Thehongi (Māori pronunciation:[ˈhɔŋi]) is a traditionalMāori greeting performed by two people pressing their noses together, often including the touching of the foreheads.[1] The greeting is used at traditional meetings amongMāori people,[2] and at major ceremonies, such as apōwhiri.[3] It may be followed by ahandshake.[3]
In thehongi, theha (breath of life) is exchanged in a symbolic show of unity.[1][3] Through the exchange of this greeting,manuhiri, visitors, blend withtangata whenua, the people of the land, and establish a connection.[3]
Arāhui (temporary ban) was placed on the use of thehongi by someiwi andrūnanga (tribes and tribal councils) because of theCOVID-19 pandemic.[4][5]
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. InMāori mythology, woman was created by the gods moulding her shape out of the earth. The godTāne embraced the figure and breathed into her nostrils. She then sneezed and came to life, creating the first woman in Māori legends,Hineahuone.[1][6]
Thehongi may be performed by Māori and non-Māori, and betweenNew Zealanders andforeign visitors. SeveralBritish royals have been greeted with thehongi during visits to New Zealand, including:King Charles;[7]Princess Diana;[8]Queen Camilla;Prince William andKate Middleton;[9] andPrince Harry andMeghan Markle.[10]U.S. Secretary of StateHillary Clinton was greeted with ahongi in November 2010 during her visit toWellington.[11] FormerU.S. PresidentBarack Obama exchanged ahongi during a visit to the country in March 2018.[12]Thehongi is used in some churches as a way to sharethe sign of peace.
InNative Hawaiian culture, thehoni is a practice similar to the Māorihongi, involving touching noses.[13]
InSabu Raijua,Indonesia, a similar greeting involving touching noses calledHenge'do is practiced.[14]
Scoop Images: Hillary Clinton's First Pōwhiri Hongi
