Parihaka

Monday, 26 July, 2004 by Donna V. Whitmore

Today we visited Parihaka, a Maori Marae. It was an awesome experience. We participated in the traditional call by a woman Maori called the karanga. The visitors (us) or manuhiri may then approach the Marae pausing to pay respect to those ancestors who have passed. The men went first, followed by the women. Shoes are removed before entering the Marae. All greet each other with the Hongi, a touching of forehead-to-forehead, nose-to-nose. Men are seated in front, women behind. The Maori Elders host (or Tangata Whenua) gave speeches in Maori and sang a waiata.

Roger was our speaker and led us in our waiata, a Kickapoo song he had taught us for this occasion. His speech was very emotional and touched not only us, but the Maori too. There were lots of tears.

We all introduced ourselves with name, hometown and a short speech. "Tea" followed, which was a whole meal!

The Marae is beautiful, and again the people proud, warm and gentle. Roger gave the Maoris a beautiful Indian blanket with a turtle woven into it in red and black. It was an "unrestricted" gift, meaning all Maori could enjoy it. Mahinekura was our guide at the Marae; she is stunningly beautiful! She has the traditional face tattooing and light, piercing eyes. She performed the karanga. Later she took us to a Maori sacred sight on the ocean.

Word for the day: AWESOME