The hongi () is a traditional Māori greeting performed by two people pressing their noses together, often including the touching of the foreheads.[
]
In the hongi, the ha (breath of life) is exchanged in a symbolic show of unity.
A rāhui (temporary ban) was placed on the use of the hongi by some iwi and rūnanga (tribes and tribal councils) because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[" Coronavirus: No more hongi or handshakes – Ngāti Kahungunu iwi acts to stop spread of Covid-19," New Zealand Herald, 14 March 2020. Retrieved 7 April 2020.][" Coronavirus: Hongi restriction put in place at pōhiri in Wellington," Radio New Zealand, 5 March 2020. Retrieved 7 April 2020.]
Symbolism
When Māori greet one another by pressing noses, the tradition of sharing the breath of life is considered to have come directly from the gods. In Māori mythology, woman was created by the gods moulding her shape out of the earth. The god Tāne embraced the figure and breathed into her nostrils. She then sneezed and came to life, creating the first woman in Māori legends, Hineahuone.
Examples
The hongi may be performed by Māori and non-Māori, and between New Zealanders and foreign visitors. Several British royals have been greeted with the hongi during visits to New Zealand, including: Charles III;
Similar practices
In Native Hawaiian culture, the honi is a practice similar to the Māori hongi, involving touching noses.
In Sabu Raijua, Indonesia, a similar greeting involving touching noses called Henge'do is practiced.
See also
