Special rituals during the official welcoming ceremony for the Prime Minister in New Zealand.

The highest ceremony reserved for the head of government.

The welcoming ceremony was held solemnly at Parliament House in Wellington, the capital city, with the highest protocol reserved for foreign heads of government on official visits to New Zealand, including special welcoming rituals in the tradition of the Maori people.

The Maori chief (Kaikorero) and the Kaikaranga chief (Ceremony Chief) welcomed and invited the Prime Minister and his wife into the area for the welcoming ceremony.

Những nghi thức đặc biệt trong lễ đón chính thức Thủ tướng tại New Zealand- Ảnh 1. — The formal welcoming ceremony included traditional Maori rituals for welcoming distinguished guests (Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac).

A Maori warrior brandished his weapon to welcome the guests, then placed a wooden knife on the ground in front of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his wife. The Prime Minister received the knife and held it throughout the ceremony. While picking up the wooden knife, the Prime Minister kept his eyes fixed on the Maori warrior.

After the Kaikaranga team leader offered blessings and prayers, Maori artists performed a traditional dance; then, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his wife performed the Hongi (nose-touching) ceremony, concluding the traditional welcoming ceremony.

The commander of the New Zealand armed forces greeted Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his wife at the honorary platform.

As the Prime Minister stepped onto the honorary platform, the military band played the Vietnamese national anthem, the Vietnamese flag was raised and flown, and 19 cannon shots boomed in welcome to the Prime Minister, his wife, and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation. The commander of the New Zealand military honor guard invited the Vietnamese Prime Minister to review the honor guard; then the Vietnamese national anthem was played once again, concluding the welcoming ceremony.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his wife paid an official visit to New Zealand from March 10-11. Following the welcoming ceremony, the two Prime Ministers held talks; witnessed the signing of cooperation documents; and met with the press to announce the results of the talks.

Why do the Maori people have traditional rituals for welcoming honored guests?

The reason the welcoming ceremony included traditional Maori rituals is because the Maori were the first people to settle and inhabit New Zealand; they make up 15.1% of the total population. Besides English, the Maori language is widely spoken in New Zealand.

One of the most recognizable characteristics of the Maori people is the practice of tattooing patterns onto their faces using knives made from sharpened bone, shark teeth, or stones.

They believe this tattoo makes men stronger and more ferocious in battle, as well as more attractive to women.

The Maori have a unique greeting custom called "Hongi." This involves rubbing noses together and ending the greeting with a handshake. This gesture signifies the sharing of the breath of life.

Clothing is also a highlight of Maori culture, primarily made from plant materials, bird feathers, and animal skins. Typically, women wear long dresses made of animal skins, while men wear robes with loincloths or leather skirts. Preparing the materials and completing the garment-making process can take several months.

Here are some photos from the special welcoming ceremony: