10 Social Studies - Parihaka - Music Through Time

Hi Everyone!

Today I will be talking about my recent social studies lessons, we have been learning about one of the most important tragedies the occurred in NZ history. If you don't already know this event it is called Parihaka. 

Parihaka is known as a place in NZ but it is also why this place is often used as the name for a terrible event. Parihaka was a place of peace and it was a sacred place. This area was named and found by two spiritual leaders. 

Their names were Te Whiti and Tohu, They were very important people and were always worshipped till now. For their kindness, and way of peace.

Here my ´My Maps'of of the place of which were involved in the Parihaka event. 

 

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Our job for today is to analyse a song about Parihaka the author is 'Tim Finn'

Parihaka - Tim Finn and the Herbs

What is the main message of this song?

The creator was trying to prove or portray how important Parihaka is. They believe that because of the spirituals leaders. Te Whiti was such a strong and important person, and because of his good doings. For fighting peacefully, and giving his people hope, and care. The author wanted to show how significant the event was and the leaders. 

What line describes their passive resistance method?

'Rise up, defend yourself, never give in'

What does 'you can't pull out the roots' refer to?

As Parihaka goes way back into NZ history and is very deep, I guess that's what the songwriter is considering as 'roots'? So I think it because people can't change what happened in the past. 

Give evidence of their determination?

Regarding the song already in the first verse, it shows their determination:

'My friend, My friend, I hate to see you suffer,

Events conspire to bring us to our knees,

My friend, my friend, you've taken this the wrong way, 

Rise up, defend yourself, never give in,

Look to the sky, the spirit of Te Whiti,

The endless tide is murmuring his name.'

But you can also see this shown in these lyrics.

´To weep for my lost brother.

They gather still, the clouds of Taranaki,

His children's children wearing the white plume,

So take me for the sins of these sad islands´

How does this song show the significance of Parihaka?

First off, already the song itself shows the significance of Parihaka ad itś still acknowledged till now. That many people have shown how they care about Parihaka. The lyrics of the songs create an understanding of Parihaka, it talks about the importance. Thatś why this song is one of the many the shows the significance of Parihaka. 

What makes an event significant?

• When it is still being acknowledged in the future. 
• Many people died and sacrificed themself for the good. 
• An action that someone the creates popularity and benefits. 

How many people were affected?

Around 1,600 Parihaka in-habitants were affected including Te Whiti and Tohu, those people were arrested. Regarding online searches around 600 women were left behind. While all the men were sent to jail, the kids and women were left behind and were raped and mistreated. Not only that, but the survivors of the incident who carried on with their life, most probably found it a traumatic event. That could've affected or influenced the relatives and newer generations of the family. 

How long were people affected?

The men including Te Whiti and Tohu were arrested and were put to jail for 16 months. Some of them died, of course, this even also affects people even till now. 

To what extent were people affected?

They were affected to the point where they still were trying to fight with peace. But it was to the point where all of their houses, crops, and gardens were destroyed.