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EveryParampara

Waiata

Maori song, from lullaby to lament, sung at gatherings.

A pattern drawn for this page, not a picture of Waiata.

Also: waiata

Waiata is the Maori word for song and also for the whole body of songs. There are many kinds: waiata tangi, laments for the dead, oriori, lullabies that carry history and genealogy, waiata aroha, songs of love, and waiata ringaringa, action songs. Waiata are sung at the end of a speech on the marae, to support the speaker, and to open and close meetings. Schools teach them, and the modern repertoire includes hymns and pop songs in te reo Maori. Singing in harmony and with passion is a mark of Maori gatherings, and waiata are seen as taonga, treasures, handed on with care.

Region: Oceania

See also

HakaMaraePowhiri

Find traditions that mention Waiata

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