New Zealand All Blacks haka

[xiphias]

So, before battles, Maori warriors would do a chant and ritual dance to pump themselves up and intimidate their opponents. This is called a "haka".

The New Zealand national rugby team thought this was a good idea.

But, see, other nations ALSO have war dances. Tongan warriors have their own, the sipi tau. And, of course, the way that you counter a war dance is to do your own:

Comments

[rosefox]

Just when I thought organized sports could not possibly look more ridiculous...

[xiphias.livejournal.com]

Personally, I think it looks awesome.

[rosefox]

You know, a lot of people say that about organized sports, too. *)

[micheinnz.livejournal.com]

I think it's vital that traditional cultures find new contexts in which to exist. I may not like organised sport either, but I'm very pleased and damn proud to see this happening.

[rosefox]

Hey, if it works for them (and you), great! I'm sure I do plenty of things that I find meaningful and other people find funny-looking. *)