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New Zealand · Traditions · Normal
What is the tradition of taking one's shoes off before entering a home, widely practised across all communities and reinforced by the Māori concept that the outside world carries tapu (spiritual restriction)?
Answer: Removing shoes at the door — Removing shoes before entering a whare (house) is almost universal, blending practical hygiene with the Māori custom of leaving the dust and spiritual contamination of the outside world at the door.
- A Washing feet before entering
- B Wearing special indoor slippers
- C Removing shoes at the door ✓
- D Bowing before entering
Removing shoes before entering a whare (house) is almost universal, blending practical hygiene with the Māori custom of leaving the dust and spiritual contamination of the outside world at the door.