The silver fern has been accepted as a symbol of New Zealand’s national identity since the 1880s. To Māori, the elegant shape of the fronds stood for strength, stubborn resistance, and enduring power. To Pākehā, the fern symbolised their sense of attachment to their homeland.

The Silver Fern was first discovered by the Māori people, who are the indigenous people of New Zealand. According to the legend of the Māori people, the Silver Fern “once lived in the sea” and the Māori hunters would “...use the silver underside of the fern leaves to find their way home…”.

2020年8月31日 · For the Maoris, the Koru is an integral part of the Maori body art – the Moko. When used in the Moko tattoos, the Koru represents authority, prestige and spiritual power. The spiral design of the Koru symbol represents a sprouting fern. The fern which springs from the folds of the earth is believed to represent survival and existence.

Ferns are an unofficial symbol of New Zealand’s national identity. Their dominance in native bush, and their importance as food and medicine, led to their common use as design elements in traditional Māori carving.

2020年8月29日 · The ‘silver fern’ Cyathea dealbata – ponga in te reo Māori – is a species of tree fern only found in New Zealand. This distinctly New Zealand symbol is considered a badge of honour by the people, products and services of our country that carry it.

2024年10月5日 · Learn about the history and origin of one of New Zealand’s greatest symbols. The silver fern (Cyathea dealbata), or ponga in te reo Māori, is an emblem of New Zealand's national identity. Over the last 150 years, the silver fern has evolved from a practical navigational tool for Māori into a recognisable national symbol.

2017年9月5日 · For the indigenous New Zealanders, the Maori, the silver fern was an important symbol used in jewelry and in carvings decorating their meeting houses. Called the Koru, (the Maori word for “loop“) the spiral shape is reminiscent of the form of an unfurling frond. It symbolizes new life, growth, strength and peace.

2018年7月1日 · Maori have always honoured the fern, giving it a pride of place. Early Pakeha did this, also. Overseas, the fern has become the unmistakable symbol of New Zealand, earning instant recognition. Thanks to the early efforts of Pakeha, it's become our national symbol.

2014年2月2日 · Aside from being one of New Zealand’s icons, the silver fern is a real plant. But being on a nation’s flag deserves a background check – what is the silver fern? It’s also known as ponga (the Māori name) and Cyathea dealbata…

2020年10月29日 · There are many differences you can look out for if you want to learn how to identify tree ferns. Ponga, mamaku, kātote, whekī, and whekī ponga are the most common tree ferns you’d encounter in New Zealand’s bush. We ask fern expert Leon Perrie: how do you tell the difference? Mamaku Cyathea medullaris, Karaka Tramping Track, Thames, 2017.