National traditions of New Zealand. Habits, mentality and the way of living

New Zealand is miraculous, mysterious, and sometimes even hard to understand for people from Europe or North America. However, modern New Zealand culture has got its current form thanks to a combination of completely different cultures of Maori people and Western Europeans, British people in particular. For many years, this country was a colony of the United Kingdom, and this is the reason why English is the official language here. Among local people, there are mostly Catholics, Anglicans, and Presbyterians.

In New Zealand, Europeans didn’t enslave indigenous people, and this is one of the reasons why this country is so peaceful. In January 1840, the British and indigenous Maori people signed an agreement regarding peaceful coexistence in New Zealand. This day is famous as The Treaty of Waitangi Day, and it is still one of the most famous and popular holidays in the country. Besides human relations, nature is one more important aspect in the lives of New Zealanders. When visiting this country, remember to cherish the natural richness of this wonderful land and do not harm the environment in any way. This way, tourists can gain respect among local people.

Cheerfulness, kindness, incredible hospitality – these are the key qualities for New Zealanders. Local people are always ready to help and give advice. These are friendly people who are not deprived of self-irony, so they sometimes call each other “kiwi”. Modern New Zealanders have adopted from Maori people their passion for tattoos. Local people make tattoos not only on their body but also on the face. Every tattoo has an important meaning. Don’t be surprised to see a person fully covered with tattoos on the street – it is not rare in the country. Wood and woodworking are equally important for local people. Local craftsmen use wood to make furniture, utensils, talismans, and ritual masks. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Among traditions of the island country, it is also important to mention the Haka dance that is a part of the Maori heritage. Maori tribes always danced Haka before fighting an enemy. Men make rough, aggressive movements and sing battle songs in order to “warm up” before the fight. It is believed that some men could bring them into a trance-like state of mind when performing this dance. Haka didn’t disappear – modern teams dance it before football, volleyball games, and many other sports competitions.

Among other unusual traditions of New Zealanders, it is important to mention the Maori greeting – touching each other with nose tips. An interesting fact: New Zealand has three official languages – English, Maori, and sign language. New Zealanders have teatime daily from 16:45 until 17:15. No one can interrupt them from drinking tea at this time. New Zealanders prefer to celebrate important events in their lives outside, on the street. Men and women have the same rights in all aspects of life. When getting off public transport, don’t forget to thank the driver. This way you will join the local tradition of friendliness.

Family has an important role in the lives of New Zealanders. Marriage is a particularly important and serious step here. Local people believe that there should be only one marriage in life. The wedding ceremony is also very interesting. The bride and groom hang rope knots around their necks. These knots symbolize the eternal connection of souls of the newlyweds. This tradition also has a Maori origin. Couples from all over the world arrive in New Zealand to have a wedding ceremony in accordance with the traditions of Maori tribes.

New Zealanders are in love with various sports activities. Rugby is the national sport in the country, and the current team is the strongest in the world. Car racing, regattas, football, swimming – New Zealanders adore these and many more sports, and they are successful in them. Extreme sports are one more activity type that local people like. That being said, tourists also want to burst their adrenaline level. How about getting to the top of the television tower that is also the highest spot in the Southern hemisphere? Or would you like to try New Zealand swings attached to a forty-meter-tall crane? These activities are truly unforgettable!

Local food traditions can also sometimes confuse unprepared tourists. For example, local people eat Huhu beetle larvae that live in wood. It is not that simple to get the larvae because it must be removed with care in order not to damage its tender skin. The larvae are then roasted in olive oil with local fern and served with toasts. The ocean plays an important role in the lives of local people. New Zealanders spend much time near the coastline, and hard not to do that because every area of the country has access to the ocean. Not only men but also women like fishing, and both are equally skilled in it.