Karakia

Karakia are Māori incantations and prayers, used to invoke spiritual guidance and protection.

Karakia are generally used to increase the spiritual goodwill of a gathering, so as to increase the likelihood of a favourable outcome. They are also considered a formal greeting when beginning a ceremony. According to legend, there was a curse on the Waiapu River which was lifted when George Gage (Hori Keeti) performed karakia. In the Māori religion, karakia are used to ritually cleanse the homes of the deceased after a burial.