Karakia 

A karakia is a special kind of affirmation. 

People use karakia for different reasons:

• To Connect: We use it to feel close to everyone and everything around us. It's a way of saying "hello" to our ancestors and showing respect to the things we cannot see.

• To Protect: We say karakia to keep ourselves and others safe. It's like a shield of words that we believe can guard us from harm.

• To Affirm: Before eating or doing important things, we say karakia. It's like saying "thank you" and asking for good things to happen.

• For Important Times: We also use karakia during big life moments, like when someone is born or when someone passes away. It's a way to ask for help and guidance during those times.

• To Respect Nature: In te ao Māori it is believed that there is a connection between humans and nature. We use karakia to show respect before activities like fishing or hunting, to make sure we're in harmony with the environment.

Karakia can be said in different ways, like songs or poems, and they're spoken in te reo Māori. Saying a karakia is powerful because it's a part of Māori culture and has been passed down for a long time. It's all about showing respect for their traditions and beliefs.