Culture of the Oan Isles: Difference between revisions

The Royal haka was written in 1321 following the Mauist victory over the Thaerists. It was written by Upake Tupuni. It was written to celebrate the triumph of Mauism over Thaerism. The song featured symbology and mythology that was associated with Mauism. Although it is similar to the National haka in that it speaks about the role of Ahua the Great in uniting the country, it places heavier emphasis on legitimizing the Royal line through its descent to Ahua the Great and its links to Maui. The Royal haka is specifically interesting because it is narrative as opposed to being a long quotation like the first haka is. It is usually sung in ceremonies that pertain to the Oan monarchy and the Royal family. It is written in the form of praise poetry. In the reign of [[Rangitake the Great]], Opehana Taukuna added the last three verses to indicate that unlike his father Tamatea II, the monarch must be willing to sacrifice himself for the nation as he believed his father was unable and unwilling to do.