The Meaning and History of the Haka

The Awe of the Haka

I was in high school when I first witnessed my first haka in Hilo put on by a dance troupe from New Zealand. The first thing that came out of my mouth was, “WOW”. It was so powerful it gave me goosebumps all over my whole body. It was an emotional moment that left me in tears. Literally and physically, I was struck in awe.

Since working at the Polynesian Cultural Center, I’ve come to respect and honor this ancient Māori war dance or challenge, if you will, from our Māori friends of New Zealand. I can watch a haka and never get tired of it.

What is the Haka?

History

Haka is a traditional dance form of the Māori people performed with vigorous movements and stamping of the feet with a rhythmically shouted chant. Various actions are employed in the course of the performance, including showing the whites of the eyes and the poking out of the tongue, fierce facial expressions and grimaces, and slapping the hands against the body and stamping of the feet.

Haka reminds me of a symphony in which the different parts of the body represent many instruments. The hands, arms, legs, feet, voice, eyes, tongue, and the body as a whole combine to express courage, annoyance, joy, or other feelings relevant to the purpose of the occasion.

Purpose

Anciently, the war haka was performed by warriors before a battle, proclaiming their strength and prowess in order to intimidate the opposition. However, the haka is also performed for various reasons, including welcoming distinguished guests, acknowledging great achievements, and marking occasions or funerals.

Today, you will also find the haka used to challenge opponents on the sports field or in a stadium. A challenge is offered to the opposing team not so much as a means of proving who is better, but as a way to honor worthy opponents. A challenge in a traditional Māori meeting house can be offered to visitors by saying, We believe you are equal to us in honor and power.

The haka is not only a powerful, vigorous dance. The haka has meaning and background within the words and motions. This beautiful video of the Māori dance troupe “Te Iti Kahurangi,” recorded and presented by Māori Television, may also help you experience the awe. You might get the same chills and goosebumps I felt when I first saw it decades ago.