Sport is an integral part of daily life in most countries. However, the All Blacks rugby team has moved competitiveness to another level. They enhance the game in a way that reminds you of the ancient tradition of war dance that was initially followed by the Maoris. The Haka ritual is part of every All Blacks’ game, albeit an exhibition match or a competitive match. It is the opening note to their games; It has two purposes; The first is intended to motivate the team (performers) and the second is to strike fear into the hearts of the opposing players by staring down the eyes while chanting aggressively.
The Excitement Around Haka Dance
The All Blacks Haka ritual is believed to build an unseen yet powerful bond with most people watching of whom claim that watching it gives them goosebumps and enhances the thrill of the game. Many will not understand the chants as they are from a local language. However, the audience watching the dance will notice the aggression and power delivered by the vocals and can feel its ‘ihi’ (the unique feeling of the thrill).
You can trace the tradition of the All Blacks Haka dance all the way back to the 1880s when the national team was called the Native Team of New Zealand, and they started a game with the ‘Ka Mate’. At the time the players said, the dance helps them prepare for the battle both mentally and physically.
How Important is the All Blacks Haka Dance
Well to start with Rugby is the national game of New Zealand. As a frequently successful international side, the Haka has become synonymous with the All Blacks, and it would now be considered strange it was not performed! The Haka has been associated with the team since a man named Joseph Warbrick when the team made up from the natives of New Zealand. Though it was initially borrowed from the Maori culture, it resonates well with all folk from New Zealand. The Maori tradition is significant to New Zealand, so much so, that the Haka is now taught in schools!
