the culture. To visit the marae, you’ll need the help of licensed tour guides. If you plan to drop in unannounced, you won’t be welcome.
2. You need an invitation
To go to the marae, you must first go through the powhiri, a traditional Māori ceremony with guests challenged by warriors in something called the wero. Although this sounds alarming, the practice isn’t to be feared, as it is part of their culture to welcome guests. Participants will join in singing as the warrior will present a token to the guest, signifying they’re welcome to enter in peace.
3. All Māori tattoos are different
Most Māori are known for their visual face and body tattoos, and although they might look the same, the truth is no two tattoos are alike. Every tattoo is explicitly designed for them, and although the technique has evolved, the tattoos are designed with the individual’s lineage, wisdom, and stature among the tribe. It is acceptable to politely ask about the tattoos to learn more about their culture.
4. The haka is more than just a dance
You’ve probably already heard or seen the haka on the internet. It is a ceremonial war dance that involves stomping and chanting. The haka is meant for you to see vigorous physical motions and is used in many different settings, not just fierce competition.
The haka is also used to greet notable guests and celebrate achievements. The haka is also used to pay respects at funerals or other occasions. The Māori take the haka very seriously, so when you can experience it, focus on the intense emotions they are trying to display.
5. Māori cuisine involves underground cooking
Traditional Māori cuisine involves hangi, where food is cooked underground in a hole. The food cooked through hangi often consists of fish, chicken, and vegetables. Although hangi sounds easy, it is a strenuous process that first requires building the perfect hole to perform the technique. Until today, some still practice the hangi technique, though not all do it for everyday cooking.
6. The Māori speak Te Reo
The Māori have their language, separate from English, called Te Reo. Te Reo is their traditional language, recognized in 1987 as one of New Zealand’s official languages. This language was interesting because it wasn’t written and consisted of oral stories to relay essential lessons or learnings from history.
Today, there are some ways that you can learn Te Reo through classes or short courses. However, learning Te Reo will also help improve your overall Māori experience.
7. Close greetings are preferred
The Māori greet each other with closeness, and while you might be tempted to shake their hands, their culture involves a closer approach. This approach is called the hongi and involves the noses and foreheads of two people against each other. While this might seem too tight for some people, there is a powerful message or philosophy behind this. They do this to share the breath of life.
8. Greenstone treasure is passed on
The Māori consider greenstone, known to them as Pounamu, a treasure since it looks good and has numerous qualities and utilities. Greenstone can make essential items like spears, hooks, and tools, once vital to the Māori’s everyday lives. Greenstone items are passed from generation to generation, as the owners usually hand them to their children.
Final words
The Māori culture is more than just something to be curious about. It is something that we can all learn from. One notable thing you can take from the culture is the dedication of those within the culture to try and preserve it.
While many cultures worldwide have either been lost or completely modernized, the Māori have managed to preserve theirs, despite the lack of Te Reo in writing. With just oral stories, they have managed to keep their culture alive.
