{"id":292213,"date":"2023-10-28T14:24:33","date_gmt":"2023-10-28T14:24:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsloveme.com\/?p=292213"},"modified":"2023-10-28T14:24:33","modified_gmt":"2023-10-28T14:24:33","slug":"why-do-new-zealand-do-the-haka-and-what-do-the-words-mean-in-english","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportsloveme.com\/rugby-union\/why-do-new-zealand-do-the-haka-and-what-do-the-words-mean-in-english\/","title":{"rendered":"Why do New Zealand do the haka and what do the words mean in English?"},"content":{"rendered":"

New Zealand perform the Haka at the Stade de France <\/p>\n

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The haka is one of rugby\u2019s best known traditions, with the ceremonial Maori dance performed pre-match by New Zealand rugby sides before international fixtures.<\/p>\n

Haka were traditionally performed for a variety of social occasions and functions by the Maori, the indigenous population of the country, to represent a display of a tribe\u2019s pride, strength and unity.<\/p>\n

Usually performed by a group, they are now performed to welcome distinguished guests or acknowledge an occasion, but it is for their use in rugby that haka are best known.<\/p>\n