Harakeke Folklore & Rituals

Harakeke Folklore

Harakeke is also recounted in Maori folklore with the strength of the muka fibre in particular embellished in myths and legend including the exploits of “Maui”.
It was Maui who fished up “Te Ika a Maui”, the North Island of New Zealand, using muka as the fishing line and who snared the sun in a fishing net made from muka.

A Harakeke Proverb

Hutia te rito o te harakeke,
Kei whea te kōmako e kō?
Kī mai ki ahau;
He aha te mea nui o te Ao?
Māku e kī atu,
he tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata

If the heart of harakeke was removed, where will the bellbird sing?
If I was asked, what was the most important thing in the world;
I would be compelled to reply, It is people, it is people, it is people!

The proverb reflects the Maori reference to the harakeke plant as a whanau or family group.

The outer leaves are the tupuna (ancestors); the inner leaves are the mātua (parents); the most inner leaf is the rito or pepe (baby). Only the tupuna are cut as the mātua are left to protect the pepe”.

Accordingly the proverb reflects that without the sound of children in the world (the next generation) mankind will not survive.

The diagram to the right illustrates how the harakeke represents a whanau or family

Harakeke Rituals

Harakeke is part of the domain of Haumiatiketike, Guardian of the root crops, and as such karakia (prayers) are recited before harvesting harakeke giving thanks and seeking protection.

The reverence given to the Harakeke plant is also shown in the tikanga (rituals) around working with flax.

Some rituals applied to Harakeke horticulture include saying a karakia (prayer) before cutting the flax whilst rituals were also involved at every step of the weaving process.

Many Maori continue to adhere to those protocols today carrying on the traditions of their ancestors.