Mihimihi
Mihimihi are introductory speeches which take place the the beginning of a gathering after a more formal pōwhiri. Mihimihi are generally in te reo Māori and can be given by females and males.
Mihimihi establish links with other people present. It involves individuals standing to introduce themselves by sharing their whakapapa (genealogy, ancestral ties) and other relevant information. It is important for Māori to know and to share their whakapapa - to know your whakapapa is to know your identity.
Mihimihi can vary in length, depending on the reason for the gathering, how well the individuals at the hui know each other and their links to one another.
A person will usually identify specific geographical features associated with their tribal area including their maunga (mountain) and awa (river). This information is considered more important than the individual's own name which may be the last piece of information given in a mihimihi. Some people include pepeha - well known set verses that describe their whakapapa links to a particular hapū or iwi.
Mihimihi is to make connections with others and to introduce yourself.
Source: Ngāi Tūāhuriri: Tuahiwi and Takiwā
No comments:
Post a Comment