Voor Nederlands, klik hier.
Trembling Hands
During haka, participants can vigorously shake their hands. You can see it very well at the beginning of the haka below:
What Do You See Above Hot Asphalt?
Participants in haka workshops often ask me what the meaning of the trembling of the hands is. I then ask them to remember a hot day from last summer when they were stuck in a traffic jam. Next, I ask them what they see when they look above the tarmac (asphalt) when they are in their (cool) car. Many shake their hands and say, “Trembling air.” I then ask them what this is. Some say “a fata morgana”, others say “heatwaves”. The latter are right.
Tānerore and the Origins of haka
Tama-nui-te-rā (God of the Sun) and Hine Raumati (Goddess of Summer, or Summer Maiden) have a son, Tānerore, and a daughter, Hine ā Rohe. Tānerore is regarded as the origin or personification of haka. In the summer, Tānerore dances (together with his sister in some stories) while quivering his hands to create dancing lines that are heated by Tama-nui-te-rā, reflected off Papatūānuku (mother earth), creating heat waves. In some Māori traditions, Hine ā Rohe is the deity associated with mirages and the shimmering heat that rises from the ground on hot days. Hine Raumati represents the heat of summer and is responsible for the growth and ripening of food.
There are Māori who believe that the heatwaves that appear on the horizon of hot summer days is Tānerore, dancing for his mother Hine Raumati.
What Is Wiriwiri?
The continuous and repeated trembling of the hands is called wiriwiri in Māori. Wiri means trembling, shaking, or quivering. It is an important part of haka. The wiri represents the heatwaves created by Tānerore, but also the rustling of the leaves in the trees or the shimmering of light on the water in the ocean.
According to Māori, wiri represents the world around us. Wiri is a common action in many haka. There are different kinds of wiri for each iwi (Māori Tribe), representing their particular environment. In many iwi, males and females do the wiri differently. The women do the wiri with their fingers closed, and their hands are slightly cupped, while men do the wiri with their fingers spread.
Below, you’ll see a haka performed by the Black Ferns, the women’s Rugby team of New Zealand. The wiriwiri is demonstrated fiercely.
Wiri, Mana, and Mauri
As wiri is an essential part of haka, strong wiri represents more power or mana (authority, spiritual power, inherited and earned standing). A weak wiri shows laziness or a lack of effort and presence. The wiri is a demonstration of mauri (life force, vitality, or energy), but a haka performer does not ‘create’ mana or mauri through stronger shaking of the hands.
A committed wiri reflects presence, focus, and connection. A half-hearted wiri can signal disconnection from the kaupapa (purpose) of the haka.
Aligning with Energy That Is Already There
My interpretation is that the trembling air or heatwaves represent energy. Energy is abundant on this planet. For me personally, wiri feels like a way of aligning myself with the energy already present in this world. Energy to enthuse or to have confidence before any task, like performing haka, giving a presentation, or having a difficult discussion. I experience more joy, happiness, and calmness when I perform wiri at a haka.
Anyone can learn about wiri and, when guided appropriately, experience its grounding and energizing qualities. When you see someone doing the wiri, please do not laugh at them or feel embarrassed for them. Offer support, help, and encouragement.
Rituals Before Meaningful Moments
I am convinced that everyone has their own unique ritual to gain more energy, confidence, or focus before facing something difficult or a meaningful moment. You see athletes or performers jump, breathe deeply, mumbling some words of encouragement to themselves, or pray.
What do you do to get more energy, self-confidence, and joy before a difficult task? How do you stay connected with your purpose? Let me know in the comment box below. I, and other readers of this article, look forward to read from you!
Thank you for reading up to this point and sharing this article with your colleagues, friends, or family. And please SHARE this article with Bluesky, Facebook, and LinkedIn networks by pressing the buttons below so they can also benefit from this article about wiri. You can copy parts of this blog if you state the sources.
Have you seen an error in this article? Let me know! I am grateful!
Sources:
–Components of Kapa haka by Nikki Ferris
–Marae, The Heart of Māori Culture
–Nga kaupeka o Hine Raumati: An introduction to the different phases of Hine Raumati
