By: Rose Anne Burgos
Death in Māori culture is viewed as a natural part of the cycle of life, where the spirit (wairua) of the deceased continues its journey. This view emphasises the deep respect for ancestors and the belief that death is not an end but a transition to the spirit world. Māori funeral and mourning customs are rich in ceremonial significance, honouring the deceased with profound rituals that intertwine with the collective identity and the land.
Māori funeral traditions embrace the journey of the spirit with deep respect, celebrating life through rituals, song, and connection to the land, ancestors, and the wairua of the departed.
The Process of Mourning
When someone passes away in Māori culture, the whānau (family) gathers immediately to prepare for the ceremonies that follow. It's essential that the body is never left alone before the funeral, ensuring the spirit is treated with respect. The body is often bathed and dressed in traditional Māori garments, with special care taken to adorn it with items of personal significance, such as feathers or other cultural symbols.
Once the body is prepared, the deceased is brought to the marae (traditional meeting place) where they are welcomed in a formal ceremony known as karanga. This call is a greeting of both the spirit of the deceased and their whānau. In many Māori communities, there is a strong focus on vocal expression—whānau and friends openly share their grief through haka, waiata (songs), and heartfelt speeches, often loud and emotionally expressive as part of the mourning process.
The Tangi: A Ceremony of Aroha
The tangi, or Māori funeral, is an emotional and communal event. It is marked by speeches, waiata, and karakia (prayers or invocations). The night before burial, whānau gather to sing and share memories of the deceased, celebrating their life. This is followed by a funeral where speeches, prayers, and songs are offered. Traditionally, the body is buried rather than cremated, as it is considered important to return it to Papatuanuku (Mother Earth), fostering a deep connection with the land and the environment.
A key feature of the Māori funeral is the act of sharing food after the ceremony. The sharing of kai (food) signifies the return to normality after the grieving process, symbolising the nurturing of both the body and the spirit. It is believed that after the burial, the spirit of the deceased will move on, but the family continues to visit the gravesite and perform rituals to remember and respect the person’s legacy.
The Aftermath: Respecting the Wairua
After the burial, whānau often gather at the marae for a large feast, a ritual that helps to restore balance and comfort to the living. A special ceremony is held at the deceased’s house to “bless” it, ensuring that the spirit does not linger and that the home remains spiritually safe.
Māori traditions surrounding death are deeply rooted in community, culture, and respect for the natural world. The wairua of the deceased is seen as ever-present, continuing to shape the lives of their descendants. This holistic approach to mourning emphasises the interconnectedness of life, death, and the spiritual world.
These customs and ceremonies reflect a profound respect for the deceased and their place in the collective Māori identity. The Māori approach to death reminds us to live with aroha (love) and to honour our ancestors in all that we do.
For more detailed information on Māori customs surrounding death, visit A Memory Tree.