Matariki

The Maori new year

The Legend of Matariki

In Maori legend, Ranginui the sky father and Papatuanuku the earth mother separated by their children, causing great anger in Tawhirimatea, the god of the winds, who tore out his eyes in rage and flung them into the heavens; where they exist now as Matariki, from Mata ariki, the eyes of god.

The Seven Sisters Some iwi believe that the

constellation Matariki is the mother surrounded by her six daughters, other stories suggest that Matariki is a male star. These are the Māori names that make up the other six prominent stars of the Matariki cluster; Tupu-a-Nuku, Tupu-a-Rangi, Waitī, Waitā, Waipunarangi and Ururangi.

The rise of Matariki and the

new moon The Maori new year is marked by the rise

of Matariki and the sighting of the next

new moon. The pre-dawn rise of Matariki

can be seen in the last few days of May

every year and the new year is marked at

the sighting of the next new moon which

last rose on the 4th of June.

The Celebrations of Matariki

Maori celebrations of Matariki usually last for three days

They Plant new trees and crops (signalling new beginnings).

There are ceremonial offerings to the land-based gods Rongo, Uenuku and Whiro to ensure good crops for the coming year.

Maori also remember and study their mihi and whakapapa during the celebration of Matariki

How I would Like to Celebrate Matariki

Cooking

Reading Maori legends

Stargazing

Hangi

Glossary

Matariki: tiny eyes, or