Cultures all over the world mark the passing of a life in a thousand of different ways. But no matter where you are or how you mourn, the hallmark is incredible respect for the departed.
Here in America, most people mourn by conducting a religious service and dressing in black. In New Zealand, grieving can look a bit different.
One of the rituals associated with the death of a community leader is the ‘haka,’ a traditional dance of the country’s indigenous Maori people. The haka is characterized by rhythmic stomping and shouted chants, and can be applicable to almost any important occasion, from a declaration of war to your Nana’s birthday.
For the Palmerston North Boy’s High School, performing the school haka is a sign of immense respect. Much like these soldiers paying their respects to fallen comrades, the students are performing the ritual in honor of Mr. Dawson Tamatea, a favorite teacher.
When Mr. Tamatea, a P.E. and Math teacher who also advised Maori student groups on campus, passed away, the boys he taught came out to celebrate a great life.
As the hearse pulls up at the funeral, the crowd of uniform-clad teenage boys are silent. Slowly, the thumping and shouting of the haka begins, lending an incredible sense of gravity to the already somber occasion.
Then, just as quickly, the boys fall silent once more and part to let the hearse through. The entire spectacle is so moving and raw that I had chills watching it.
Please SHARE if you got goosebumps watching this breathtaking celebration of an incredible life.
