I love including cultural and meaningful elements in ceremonies. They add depth, connection and a beautiful sense of heritage to the moment. One of the most powerful inclusions I have witnessed recently was a traditional Māori karakia shared during Renee and Damion’s ceremony. Their goddaughter travelled from New Zealand and delivered it with such grace, strength and emotion that everyone felt its presence.
A karakia is a traditional Māori blessing or invocation. Karakia are used in ceremonies, rituals and significant moments to honour ancestry, creation, spirituality and connection. This particular karakia references Rangi and Papa, the Sky Father and Earth Mother, and the atua who emerged from them, placing it firmly within Māori creation tradition rather than modern poetry.
It is spoken to acknowledge whakapapa, the origins of life, and the movement from darkness into light. In ceremonies, it carries a sense of grounding, reverence and cultural honour.
Ko Rangi, Ko Papa, Ka puta ko Rongo, Ko Tāne Māhuta Ko Tangaroa, Ko Tūmatauenga Ko Haumietiketike Ko Tawhirimātea, Tokona ko Rangi ki runga, ko Papa ki raro, Ka puta te ira tangata, ki te whai ao ki te ao marama, e Rongo whakairihia ake ki runga kia tina, Tina, huiii e, taiki eee
Moments like this remind me how beautifully diverse and meaningful ceremonies can be. If you have a cultural reading, ritual or blessing you would love included in your ceremony, I will always support it and help you weave it in with care, respect and intention.