Why Are New Zealand Wearing Black Armbands?
Historical Significance
The tradition of wearing black arm bands in New Zealand dates back to the late 19th century when they were first used to mourn the death of Māori rulers. The practice has been maintained by many Māori iwi, or tribes, to this day to honour the passing of their elders and members of their tribe. The use of black arm bands has since become commonplace in New Zealand society, most notably for sporting matches as a sign of unity and respect in memory of those who have died.
However, the practice has recently attracted global attention in the wake of the Christchurch shootings in March 2019. The mass shooting left 51 people dead and shocked the nation. In the days and weeks that followed, New Zealanders responded with an outpouring of grief and solidarity by wearing black arm bands.1
The Power of Symbols
The wearing of black arm bands has become a powerful symbol of remembrance and connection to the victims in the aftermath of the Christchurch shooting. They serve as a sign to the victims’ families and members of the Muslim community that New Zealanders stand in solidarity and mourn with them.
The deep symbolism behind arm bands has been recognised by experts in the field, with Professor Jerolyn J. Morrison of the University of Otago noting the strength of nonverbal communication.2
Uniting a Nation
The wearing of black arm bands has been a driving force in uniting a divided nation in the face of tragedy, with millions of New Zealanders and tens of millions of people worldwide participating in the “Black Ribbon Campaign”. The campaign was initiated by a nationwide call to wear black armbands for the Friday prayers at mosques across the country, which New Zealanders of all creeds and colours joined for unconditional support.
The movement was so powerful that it sparked a nationwide trend, with many schools throughout the country organizing “black ribbon days” and inspired grief-stricken New Zealanders to come together in remembrance, regardless of their religious or political perspectives.
Solidarity in Other Nations
The solidarity shown by New Zealanders has been recognised by individuals around the world, the most notable being the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. He announced that Australians should wear black arm bands on April 3rd in a show of solidarity with New Zealanders, and to recognise the loss of innocent victims in the Christchurch shooting.
This requirement was echoed by a number of other countries, including France, the United Kingdom and particularly Muslim-majority countries like Turkey and Indonesia.
Why Black Armbands?
The simple wearing of a black armband conveys a powerful message of unity and remembrance that is felt and understood by all. It is a silent but powerful way of showing support for those who have lost someone and cannot mourn in public.
The symbolism behind the arm bands has become increasingly so powerful that it currently serves as a symbol of national identity for New Zealand. It serves to provide comfort during challenging times and, moreover, to display to the world that the nation will not stand for bigotry or violence against any group.
Increased Awareness
The Black Arm Band Campaign has significantly raised awareness about the tragedy in the wider community. It has brought the public together and motivated them to show their solidarity with the Muslim community.
Moreover, many have taken the campaign as an opportunity to educate others on the importance of cultural understanding and respect towards people of all backgrounds and ethnicities.
Making a Difference
In the weeks following the Christchurch shooting, thousands of armbands were donated to schools and mosques across the country. The New Zealand Red Cross recognized the power of symbols in helping to heal and included them in their support package for victims’ families.
Such acts of goodwill allowed families to connect with their loved ones’ memories and solidified the impact of the armbands in helping to bring people closer together in mourning.
Renewed Sense of Nationalism
The widespread nature of the Black Armband Movement has inspired a renewed sense of national identity among New Zealanders. It has served to bring people closer together and provide a sense of unity after such a traumatic event.
The campaign has also enabled New Zealanders to honour the memory of the victims by emphasizing the call for peace, love, and respect for all. This is especially significant due to the increasing number of far-right attacks across the world.
Understanding the Pain
The memory of the Christchurch shooting has remained embedded in the hearts and minds of many New Zealanders. It has served as a painful reminder of the hate and violence which still lingers in our world, and it is in this spirit that New Zealanders have continued to wear black arm bands to this day.
The arm bands have become symbols of grief and pain, and even more so symbols of togetherness and resilience for all who have been affected by far-right violence.
Spreading the Message
New Zealanders have been quick to understand the significance of the arm bands and continue to wear them as a sign of respect and solidarity. The practice of wearing them has spread throughout the country and has even manifested itself in other countries as a sign of hope and strength in the face of adversity.
The power of the arm bands has spread far and wide, and it is in this spirit of togetherness that New Zealanders and other global citizens can still wear them with pride and commemorate those who were lost in the attacks.
No Going Back
The legacy of the Black Armband Movement continues to resonate with many New Zealanders, and the practice of wearing them in mourning has become more commonplace than ever before.
Despite the recent tragedy, the movement founded by New Zealanders in solidarity with the victims of the Christchurch shooting has proven to be an enduring symbol of resilience and hope.
Moving Forward
While the memory of the Christchurch shootings fades over time, the practice of wearing black armbands is just one way that New Zealanders and other global citizens can continue to honour those who were lost in the tragedy.
The arm bands have allowed New Zealanders to come together as a nation in solidarity with those affected and to move forward as one, understanding the pain of the present and striving for a better tomorrow.
Staying True to the Cause
The Black Arm Band Campaign is now an established part of New Zealand’s culture and history and it serves as a reminder for all to stand united in the face of far-right violence.
New Zealanders have a responsibility to the victims of the Christchurch shooting and the global Muslim community to remember the tragedy and stay true to the cause of solidarity and respect for all.
1Matila, S. (2019, March 24) “Black Armbands Becoming a Symbol of Voluntary Service and Mourning.” Retrieved from https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2019/03/black-armbands-becoming-a-symbol-of-voluntary-service-and-mourning.html
2 Morrison, J. J. (2019, April 9) “Symbolic Expressions, Symbolic Responses: Wearing the Black Ribbon.” Retrieved from https://www.otago.ac.nz/news/news/otago670903.html
