 |
“This is the hairy man” |
|
From midget leagues to profession leagues all across the world, you will find that teams and their fans have some type of chant, song, or anthem. Some of these are meant to rally, some to intimidate, and some to taunt. However, none that I’ve seen yet are driven by as much tradition and emotion as the All Black’s Haka. A traditional battle dance, the Maori warriors performed their Haka before their enemy both to show respect acknowledging that those who stand before them are worthy opponents, and to throw down a challenge. Today, on the rugby pitch, it is still a symbol of respect, but for those uninformed, the Haka, with its violent chest pounding and foot stomping, looks like a war cry meant only to evoke fear. And, well, it does that too… at least to me. Each translation varies a bit, but here is a translation from the All Black’s website: It is death! It is death! And here is a video:
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed! - Kyle Bawot, IES Abroad |
That would be enough to make me run in the other direction as fast as I could!!! That one in the front is scary! How many people get hurt in these games?
Glad that chanting did not happen at any of your soccer games!
Is this the game you went to see? xo
Dear Kyle - these are some of the most frightening men I have even seen DANCE. HAHAHA. I wonder if they enjoy afternoon tea on their off days? I also would like to suggest that we come up with a “pre meal dance” similar to this one for Thanksgiving…yea? How are the ducks??
Chels, I fully support that Thanksgiving idea. I expect you to get working on that asap. And they are getting so big, I feel like I’m watching my children grow.
Mel Gibson should consider casting this group for his next movie, whatever the subject, but especially if he does a sequel to Apocalypto.