The Battle of Passchendaele - Social Studies

 This blogpost is an extension work once the ANZAC blogpost is finished. The extension work is about the Battle of Passchendaele which occurred during the First World War. 

The Battle of Passchendaele: https://www.google.co.nz/maps/d/edit?mid=13HfN6O8qDhpkiAJ5l_u_X3DcTHeVgwkr&ll=51.313626001433065%2C2.335138916476951&z=8

"The Haka: Ka Mate" 

Kikiki! Kakaka! Kauana kei waniwania taku tara kei tarawahia, kei te rua i te kerokero! He pounga rahui te uira ka rarapa ketekete kau ana To peru kairiri mau au e koro e! Hi! Ha! - Ka wehi au ka matakana, ko wai te tangata kia rere ure tirohanga ngā rua rerarera ngā rua kuri kakanui i raro! Aha ha!

Let your valor rise! Let your valor rage! We'll ward off these haunting hands while protecting our wives and children! For thee, I defy the lightning bolts of hell while my enemies stand there in confusion! O God – to think I would tremble to a pack of wolves seeing fear, or running away, because they would surely fall in the pit of shame as food for the hounds who chow down in delight! Oh, what in the name…?

Then follows the main body of the haka:

Ka mate, ka mate! ka ora! ka ora! Ka mate! ka mate! ka ora! ka ora! Tēnei te tangata pūhuruhuru Nāna nei i tiki mai whakawhiti te rā Ā, upane! ka upane! Ā, upane, ka upane, whiti te ra!

'Tis death! 'tis death! (or: I may die) 'Tis life! 'tis life! (or: I may live) 'Tis death! 'tis death! 'Tis life! 'tis life! This is the hairy man Who summons the sun and makes it shine A step upward, another step upward! A step upward, another... the Sun shines!

What does this line refer to? "'Tis death! 'tis death! (or: I may die) 'Tis life! 'tis life! (or: I may live)"

I think this line refers to the possibilities of events or consequences that may happen. It's like saying "I might die" or "I might live". This I think regards fighting for one's country and protecting their loved ones, risking their lives. During the battle, there is 50 out of 50 per cent might die or live. 

How is the haka used? The Haka is used to prepare the warriors mentally and physically for their battles, furthermore, to portray peace. 

How was the Maori Battalion viewed? It is viewed with respect, which gave the warriors and the people motivation. It gave them strength, hope and perseverance. 

How is the Haka symbolic now? The Haka symbolises respect; A war dance, a blessing, and significantly to honour people and to show tradition. 

Where is the Haka used today? The Haka is now used as a ceremonial dance and as a challenge in the Maori Culture.