The Haka: The Indigenous Dance Gaining Attention at the Rugby World Cup - Did You Know It's Also Performed at New Zealand Weddings?

Rugby World Cup 2019 is underway!＊

From September 20 to November 2, 2019, the Rugby World Cup is being held in Japan.＊

Teams from 20 countries are battling it out daily, aiming for victory from the qualifiers to the knockout stages.

Japan also started off with a good win, defeating Russia in their opening match on September 20.

On that day, in Tokyo, many people were seen wearing cherry blossom jerseys, as well as foreign tourists who came to cheer for their countries, highlighting the popularity of rugby and sparking interest in those who may not fully understand the rules but wanted to check it out!♩

(Many of you might be in that category too, right?)

The New Zealand cultural dance "Haka" is amazing!

One of the highlights of the Rugby World Cup is the title favorite, New Zealand.

They are nicknamed the "All Blacks" due to their all-black uniforms.

They are currently on a two-time winning streak, having won the World Cup in 2011 and 2015, and are ranked second in the world (with Ireland ranked first!).

The incredibly strong All Blacks are famous for performing a ceremonial act before their matches.

It’s the cultural dance known as "Haka."＊

The "Haka" is a traditional war dance performed by the Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, to motivate themselves and display strength before battle.

They clap their hands, stomp their feet, and intimidate their opponents. It’s incredibly powerful and impressive, isn’t it...!!

Haka is also performed at weddings＊

The Haka is performed with gratitude and respect towards the opposing team, and in modern times, it is also danced at weddings, graduations, opening ceremonies, and funerals (to honor the deceased).

For New Zealanders, the Haka is a common and significant traditional ceremony.

By performing the Haka, the community unites, becoming a symbol of strength in the crowd.＊

wedding haka video check＊

The Haka is traditionally performed by men. Therefore, at weddings, it is done as a kind of entertainment by male guests.

Here is a video where the Haka is performed in front of the bride and groom.

The bride and groom's teary-eyed and emotional expressions reflect how moving and wonderful this Haka is.

The Haka performed by six people is incredibly powerful...! Halfway through, the groom joins in as a response to the guests' enthusiasm, and it’s an exciting video to watch.

This is a Haka led by a leader holding a stick. The large group performance of the Haka is truly captivating!＊

A Haka that you want to see repeatedly.

For New Zealand men, the Haka is a traditional dance that anyone can learn from childhood.＊

This incredibly cool performance with a rich history is something I want to see live and up close...!!

I’m looking forward to the New Zealand matches in the Rugby World Cup!♩