The Hongi

The Hongi 

What is a hongi? 

A hongi is the pressing of noses, which symbolises the exchange of the breath of life 

When does the hongi happen? 

When the tangata whenua side indicates that the speeches are complete, the manuhiri speakers approach the tangata whenua to hongi 

What to do.

1. You put both people’s right hands together and shake them firmly with a little squeeze and also look them in the eye and say kia ora
2. Put your left hand on their right shoulder and gently rest it on their shoulder
3. Finally you put your face forward and touch noses
4. Now you let go

The hongi is a greeting that shows respect to tangata whenua  therefore you must do it correctly

Papa

We described a character from the story Papa and Rangi

Papa

Papa the earth mother was separated from Rangi the Sky Father by Tane-mahuta, because they were blocking the brilliant sunlight. When the brothers pushed Papa away there was dazzling sunlight. Papa the earth mother was no longer dark, cold and dreary she was light, elegant and bathed in warmth. When the light came to Papa the trees started growing and then ruby red berries ripened and flowers bloomed.  The trees were also filled by weta’s and cicadas hopping on followed by some ruru’s, tui’s and kotare.

Koruru