HAKA FOR FALLEN COMRADES |

Name: Sandbox Duty Officer David Stanford

I feel compelled to post this video, along with the introductory text which accompanies it on YouTube:

 

Haka is used throughout New Zealand by many, not only Maori, 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 entrace 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 Maori (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 or achievements, to welcome, to farewell, as an expression of pride, happiness, or sorrow. There is almost no inappropriate occason 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.

Comments

[sierraseven]

That is incredibly powerful and moving. Thank you for posting it.

[Hypatia]

I visited New Zealand years ago -- one of my best trips -- and observed haka. Even a little blonde girl of Dutch ancestry was taught in a school her parents sent her to.

I thought haka was ONLY a war dance to psych up warriors, so it's interesting to note by your comment that it can serve other emotions.

Let's hope that people will eventually become sensible enough to eschew war, and will settle their differences without fighting.

Then haka can become the art form that is really is.

[Guy DeCou]

I saw this a few weeks ago and posted in on my FB profile. Almost ALL of my "friends" made comments, of which they were all positive and moving. We tend to forget that we are not singular in this conflict and that others are making the ultimate sacrifice along side our troops every day and that they all deserve to be remembered and honored.

[Sara Ransom]

Iupane, Iupane, Iupane kaupani waitaki whiti te RA!

[burberry pas cher]

so schön article.i wird meinen Freunden empfehlen.