A Hongi is a traditional greeting in New Zealand. It is done by pressing one's nose to another person at an encounter. It is still used at traditional meetings among members of the Māori people and on major ceremonies (every New Zealander). In the hongi (traditional greeting), the ha or breath of life is exchanged and intermingled. When Māori greet one another by pressing noses, the tradition of sharing the breath of life is considered to have come directly from the gods.