Have you heard of the haka?
It’s a traditional Maori war dance. The haka is best described as a ceremonial war dance or challenge.
While the haka started as a celebration of life, it has since also become a symbol of peace, strength, and unity.
Although it is a Maori tradition, Kiwis have also embraced it as part of their culture.
Kiwis and Maoris learn this dance at an early age so that they carry it to adulthood.
This toddler doesn’t even know how to count yet.
But he does already know the haka.
It’s a very specific dance with lines that embody their culture and history.
“Actions include the stomping of the foot, the protrusion of the tongue and rhythmic body slapping to accompany a loud chant. The words of a haka often poetically describe ancestors and events in the tribe’s history,” as written on the NewZealand.com website.
While it was used previously to prepare warriors mentally and physically for battle, now it’s used for different events.
It has been repurposed, not replaced.
The haka is sometimes performed at weddings for the bride and groom by their family and friends.
They perform a declaration that the bride and groom can always count on them for their love and support.
A few years ago, there was a shooting at a mosque in New Zealand.
Spontaneously, students from different schools joined together and performed the haka before school started that day to mourn the victims.
It started with a few students by a street corner when more students joined them. They soon filled the streets.
This toddler’s dancing for joy.
As soon as this toddler could stand on his own, his father probably already taught him the basics of haka.
It looked like the toddler was having fun performing it, too. He can’t chant the words yet but he can definitely perform the actions.
Look at him go!
It seems this toddler already knows the steps by heart. What do you think?
The toddler might not yet understand the meaning behind the haka war dance but we’re sure he’ll appreciate it when the time comes.
Contrary to what other people might think, males aren’t the only ones who can perform the haka.
But this baby boy might be the cutest.
Anyone can perform it.
Although there are haka dances that are for men only and for women only. Then there are haka dances that can be performed by anyone.
Even non-Maoris and non-Kiwis can perform the haka.
Make sure though that you understand what you are doing with respect to their culture and history.
Each component of haka holds meaning.
It’s important to the Maoris and Kiwis that non-Maoris and non-Kiwis understand the words being said, their significance, the significance of each haka (there are six), and the expressions when performing the haka.
If you can’t do all that, then it’s better to just watch it.
Maoris and Kiwis are very proud of the haka. It will be disrespectful to them and their culture if it’s not performed with reverence.
See this toddler’s adorable haka and also a clip of kids performing it on Little Big Shots below!
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@haka_haka_ #haka #maori ♬ son original – HAKA
