The origin of the haka can be traced back to Māori mythology, specifically involving the sun god Tama-nui-te-ra and the goddess of summer Hine-Raumati. Their son, Tane-rone, would perform a dance during summer that caused a quivering appearance in the air on hot days. This dance by Tane-rone is believed to be the precursor to what we now know as haka. The trembling hands gesture commonly seen in many haka is symbolic of this quivering appearance associated with Tane-rone’s dance.