Haka Essay

559 Words3 Pages
What is Haka? Haka is a traditional ancestral dance, war cry or challenge of the Maori people of New Zealand. The Haka has become a trademark of one of the world’s most widely known rugby teams, the New Zealand All Blacks. A well-performed Haka before a crucial game can still stir the crowds into frenzy and unsettle the toughest opponents. In my research I have investigated how the Haka originated, how the Haka has progressed throughout New Zealand rugby history, and New Zealand’s opinion about the Haka as a sports routine. The origins of the Haka are connected back into the mists of time. It is a history that is rich in myth and legend that reflects Maori heritage. New Zealand has grown up accustomed to Haka since first encounters between Maori people and early European explorers. New Zealanders have grown up with the Haka as part of their lives by the use of the Haka by sporting teams. The All Blacks, the Rugby sports team of New Zealand use the Haka in their sports team to intimidate the enemy and raise support within the crowd. New Zealand started their Rugby team back in 1870. The modern All blacks perform the Haka with pride and with passion. They have reclaimed the dignity attached with this traditional art form and, in the process has increased its recognition as an icon of New Zealand. . The Haka has come to symbolize the power of the All Blacks and their status in the world of rugby. The team leaves an impression of invincibility and ruthlessness. That impression is in no small part due to the potency with which the All Blacks perform the Haka. The "Ka Mate" Haka generally opens the all blacks when they start games and generally starts with a set of five preparatory instructions shouted by the leader, before the whole team joins in. Some example of what they say in the Haka is, Ka mate, Ka mate by the leader then Ka Ora, Ka Ora, which is said by the
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