The silver fern and Koru

You can’t go to NZ and not notice the fern. The silver fern, endemic to NZ, grows in abundance in the northern island and is revered by the Maoris. The fern is not silver in color, but the underside shines in the moonlight, hence the name. The Maoris used these as torch lights in the dark while walking through the dense forests.

The silver fern is a symbol of national identity. The national netball team is called The Silver Ferns. The national women’s rugby team is called Back Ferns. Anyone remember the cricket team’s sport tee? It too adorns the fern.

The unfurled frond of the fern is called a koru in the Maori language and is a symbol for ‘bright future and new beginnings’.

There are many such symbols, but the koru is the most popular and has found its way everywhere – from pretty jewelry to gift items – like this lovely koru show piece gifted by my friend from Auckland.

Air New Zealand’s logo is also an artistic rendition of the same koru.

Image Credit: Zoltan Horvath