Whakautuki (proverbs) are an integral part of the Maori Culture, conveying wisdom, truth, and valuable life lessons. This article explores the significance of physical activity and shared meals in Maori culture.
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Running head: MAORI PROVERBS1 Maori Proverbs Name Institution Affiliation
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MAORI PROVERBS2 Whakautuki (proverbs) are an integral part of the Maori Culture. They are used to convey wisdom, the discovery of truth, new ideas as well as valuable life lessons. The beauty of the Maori proverbs is the universality of their meaning. Everyone can relate to them in different ways and levels. While not all cultures use proverbs, Whakautuki is an importance source of social influence. Proverbs are used to allude to values and norms adopted by different cultures without offending the traditions of others. Proverbs are a fun way to learn essential life lessons and even learn a new language. Tama tu tama ora, tama noho tama mateis a Maori Proverb that emphasizes the importance of being physically active and the adverse effect that laziness has on an individual’s health (Reed, Karetu, & Brougham, 2018). This proverb is used to encourage children and adults to remain physically active by engaging in activities such as jogging and exercising. This proverb communicates the idea of physical health by allowing the receiver to consider a different approach from a worldview other than theirs. This proverb influences the receiver to acknowledge the importance of physical activity while at the same time recognizing the consequences of being lazy. This Whakatauki remains relevant today because lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure which are caused by inactivity are on the rise (Kingi et al., 2018). According to the CDC, physical activity can help reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Also, physical activity is a natural mood lifter. Regular physical activity can relieve anxiety, stress, depression, and anger (Hunt, 2014). Exercise is vital for a healthier state of mind and managing weight.Tama tu tama ora, tama noho tama matecan be used to encourage people to take at least 30 minutes a day to reduce the risk of health problems. Today, Physical inactivity and laziness is as a result of certain lifestyles and the influence of modern technology. People
MAORI PROVERBS3 spend more time on their devices and screens than they do at the gym. Lazy people are at risk of developing health complications such as obesity. E hoa ma, ina te ora o te tangatais a Maori proverb used to describe the essence of life by appreciating a meal or an event or place. The adage is an exclamation that can be used to express surprise or gratitude for hospitality and meals received (Moura-Koçoğlu, 2011). The proverb transmits its central idea of cultural unity by emphasizes the importance of cohesiveness of the native or indigenous people of a place. Traditionally, Maori people prepare meals to establish relationships and show hospitality with each other. Preparing and sharing meals such as the kai celebrates Maori culture and values. In the Maori Culture offering food, no matter how plain it is to strangers and friends is an elementary part of hospitality. It also promotes a sense of pride and accomplishment; For instance, students may prepare kai, rewana and fried bread for their teacher to say thank you for contributing towards their education. This Whakatauki remains relevant today because shared food and family mealtimes recreate families, friendships and business relations. A shared meal is a social event that allows people to share thoughts, experiences, and emotions (Metge, 2013). Sharing meals allow conversations to take place. No matter the meal being shared, members appreciate the opportunity to find out what is going on in each other’s life. In her book Eating Together, Julier explains how dining together can drastically alter people's opinion. Sharing meals reduce people’s perception of inequality, gender disparity, races, and socio-economic background (Julier, 2013). When people gather around to eat with their friends, they decide what to talk about and the themes to avoid. In some countries such as New Zealand, eating together is a way of sharing cultural and traditional values. Sharing meals is essential today in building a family and sharing culture.
MAORI PROVERBS4 In conclusion, Whakatauki is a Maori proverb that can be used to describe and share their culture and traditions. Proverbs are essential in teaching valuable life lessons because they do not argue over a point or explain anything; they tell a great truth in the most significant way.Tama tu tama ora, tama noho tama matecan be used to encourage lazy people to exercise regularly to reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The Maori value shared meals as a way of catching up, showing hospitality and sharing their culture.
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MAORI PROVERBS5 References Hunt,J. (2014).Getting Stronger, Getting Fit: The Importance of Exercise. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster. Julier,A.P. (2013).Eating Together: Food, Friendship and Inequality. Champaign, IL: University of Illinois Press. Kingi,T.K., Durie,M., Elder,H., Tapsell,R., Lawrence,M., & Bennett,S. (2018).Maea te Toi Ora: Māori Health Transformations. Huia Publishers. Metge,J. (2013).Rautahi: The Maoris of New Zealand. London, England: Routledge. Moura-Koçoğlu,M. (2011).Narrating Indigenous Modernities: Transcultural Dimensions in Contemporary Māori Literature. Reed,A.W., Karetu,T., & Brougham,A.E. (2018).The Raupo Book Of Maori Proverbs.