Wow! Amazing Maori tribute

I have put this in the club section too so so many folk as possible see this.

This isn't exactly rugby related but it is incredibly emotional. Watch it to the end and make sure you have the volume at maximum.

http://www.hefty.co/dawson-tamatea/

It is amazing yes, i'd be interested to hear what kiwi's think though. Is it appropriate in these circumstances... i've seen it done a lot lately for funerals/memorials..my understanding was it is a demonstration to enemies hence my question?

I did ask myself that too, Gwlad. I was always under the impression that any kind of haka was more to do with warning your enemy etc

Just hope it is not a massive spiritual #$%^ up! I had a rugby/geography teacher at tiffin Grammar in the UK, Dave Morris, who would have left a similar impression on every kid he taught or threw a chalk board rubber at! Think he is still at it an di left school in 86!

Just WOW!! Words don't suffice.

I have no idea who that was for. But they sure did him proud.

I think the total and utter silence at the end is as poignant as anything else

My understanding is it's more about connecting with ancestors and calling on them for support.

The Haka is done at many funerals Maori and NZ European etc and is entirely appropriate. In Maori tradition the spirit remains in the body until it is buried only then does the spirit leave the body and makes it way to Cape Reinga where the spirit goes to the underworld. Reinga is underworld in Maori.

Maori remain with the body of the deceased until he or she is buried the body is NEVER left.

So when these Haka's are done to the coffin they are being done to the person within.

rainbow-warrior wrote:The Haka is done at many funerals Maori and NZ European etc and is entirely appropriate.  In Maori tradition the spirit remains in the body until it is buried only then does the spirit leave the body and makes it way to Cape Reinga where the spirit goes to the underworld.  Reinga is underworld in Maori.

Maori remain with the body of the deceased until he or she is buried the body is NEVER left.  

So when these Haka's are done to the coffin they are being done to the person within.

interesting. so is it also a war challenge or is that a misinterpretation, or is a different haka used dependent on the occasion?

Yes the haka is also a war challenge. There are many different haka and new ones are developed all the time. All colleges have their own haka and they use it for everything. I am sure you will find much on line to do with the haka. Personally I find the haka they do for the returning NZ soldiers who lost their lives some of the most moving far more rousing that the AB's doing it.

Feed Kapa Haka into youtube to see haka competitions that are an annual event here in NZ, a little like the Welsh Eisteddfods in nature.