WAITANGI DAY CELEBRATIONS PT #2

This is my entry for Friday's Market Day challenge organised by @dswigle.

Recap from last week;

(If you missed last weeks Waitangi Day Pt 1 blog feel free to check it out here.)
https://steemit.com/marketfriday/@trudeehunter/waitangi-day-celebrations-part-1

Waitangi Day is officially New Zealand’s National Day. It always takes place on February 6th unless the 6th happens to fall on the weekend and then it will be celebrated on the Monday following. This is the day New Zealanders celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. The Treaty of Waitangi was first signed in 1840 in Waitangi which is situated in the Bay of Islands on the North Island of New Zealand. The significance of this treaty was in securing British sovereignty over New Zealand.

But it wasn’t until 1947 that yearly celebrations and observations of this event began and it was declared a public holiday. In mid- 1950, Maori cultural performances were included in the official ceremonies and this tradition has continued which also includes speeches from both Maori and Pakeha (white men) dignitaries. The New Zealand flag, the Union Flag and the White Ensign are flown on the flagstaff of the treaty grounds. Maori canoes and a navy ship re-enact the day when Governor Hobson originally came ashore to sign the treaty. Maori meeting houses (Marae’s) are opened to the public, welcoming them to experience Maori culture and protocol, and New Zealander’s use this day off to commemorate their national holiday in various ways. A trip to the beach is probably at the top of some Kiwi’s list of priorities.

I was fortunate enough to be able to enjoy Waitangi Day Celebrations in the city where in live, in Redcliffe, Queensland, Australia on January 27th. It was a fine day and there was good turnout. Many stalls were set up in a semi circle around the show grounds. This one displayed beautiful mats with colourful Maori patterns imbedded into them.

Vibrant Pois were on display and available to buy. Poi's were originally used as weapons and were stuffed with flax (harakeke) and rock. Nowadays string, wool, plastic bags and softer materials are used. Pois were used to strengthen hands and arms and to provide flexibility.

They were also used as a training aid to help with the use of other ancient weapons such as the Mere or Patu, which is a short club. Wahine (female) dancers use both long and short pois for their traditional dancing. Believe it or not, I was reasonably good at using the pois at school, many years ago. I didn't offer up that information when I asked these three ladies to demonstrate how to use them while I took their photo.

They were shy at first, but soon obliged.

It was a really hot day so I was delighted to find a stall with all my favourite kiwi ice cream available. (Did I mention that I was born in New Zealand and immigrated to Australia and have dual citizenship of both countries? How fortunate am I? ) Anyway, getting back to the ice cream. There was Raspberry ripple, Hokey-Pokey (you haven't lived if you've never eaten Hokey-Pokey ice cream! ) mouth watering Jaffa Ice Cream (yum) which is a blend of Chocolate and Orange and Mint Chocolate (double yum) and then I found one I hadn't eaten before. Feijoa Ice Cream! (Am I tantalizing your kiwi taste buds @tatoodjay?) Feijoas are a dime a dozen in New Zealand. They are oblong and measure roughly about 3" x 2" and taste divine! I've seen them in the supermarkets here in Australia at a ridiculously high price of 60 cents each.......and more. That is highway robbery, if you ask me. What do you think of the scarf the lady is wearing as she is peering into ice cream heaven? "Hurricane Warning!" I need one of those.

The atmosphere was very festive and my visit was all the more enjoyable because some of the very best singers in all the world (Maori singers in general) were harmonising under the shade of a large temporary stage.

Naturally, I had to taste a few steamed pudding samples, made by the beautiful wahine in this photo. There were ginger and golden syrup flavoured samples and even chilli flavoured portions to try. Very delicious they were too and please don't ask me which one I preferred. I gave them all 10 out of 10 for flavour, consistency and texture.

Here is an example of talented Maori weaving.

And before I rap this segment up I will leave you with an image of this very cute Maori doll. Isn't she gorgeous? I wanted to take her home, but she wouldn't fit in my tote bag.

Next week I will share a few more fabulous sights from The Redcliffe, Waitangi Day celebrations. And guess what kiwis? Melt in your mouth, Maori Hangi is on the menu!

See you next Friday! Harere ra!