KARANGA Meaning and
Definition
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Karanga is a term originating from the Māori culture, specifically from New Zealand. It refers to a unique traditional call or chant performed at formal events, gatherings, or ceremonies. Karanga serves as a form of welcome or greeting, typically performed by Māori women known as "kaikaranga" or "karanga wahine" (lit. female callers).
During the karanga, the kaikaranga stands at the entrance of the marae (Māori meeting place) or any designated area, while the guests approach. The caller uses her voice to establish a ceremonial connection between the hosts and the guests, acknowledging their presence and seeking permission for them to enter. She may also incorporate prayers, chants, or specific ancestral references into her karanga.
Karanga is a highly skilled and spiritual art form, involving melodic intonations, rhythmic patterns, and the unique Māori language. It requires a deep understanding of cultural protocols, genealogy, and spirituality. The kaikaranga is often seen as a vital link between the spiritual realm and the physical world, creating a sacred space and setting the tone for the gathering or event.
The karanga is not only a means of communication but also a reflection of the cultural values, tradition, and respect within Māori society. It holds immense significance and is associated with the concepts of mana (prestige/power) and whakapapa (genealogy). The role of the kaikaranga is highly respected, and their karanga is considered a koha (gift) to the guests, demonstrating the Māori belief in the importance of building relationships and fostering inclusivity.
Etymology of KARANGA
The word "karanga" has its origins in the Shona language, which is spoken by the Shona people of Zimbabwe and parts of Mozambique. In Shona, "karanga" translates to "welcome" or "greeting". The word is commonly used in rituals, ceremonies, and social gatherings as a way to acknowledge and welcome guests or visitors.
Conjugate verb Karanga
CONDITIONAL
I
would karanga
you
would karanga
he/she/it
would karanga
we
would karanga
they
would karanga
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be karangaing
you
would be karangaing
he/she/it
would be karangaing
we
would be karangaing
they
would be karangaing
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have karanga
you
would have karanga
he/she/it
would have karanga
we
would have karanga
they
would have karanga
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been karangaing
you
would have been karangaing
he/she/it
would have been karangaing
we
would have been karangaing
they
would have been karangaing
FUTURE
I
will karanga
you
will karanga
he/she/it
will karanga
we
will karanga
they
will karanga
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be karangaing
you
will be karangaing
he/she/it
will be karangaing
we
will be karangaing
they
will be karangaing
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have karangaed
you
will have karangaed
he/she/it
will have karangaed
we
will have karangaed
they
will have karangaed
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been karangaing
you
will have been karangaing
he/she/it
will have been karangaing
we
will have been karangaing
they
will have been karangaing
IMPERATIVE
you
karanga
we
let´s karanga
to karanga
PAST
I
karangaed
you
karangaed
he/she/it
karangaed
we
karangaed
they
karangaed
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was karangaing
you
were karangaing
he/she/it
was karangaing
we
were karangaing
they
were karangaing
PAST PARTICIPLE
karangaed
PAST PERFECT
I
had karangaed
you
had karangaed
he/she/it
had karangaed
we
had karangaed
they
had karangaed
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been karangaing
you
had been karangaing
he/she/it
had been karangaing
we
had been karangaing
they
had been karangaing
PRESENT
I
karanga
you
karanga
he/she/it
karangas
we
karanga
they
karanga
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am karangaing
you
are karangaing
he/she/it
is karangaing
we
are karangaing
they
are karangaing
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
karangaing
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have karangaed
you
have karangaed
he/she/it
has karangaed
we
have karangaed
they
have karangaed
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been karangaing
you
have been karangaing
he/she/it
has been karangaing
we
have been karangaing
they
have been karangaing
