Tangihanga

Tangihanga or Tangi describes the process of grief work in the culture of Māori when someone has died. The practices and the process can vary from iwi ( tribe ) to Iwi. Together, however, is to express the meaning and the meaning of loss, even towards those who have died before.

Expiration

Traditionally Tangihanga 's were held within a marae, but nowadays they are also taking place in private homes and mortuaries. Tangihanga 's usually last for three days, beginning with the death of a person and take over the funeral addition, to the rituals and ceremonies of the grieving process can be considered complete.

The Maori believe that the Tūpāpaku ( body ) at the moment of death is in a sleep-like state. It is customary to leave the coffin to the funeral open so that mourners touch the Tūpāpaku, kissing, hugging and can weep, to express their grief so. Is an article of faith that the corpse to burial must never be left alone. Related family members remain with the deceased during the period of Tangihanga, supported by older female relatives. On the night before the funeral, the family members gather around the deceased, sing songs in memory of them and tell each other funny stories about growing up to be. The coffin is closed before sunrise.

Many often travel long distances to attend the Tangihanga and to show their respect for the deceased. In general, the family support is offered, and it is common practice, the family or the community of the Marae offer a Koha ( gift or donation), which normally consists of a sum of money.

If the Tangihanga takes place within a marae, the new arrivals are welcomed with a powhiri (welcome ceremony). Meanwhile, speeches, as if it were spoken directly with the dead. It is the belief of the Maori, that the spirit of the deceased to the burial remains in his body.

If a deceased person links to various tribes had, may be among the relatives of a debate arising, where the corpse is to be buried. The speeches can sometimes be heated, is very intense, but this is seen as a sign of love and respect for the deceased.