Posted on 08/29/2012 2:28:31 PM PDT by naturalman1975
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xI6TRTBZUMM
Haka is used throughout New Zealand by many, not only Māori, to demonstrate their collective thoughts. There is a haka for each of the Services, as well as the Defence Force. Units with the NZ Army have their own haka. This video shows the soldiers of 2/1 RNZIR Battalion performing their Unit haka, powerfully acknowledging the lives and feats of their fallen comrades as they come onto the Unit's parade ground. It is also an emotive farewell for they will leave via the waharoa (the carved entrance way) for the very last time.
Haka --sometimes termed a posture dance could also be described as a chant with actions. There are various forms of haka; some with weapons some without, some have set actions others may be 'free style.' Haka is used by Māori (indigenous people of New Zealand) for a myriad of reasons; to challenge or express defiance or contempt, to demonstrate approval or appreciation, to encourage or to discourage, to acknowledge feats and achievements, to welcome, to farewell, as an expression of pride, happiness or sorrow. There is almost no inappropriate occasion for haka; it is an outward display of inner thoughts and emotions. Within the context of an occasion it is abundantly clear which emotion is being expressed.
A warriors farewell to their fallen brothers and sister.
This is something relatively new and PC..
the New Zealand battalions never used to have their own haka...
we learnt Maori, the Haka, poi dances and canoe dances in school but not as a cultural form..
When my uncle went to Europe during WWII his battalion did not have their own Haka and nobody did a Haka over his grave in Italy...
Nor the graves of muy mothers brothers at Gallipoli in 1915...
When I went to New Zealand for the 150th annoversary of the First Four Ships to Canterbury, the Haka and Maori songsa and dances were performed but it was out of place in a celebration of Europeans landing in a country where the natives were being convert to Christianity and western civilization...
It was so unusual that when the Queen visited and a Haka was performed she was very Royally displeased with the performance, especially the challenge..
Who would dare threaten the Queen of England with a spear ???
Very bad form old chap...
Thank you for posting. It was a great tribute.
Kiwis are known for being fearless.
New Zealand is extraordinarily beautiful. It is on my bucket-list to go back there to see the south island.
ping
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