Why was Pokarekare Ana composed?

Why was Pokarekare Ana composed?

More than 100 years ago Ngatai’s grandfather Paraire Henare Tomoana wrote Pokarekare Ana as a love song to his future wife Kuini Ripeka Ryland Tomoana. It has become of one of the best-known and loved waiata ever written and has been performed many times, including a memorable interpretation by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.

When was Pokarekare Ana written?

1912
August 6th, 1987, Ngatai Huata said that Pokarekare Ana was originally written as a letter in 1912 to Queenie Ryland who lived at Tokomaru Bay.

What is Whakaraka?

Performance refers to the vocal and visual presentation of whakaraka; Tikanga refers to the rules, purpose, and any accompanying lyrics or waiata; Whakaraka is used as a term to describe hand, stick, and string games, referring in particular to the dexterity required for these activities.

Why do Māori stick their tongues out?

Traditionally it is meant to welcome visitors, but also to (again) demonstrate their power and readiness to fight should the visitors decide to attack. One of the typical moves in a Haka is for the males to stick their tongue out and bulge their eyes.

Why do we hongi press noses?

When Māori 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”.

What is the history behind Rākau sticks?

Māori stick games consist of the rhythmic throwing and catching of sticks (Te Rākau) from person to person. Traditionally boys and young men used this game to increase dexterity and alertness, while girls and young women were thought to benefit from increased skills for poi and dances.

What did Māori do for fun?

Traditional Māori society sought a balance between work and leisure. Leisure time was spent telling stories, performing waiata, haka and poi, playing musical instruments, dancing and playing sports and games. Leisure activities had serious purposes like transmitting knowledge as well as entertainment value.

What is Maui matau?

The fish hook shape of the hei matau finds its origins in Māori legend, which holds that the North Island of New Zealand was once a huge fish that was caught by the great mariner, Maui, using only a woven line and a hook made from the jawbone of his grandmother.

Why do Maori people touch noses?

Maori believe the gift of life came from Io Matua Kore, the God and Creator of this universe who gave man the first breath of life. As you touch noses with each other, it is to pay respect to the Creator who gave us life and to acknowledge each other for the life that we are gifted by Him.

Why do Maori people touch foreheads?

The ‘Hongi’ is a traditional Maori greeting in New Zealand used by the Maori people. To hongi you press your nose and forehead together with the nose and forehead of the person you are greeting. Many people of Maori decent prefer to hongi, instead of shaking hands.