Karakia: Sacred Words and Cultural Respect
Understanding Māori spiritual practices Learning three essential karakia Respecting cultural protocols
WALT - We Are Learning To
Understand the meaning and importance of karakia Learn three specific karakia with correct pronunciation Recognize the concepts of Mauri and Tapu Apply appropriate protocols when using karakia
Success Criteria
I can explain what karakia means and why it's important I can recite three karakia with respectful pronunciation I can describe Mauri and Tapu in simple terms I can list 3 do's and don'ts when participating in karakia
What do you already know about Māori culture?
Think about: Māori words you've heard Cultural practices you've seen Places with Māori names
What is Karakia?
Karakia = prayer, blessing, or incantation Used to invoke spiritual guidance and protection Connects people to ancestors and the spiritual world Spoken in Te Reo Māori (Māori language) Can be used for many different occasions
Understanding Mauri and Tapu
{"left":"MAURI: Life force or vital essence present in all things - people, animals, plants, objects. Like an invisible energy that gives life meaning","right":"TAPU: Sacred or restricted. Some things, places, or times are tapu and require special respect. Breaking tapu can have serious consequences"}
Pronunciation Practice
Let's practice Māori vowel sounds: A = 'ah' (as in 'car') E = 'eh' (as in 'bed') I = 'ee' (as in 'see') O = 'or' (as in 'door') U = 'oo' (as in 'moon')
Opening Karakia - He Karakia Whakatōhea
Kia hora ai te marino (May peace be widespread) Kia whakapapa pounamu te moana (May the sea be like greenstone) Hei auaha ake nei (Glinting in the sun) Tihei mauri ora! (Behold, the breath of life!)
Food Karakia - Whakapaingia Ēnei Kai
Whakapaingia ēnei kai (Bless this food) Hei oranga mō ō mātou tinana (For the nourishment of our bodies) Whāngaia hoki ō mātou wairua (And feed our spirits too) Kia kaha ai mātou (So that we may be strong) Āmene (Amen)
Closing Karakia - Pou Hihiri
Unuhia, unuhia (Remove, remove) Unuhia te uru tapu nui (Remove the powerful sacred influences) Kia watea ai (So that we may be free) Kia māmā ai (So that we may be unrestricted) Haumi ē, hui ē, taiki ē! (Join together, gather together, unite!)
Do's and Don'ts of Karakia
{"left":"DO: Listen respectfully and quietly\nDO: Stand if others are standing\nDO: Try to pronounce words correctly\nDO: Understand you're participating in something sacred","right":"DON'T: Talk or laugh during karakia\nDON'T: Use karakia inappropriately or as a joke\nDON'T: Eat or drink during karakia\nDON'T: Turn your back or walk away while it's being said"}
Practice Session
Work in pairs to practice: Choose one karakia to focus on Take turns saying each line Help each other with pronunciation Discuss what the words mean to you
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