Hongi – What does it mean?

TE HONGI-A-IHU

Kia Ora! As regards, Hongi-A-Ihu, this is the one and only time our Tipuna deviated from the traditional three fingers; we hongi only twice instead of thrice – with exception –

Reason One: The first hongi is thanksgiving to Io for the Breath of Life he gave to Rehua to bring to Mother Earth and give to Tane-Nui-A-Rangi who breathed into the nostrils of Hine-A-Huone the Earth Form Maiden whom Tane and thirty-five of his brothers created from sand, shingle and clay on their mother’s public mound on the sands of Kurawaka.

Reason Two: Is thanking the other person for sharing his or her breath of life with you and paying homage to all living mortals like us.

Reason Three: Our Ancestors profoundly believed the Hoa Mauri Ora – essence of life, abides in the head – consequently when the temples touch or come into close contact with each other during the hongi it is seen as a symbol of uniting two spirits. Therefore the significance is not only a physical contact by the clasping of hands (as in a handshake) and the pressing of noses, but a spiritual bonding of two persons. Unfortunately, the whole concept of the “Hongi” has been lost. However, the theme of the occasion sets the mood for the “hongi”.

At the conclusion of the Karanga and the Whaikorero of both the Tangata Whenua and the Manuhiri which protocol demands, the Manuhiri crossing the Paepae break the “Tapu”. It is at this point that the occasion sets the mood for the “hongi”. For example on happy or festive occasions, there is much hugging, patting of backs, the “hongi” and kissing of both parties.

When a loved one dies, all three reasons come into play.

1. Thanksgiving to Io for the Breath of Life.
2. Sharing the Breath of Life with the other person and paying homage to all living mortals.
3. The Hoa Mauri Ora or Essence of Life and the uniting of two spirits.

In this instance the “Hongi” is prolonged and the shedding of tears and mucous (from the nose) falls unashamedly to the ground, there to find its way back into the bosom of Mother Earth. During this period, homage is paid to all those of our loved ones who have gone beyond the realms of mortal existence and who are now awaiting to receive their newest family addition.

Tena ra koutou! Tena ra koutou! Tena ra koutou katoa!

~ Wi Te Tau Huata attributes this korero to Te Maaha (Ellen) Matthews.

See also, the following video which sheds further light on the hongi by Dr. Rangimarie Turuki Rose Peri