What is the Haka?
The 'Haka' is New Zealand's most famous war/challenge dance preformed by the World champion All Blacks rugby team.
As a kiwi kid (named after the kiwi bird not the fruit) growing up in New Zealand, We live and breath rugby, It is our heritage. When the Haka is performed before a rugby match, it releases a mix of Adrenaline and Euphoria - many refer to as being 'amped' or 'pumped" . Personally i get spurts and rushes of high octane adrenaline that almost overwhelms - I LOVE IT!
To appreciate the Haka and all it's glory, we need to understand what it means.
The history of the Haka
The original creator or (composer) was Te Rauparaha, a Moari war leader of the Ngāti Toa tribe of the North Island of New Zealand. His tribe went through much adversity and almost became wiped out. The Haka 'Ka mate' is defined by celebrating life over death. The Haka was first used by a touring New Zealand native football team in 1888, and then adopted by the All Blacks in 1905, it has been used ever since.
The Haka has not always been pretty. In it's infancy it resembled a bunch of schoolboys attempting a new dance craze.
However the more New Zealand embraced the Haka as the defining intro for it's AllBlacks, the more the Haka became a staple in our heritage. (see the full 40 second video to see how cute these 3yr olds are.
But what is the deal with those crazy tongues?
Pukana - is the act of defiance
When the All blacks stick there tongues out at the end of the Haka, it basically means 'The challenge is issued and i am going to engage without fear and become victorious.
Haka in general
In New Zealand we see the Haka and it's derivatives performed at many different occasions. Welcomings, Weddings, Funerals to name a few have all been initiated with the Haka
New Zealand soldiers perform Haka for fallen comrades in Afghanistan
Haka at a wedding
Army march out Haka
Introduction of Kapa O Pango to the Haka
In 2005 Tana Umaga leads first ever Kapa O Pango and spawns a new flavor to the world re known Haka. Many organizations took offence to the new introduction of the Kapa O Pango because of the 'Throat slitting gesture. However the gesture represents "drawing vital energy into the heart and lungs" . In 2006 the New Zealand rugby union completed there review and it was given the green light.
Tana Umaga leads first ever Kapa O Pango in 2005
The Power of the Haka
To fully grasp the concept of how powerful the Haka is in our New Zealand culture, you will need to watch the video below. This shows two High schools ready to do battle on the rugby field. You will notice in the second Haka performed by Kings College there are girls performing also. If you think about a battle as a whole it requires both female and male influence to create a probable victory.
Flash mob in Surfers Paradise perform the Haka
When you see the local Police join in the Haka that is not even in the homeland, you know it must have some kick.
Last comments
We as New Zealanders are a very proud tribal infused country. We are a small nation but a strong one. The Haka is in our blood and will forever be injected in our veins. I have been in the U.S full time since 2012 but every time i see the All Blacks do the Haka i get chills up my spine and just want to be there in the battle.
References :
The best Haka history explanation video
The best Haka traditional video
Haka Wiki
Haka Sports Wiki
Kapa o Pango Wiki
Māori people Wiki