Once the formal speeches are over, the hosts physically greet their guests by pressing noses with them. In the hongi (traditional greeting), the ha or breath of life is exchanged and intermingled.
| Like their ancestors before them, Maori children greet each other with a hongi |
|
|
|
 |
Through the exchange of this physical greeting, you are no longer considered manuhiri (visitor) but rather tangata whenua, one of the people of the land. For the remainder of your stay you are obliged to share in all the duties and responsibilities of the home people. In earlier times, this may have meant bearing arms in times of war, or tending crops of kumara (sweet potato).
When Maori greet one another by pressing noses, the tradition of sharing the breath of life is considered to have come directly from the gods.
In Maori folklore, woman was created by the gods moulding her shape out of the earth. The god Tane (meaning male) embraced the figure and breathed into her nostrils. She then sneezed and came to life. Her name was Hineahuone (earth formed woman).
The Nga Puhi tribe view the hongi as a very sacred act and an integral part of the powhiri. The Waitangi National Trust estate also follows this traditional custom.
|
Related Topics
|
|
|
HAU ORA (HEALTH)
When greeted with the words "Kia Ora", one is literally being asked the state of their physical and spiritual health.
Read More
|
|
|
