Why Do Female New Zealand Rugby Players Not Stick Their Tongue Out in Haka?

The headline question, 'Why is it that female New Zealand rugby players don#39;t stick their tongue out in Haka?' delves into a fascinating cultural phenomenon in the world of New Zealand rugby and the rich Maori traditions that influence the sport. At the heart of this inquiry lies an exploration of the significance of specific haka actions, cultural practices, and gender roles.

Understanding the Haka Tradition

The Haka, a powerful and iconic Maori dance, is deeply ingrained in the New Zealand rugby culture. Originating from centuries of Maori tradition, the Haka serves multiple purposes: it is a warrior display of strength, a show of unity, and a form of communication to challenge or intimidate opponents. While the Haka has evolved over time to fit contemporary rugby contexts, it remains steeped in its rich cultural heritage.

The Significance of Tongue Protrusion in Haka

A key aspect of the Haka involves tongue protrusion, also known as whētero. This action is particularly associated with male participants and is believed to symbolize male virility, defiance, and even to represent aspects of a man's phallic power. Tournament photographer Ed Smith captured a poignant moment during a Women's Rugby World Cup match in Rotorua, when the New Zealand women's team — the Black Ferns — stood out in vivid contrast, only widening their eyes and grimacing instead of sticking out their tongues. This visual difference sparked numerous discussions on social media, leading to curiosity about why female rugby players do not perform this specific action in Haka, despite their fierce and determined presence on the field.

Cultural Nuances and Gender Roles

The sticking out of the tongue during a Haka is a coveted but exclusive right for males. Females, however, can still project the same level of ferocity and might through alternative actions. While women were indeed fierce and powerful warriors and chiefs of their tribes, the distinct actions performed during a Haka reflect a broader cultural understanding of gender roles and expressions. The whētero is seen as an act of masculine bravado and defies the very essence of female modesty and respect in Maori culture.

Female Representation in Haka: Alternatives and Significance

Female rugby players can demonstrate awesome ferocity and intensity by widening their eyes and grimacing. According to the well-known kapa haka performer and author of Godwit Chants, Tania Te Ada, these actions convey a powerful display of emotion and courage without adhering to the restricted whētero. This can be seen in photographs where New Zealand female rugby players show their dominance while maintaining cultural dignity through alternate expressions of power. These alternative symbols serve the same purpose of asserting strength and unity, reflecting a more nuanced understanding of gender and culture in contemporary New Zealand.

Legacy and Influence of Haka on New Zealand Rugby

The Haka has significantly influenced New Zealand rugby, transforming it into a global powerhouse. The Black Ferns, as the New Zealand women's national team is known, have embraced the Haka as part of their pre-match ritual, contributing to the team's success and international recognition. While including the traditional whētero would defy their existing cultural and gender norms, the resilience and determination of the Black Ferns in maintaining their own strong presence is equally remarkable. The team may not perform the whētero, but each jaw-dropping grimace and widened eye sends a message of formidable spirit and prowess.

Conclusion

The question of why female New Zealand rugby players do not stick their tongues out during a Haka ultimately explores themes of cultural evolution, gender roles, and the preservation of traditions. The choice to display ferocity through widened eyes and grimacing not only respects cultural boundaries but also underscores the evolving nature of New Zealand rugby culture. The Black Ferns continue to embody strength, unity, and the spirit of the Haka, all without the whētero, reflecting a dynamic balance between heritage and modernity.