Māori traditions

Māori traditions are the cultural practices of the indigenous people of New Zealand, emphasizing community, respect, and connection to land and ancestors. Central to these are ceremonies like pōwhiri (welcome rituals), storytelling through carvings and songs, and creating distinctive art such as tattoos (moko). Māori value mana (prestige and authority) and tapu (sacredness), which guide behavior and customs. They also share a strong emphasis on kinship, communal living, and honoring ancestors through rituals and oral histories. These traditions foster identity, unity, and reverence for their environment and heritage.