Okay, if you’re from New Zealand, you’ll be familiar with the Maori people and culture. The rest of us probably heard the most about a Haka when the All Blacks play rugby. As it turns out, the Maori culture, the culture of the first people to settle in New Zealand, is a fascinating culture you will want to study more and more after you visit.
Every Maori tattoo is one-of-a-kind.
Ta moko is the traditional Maori tattooing technique. They are unique to each person because they symbolize the person’s ancestry, knowledge, and social standing in their tribe (or “iwi”). “Moko” was initially created by applying color to the tip of a sharp bone that punctured the skin. However, most Maori nowadays choose more modern tattooing techniques.
Exploring Fascinating Maori Culture Of New Zealand
Maori culture is one of the most recent.
In the 1300s, the first Maoris arrived in New Zealand. The Maori people’s origins are unknown, although it is believed that the Maori culture as we know it originated during early journeys in New Zealand. Because it was only roughly 700 years ago, the Maori culture is one of the world’s youngest.
The most interesting Maori legends and myths you should know
There was once no written language.
Before European settlers came to New Zealand, there was no written language for Maori, also known as Terêo Maori. History was instead passed down orally through stories or portrayed in sculptures. That is why Maori are some of the most amazing storytellers ever.
Haka is more than just a battle dance.
If you only know one thing about Maori culture, it’s probably Haka. This popular tune, heard at the commencement of New Zealand rugby matches, is commonly referred to as a war dance. While it is sometimes used for that reason, many distinct types of Haka are utilized for various situations, ranging from funerals to tribal motivation.
Maori cuisine prepared beneath
Hangi is one of Maori culture’s most traditional and popular dishes. This is slow-cooked underground meat and vegetables. There are numerous opportunities to try Hangi, particularly in Rotorua, which is home to most Maori tourist attractions.
Maori greet by bringing foreheads together and rising breasts.
The Maori greeting is called Hongi. When two persons push their foreheads and noses together, close their eyes, and take deep breaths, this is called a tai chi. This represents sharing the “breath of life,” where souls and interactions occur.
How to say Hello and Goodbye in Maori
There is a myth for everything.
As previously stated, Maori are the best storytellers. The Maori have legends about most of New Zealand’s mountains, rivers, lakes, and other significant locations. Myths about the formation of wild animals and bluestones abound. Most Maori stories are frequently told to children to teach them particular lessons. This is why Maori culture is so amazing and is a vital element of New Zealand culture.
Greenstone is a Maori gemstone.
Bluestone, or jade, was a treasured stone to the Maori and was mostly found on the West Coast of the South Island. It is known as “pounamu” in Maori and is extremely valued. Although bluestone has been used for weapons, ornaments, and tools, it is most commonly seen cut into pendants with symbolic significance.
At the Maori meeting place, you must be formally greeted.
A Maori rendezvous is the finest method to learn about Maori culture. The Marae is a Maori gathering place. To enter the Marae, you must first be greeted with a doughnut. This usually includes a showdown with a Maori warrior, singing and chanting, and demonstrating that you have come in peace. It’s not as terrifying as it sounds; we consider it one of New Zealand’s must-do Maori experiences.
Pas used to be populated by Maori.
A historic fortified Maori settlement is one of the sites. They are typically built on hills with terraced fields dug out on either side and enclosed by high walls. Many Maori will remember where their ancestors’ ruins are, but there are usually few other relics beside the rice terraces. Some Maori tour groups, however, have rebuilt the villages, particularly in Rotorua and Gisborne, to give guests a sense of what they formerly looked like.
