What is the meaning behind the hongi?

sharing of breath The meaning of hongi roughly translates to the sharing of breath, which is a fairly significant gesture. Once a visitor, also referred to as a manuhiri, enacts the hongi with a local, a sense of responsibility is also imparted to that individual about their place in the delicate ecosystem of the island.

What is a Maori kiss called?

A hongi is a Maori kiss, or greeting, is where two people press their noses against the others. It is usually done twice for acquaintances, three times for friends and relatives and a prolonged press…

Why do Maoris put their foreheads together?

They are beyond hugs and handshakes; their style of greeting is known as Hongi. They greet people in this unique style, by briefly pressing their foreheads and noses together at the same time. Their belief is that, during this process, the ha or breathe of life is exchanged between two individuals.

Do you close your eyes when you hongi?

While shaking hands, the left hand of each person may be placed on the other’s near shoulder. The head is bent, the eyes are lowered or closed, and noses are pressed together either once or twice.

Why is the hongi important Mori?

The tradition of the hongi recalls the Mori legend of the creation of the first earthly woman, Hineahuone. She was formed from clay by the creator god Tne, who then breathed life into her nostrils.

What is the Manuhiri?

Definition of ‘manuhiri’ 1. a visitor to a Mori marae. 2. a Mori term for a non-Mori person, seen as a guest in the country.

Do females do the hongi?

Two kuia (women elders) press noses in the ancient Mori greeting called the hongi in 1963 at Trangawaewae marae, Ngruawhia. Both sexes greet each other this way in Mori society, especially in more culturally formal situations such as on a marae.

Why do they touch noses in New Zealand?

When Mori greet one another by pressing noses, the tradition of sharing the breath of life is considered to have come directly from the gods. Through the exchange of this physical greeting, one is no longer considered manuhiri (a visitor) but rather tangata whenua, one of the people of the land.

How do Kiwis greet each other?

A handshake is the common greeting between strangers. … Mori ritually greet each other with the hongi. This involves two people pressing their noses and foreheads together, holding each other’s heads, and breathing in simultaneously to share the same moment and breath.

Did Maoris come from India?

Mori originated with settlers from East Polynesia, who arrived in New Zealand in several waves of waka (canoe) voyages between roughly 1320 and 1350.

Why do you take your shoes off in a marae?

While generally seen as a courtesy, the principle of removing one’s shoes is also a symbolic one. It represents the leaving of the dust of T Matauenga (God of War) outside so that it does not soil the house of Rongo (God of Peace).

Where do people greet by rubbing noses?

Etymology. When early explorers of the Arctic first witnessed Inuit nose rubbing as a greeting behavior, they dubbed it Eskimo kissing. This was used as an intimate greeting by the Inuit who, when they meet outside, often have little except their nose and eyes exposed.

What is a hongi in South Africa?

South African Hongi=handy.

What country kisses with their nose?

Nose kisses are common in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. Mongolian nomads in the Gobi Desert and Arab tribesmen also engage in nose to nose contact when greeting acquaintances or fellow tribe members.

What is Whaikorero?

What is whaikrero? Whaikrero is a taonga of immense mana so it must be regarded with respect and dignity. It is something that is carried not by just one or two on the paepae krero but by the hap and iwi. The mana of the people is influenced by the strength of the paepae.

What is a Kaikorero?

Kaikorero Male who speaks. Pae Pae The seat where the speakers sit. Waiata – Song. Hariru Shaking of hands, hongi. Hongi pressing of noses.

What is the meaning of kaupapa?

Kaupapa means principles and ideas which act as a base or foundation for action. A kaupapa is a set of values, principles and plans which people have agreed on as a foundation for their actions.

How do you Honi?

Later he encouraged all the attendees to honi, which is to touch noses and inhale the other’s ha or essence. The ancient custom of honi when meeting another included touching foreheads together, inhaling, kissing the other on the cheek or lips, hugging and then exhaling.

What culture greets with a kiss on the lips?

One Kiss: Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Peru, the Philippines. Two Kisses: Spain, Italy, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Croatia, Bosnia, Brazil (though, like France, the number can differ by region), and some Middle Eastern countries (though not between opposite sexes)

What is a hongi in New Zealand?

A hongi is a traditional form of greeting in which two people press their noses to each other and inhale one another’s breath.

Who is the hongi between?

The traditional Mori greeting, the hongi (Mori pronunciation: [hi]) is performed by two people pressing their noses together; some include, at the same time, the touching of foreheads. The greeting is used at traditional meetings among Mori people, and at major ceremonies, such as a pwhiri.

What is kia ora response?

Kia ora r is a nice way to say thanks you can start or finish emails with it. If someone corrects you or does you a favour, we go ‘kia ora r’, Apanui says. R can mean sun or day, but in this context it’s implying distance from the speaker like saying by that.

How do Kiwis say hello?

Kiwi Lingo

  1. Kia ora hello, goodbye, thank you.
  2. Haere mai welcome.
  3. Haere r – goodbye.
  4. Whnau family.
  5. Whine – woman.
  6. Tne – man.
  7. Whare house.
  8. e Yes.