Toddler’s emotional wedding haka steals the show at reception: ‘Why did this make me cry?’

A toddler’s powerful haka dance stole the show at his family’s wedding reception, and the footage is bringing TikTokers to tears.

Uploaded by the TikTok account @haka_haka_, the emotional video quickly gained over 3 million views, 347,000 likes and over 1,000 comments.

Now, much like the 2-year-old ring bearer who couldn’t contain his joy when he saw his mom in her wedding dress, this toddler’s emotional wedding moment is touching hearts around the world.

According to the official tourism website of New Zealand, the haka is a ceremonial Māori war dance or challenge, usually performed in a group to represent a display of a tribe’s pride, strength and unity.

“Actions include the stomping of the foot, the protrusion of the tongue and rhythmic body slapping to accompany a loud chant,” NewZealand.com explains. “The words of a haka often poetically describe ancestors and events in the tribe’s history.”

Traditionally, the haka was performed when two parties met as part of the customs around encounters. 

“For example, the haka was used on the battlefield to prepare warriors mentally and physically for battle, but it was also performed when groups came together in peace,” writes NewZealand.com.

“Today, haka are still used during ceremonies and celebrations to honour guests and show the importance of the occasion. This includes family events, like birthdays, graduations, weddings and funerals.”

According to Māori legend, the origin of the haka is a celebration of life.

“The story goes that Tama-nui-te-ra, the sun god, and his wife Hine-Raumati, who embodies summer, had a son named Tane-rore,” NewZealand.com explains. “On hot summer days, Tane-rore would dance for his mother, causing the air to quiver. This light, rapid movement was the foundation of all haka.”

‘Little dude gave me chills…’

Thousands of TikTokers came to the comments section to share their emotional reactions to the video.

“Aww the little man. This was so sweet, brought me to tears. My baby is half Polynesian and I am so excited for his dad to teach him about his culture,” one user wrote.

“I love this. It’s so awesome passing down tradition to the future warriors,” commented another user.

“This is amazing!! I love that this is being passed down with all the passion and emotion!! 🥰🥰🥰,” shared one user.

“Little dude gave me chills,” commented another.

“It gives me goosebumps whenever I watch this dance <3,” one user replied.

“I swear… EVERY TIME I see haka, it makes me cry. At happy events, sporting events. I can’t really explain it. I just cry,” another emotional user wrote.

“Why did this make me cry?” one user commented.

While we don’t know much about the toddler in the now viral video, it’s clear he and his family are proud of their ancestry and will be passing the haka down to future generations.

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If you enjoyed this story, check out this tiny flower girl who wraps every single groomsman around her little finger before the wedding.

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