Maori Hongi Tradition Shares Breath

The Maori Tradition of Hongi is Not a Greeting

On February 6, 1840, at Waitangi in New Zealand, Maori chief Tamati Waka Nene performed a hongi with British governor William Hobson, marking a pivotal moment in their relationship. Historian Judith Binney notes that this encounter was more than a simple greeting. In fact, the hongi that took place on that day was a significant event that has been widely misunderstood.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that the Maori tradition of hongi is a traditional greeting, similar to a handshake or a hug, where two people press their noses together as a sign of respect and friendship. The standard story goes that hongi is a universal Maori custom, practiced by all members of Maori society, and that it is a way of sharing breath and establishing a connection between two people. However, this understanding oversimplifies the complexities of the hongi tradition.

What History Actually Shows

Historians like Angela Ballara and Jeffrey Sissons actively challenge the common understanding of hongi, arguing that its meaning and significance have been distorted over time. On January 29, 1814, missionary Samuel Marsden wrote about the hongi in his journal, describing it as a gesture of great intimacy and affection, typically reserved for close family members or loved ones. By 1835, the hongi had become an important part of Maori protocol, with the sharing of breath being a key aspect of Maori spirituality, symbolizing the exchange of life force and the establishment of a deep connection between two people. Anthropologist Anne Salmond actively examines the role of hongi in Maori society, noting that it was not a casual greeting, but rather a meaningful ritual that required a certain level of familiarity and trust between participants. As historian James Belich notes, the hongi was often performed during important ceremonies and rituals, such as weddings and funerals, and was an essential part of Maori cultural and social practices, particularly between 1840 and 1860. By 1850, the hongi had become an important symbol of Maori identity and cultural heritage, with many Maori leaders, including Tamati Waka Nene, actively promoting its use as a way of preserving Maori traditions and customs.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians like Anne Salmond and Jeffrey Sissons chose to focus on the more spectacular aspects of Maori culture, such as tribal wars and intricate carvings, while the subtle yet profound tradition of hongi was relegated to the periphery. The New Zealand government's decision to promote a more Europeanized version of Maori culture in the early 20th century also contributed to the erasure of hongi from the national narrative. Specifically, the Tohunga Suppression Act of 1907, which banned traditional Maori spiritual practices, directly targeted the kinds of cultural gatherings where hongi would have been a central practice, making it a concrete reason why this history was not told. As a result, the tradition of hongi was slowly forgotten, and its significance was lost on subsequent generations.

The Ripple Effect

The marginalization of hongi has had a direct impact on modern Maori cultural practices, with many young people today unfamiliar with this traditional greeting. The lack of understanding and appreciation for hongi has also affected the way Maori people interact with each other and with outsiders, leading to a sense of disconnection from their cultural heritage. For example, the modern Maori cultural festival, Te Matatini, still features traditional performances and greetings, but hongi is rarely practiced or taught, tracing directly back to the historical suppression of this event.

The Line That Says It All

The Tohunga Suppression Act of 1907 effectively banned the practice of hongi in public gatherings, silencing a fundamental aspect of Maori cultural expression.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to Maori cultural traditions and the history of New Zealand.