Matariki
The Māori New Year – Te Tau Hou Māori
Matariki is a significant event in Māori culture, representing the Maori New Year.
It is also known as the Pleiades, a cluster of stars that becomes visible in the winter sky in the Southern Hemisphere. Matariki holds great cultural and spiritual importance for the Māori people of New Zealand.
Interesting Fact: It became a public holiday in New Zealand in 2022. Te Kāhui o Matariki Act came into effect in April 2022. The holiday date falls on the closest Friday to the Tangaroa lunar period of Pipiri.
Matariki, also called the Pleiades, is a group of stars consisting of seven sisters—oh, but some even say there are nine sisters if you have a keen eye! Picture Matariki as a celestial family, with a mother star and her radiant daughters. It’s like a heavenly sisterhood, shining brightly for all to see.
Discover why is Matariki so important to the Māori people and how it is celebrated below.
Quick Links
About Matariki and its meaning
The word “Matariki” itself has several meanings, including “tiny eyes” or “eyes of God.” The appearance of Matariki in the sky signals the beginning of a new year, typically in late May or early June. Its sighting is celebrated with various rituals, gatherings, and festivities that continue for several days.
Matariki has multiple layers of significance within Māori culture. Firstly, it serves as a time for remembrance and honoring ancestors who have passed away. Matariki is seen as a time when the spirits of the ancestors return to Earth to guide and protect their descendants. It is an opportunity to express gratitude for the wisdom and teachings passed down through generations.
Additionally, Matariki is a time for reflection, renewal, and setting intentions for the upcoming year. It is a time to connect with the natural world and acknowledge the cycles of life and nature. The appearance of Matariki aligns with the winter solstice, symbolizing the transition from darkness to light, and the promise of new beginnings.
The reappearance of Matariki aligns perfectly with the gathering and preservation of crops. Once the traditional crops like kumara, pikopiko, and karaka berries have been harvested and stored, the Māori people rejoice. It’s a time of abundance, gratitude, and community, where the bounty of the land is shared and enjoyed.
The Matariki celebration in Auckland in 2021 – ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Recognition and Appreciation
In recent years, the observance of Matariki has experienced a revival and gained wider recognition throughout New Zealand. It has become a time for cultural festivals, artistic performances, storytelling, and learning about Māori traditions. Schools, organizations, and communities come together to celebrate Matariki, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Māori culture.
Overall, Matariki represents a time of spiritual connection, cultural identity, and renewal for the Māori people. It reminds them of their ancestral heritage, fosters a sense of unity, and encourages reflection on their place within the natural world.
Discover more info about Matariki here
National Library of NZ
New Zealand History Website
The official Matariki Website in NZ
MATARIKI INSPIRED ART
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Matariki, the Maori New Year, with our captivating canvas art created by talented local artist. Experience the magic of creative illustrations, bringing to life the vibrant traditions and symbolism of this significant celebration in just one glance.
Whether as a perfect gift to inspire others or as a delightful self-treat, let this enchanting artwork grace your space and infuse it with joy and inspiration for all to enjoy.
Craft your own Matariki Magic!
Let your imaginations soar as you embark on Matariki-themed crafts. From making kites that dance in the sky to learning the art of flax weaving, the possibilities are endless. How about creating mesmerizing sky lanterns or crafting vibrant star pictures? Dive into the enchanting world of Matariki crafts, where creativity knows no bounds.
- Weave the Magic of Flax Stars! Unleash your family’s creativity and weave your own harakeke whetu, beautiful flax stars. These intricate creations are not only visually stunning but also hold deep cultural symbolism. As you weave, take time to discuss the meaning and significance of Matariki, fostering a deeper connection with its spirit and traditions. Watch the video how to do it below.
- A DIY star adorned wall hanging. This star craft wall hanging makes a great craft project, and an excuse for a winter excursion to the beach to collect some supplies like driftwood, seashells. You can cut out the stars and cover them in glitter. Hang on the wall for festive mood!
- Matariki-Inspired Art Adventures. Ignite your children’s artistic flair with a stunning Matariki-inspired Southern lights art project. Follow the link to unlock a world of creativity and self-expression. Explore the vibrant colors of the Southern lights and let your little artists bring them to life on canvas. This hands-on adventure will spark their imaginations and open their hearts to the beauty of Matariki.
- Visit Kiwi Families website for 9 Ideas of Matariki Crafts for kids
How and Where to Celebrate MATARIKI
Get ready to ignite the spirit of Matariki within your family! Here are six inspiring ways to celebrate this enchanting occasion and create unforgettable family traditions:
1. A Family Feast. Gather your loved ones for a Matariki feast that will tantalize your taste buds and nourish your souls. Explore the flavors of traditional Māori cuisine like hangi, rewena bread, or whip up some star-shaped sugar cookies for a delightful dessert. Let the delicious food be a symbol of gratitude and togetherness.
2. A New Harvest. Embrace the season of growth and renewal by tending to your garden. Clear out the remnants of winter and prepare the soil for a fresh planting. Make it a family affair, where each member has a role to play in nurturing the earth. This hands-on experience will cultivate a deeper connection with nature and the cycles of life.
3. Learn a New Karakia. Expand your cultural knowledge by learning a new karakia, a Māori prayer. Dive into a booklet filled with Matariki karakia, one for each of the nine stars. As you recite these sacred words, feel the ancient wisdom and blessings flow through your family, connecting you to the traditions of the past.
4. Sleep Under the Stars. Create magical memories by spending a night under the starry Matariki sky. Whether it’s camping in your backyard or finding a cozy spot under the open sky, let the twinkling stars be your guiding light. As you gaze upon the constellations, share family stories, reminisce about cherished memories, and set goals for the coming lunar year.
5. New Year’s Resolutions. Reignite your family’s aspirations and dreams by renewing your New Year’s resolutions during Matariki. Take this opportune moment to reflect on your individual and collective goals. Encourage each other to embrace growth, pursue passions, and make positive changes. Let Matariki be the cosmic catalyst for transformation and personal development.
6. Attend a Matariki Event. Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Matariki by joining community events and celebrations. Explore the rich cultural offerings, from captivating performances to educational workshops. Engage with indigenous knowledge, connect with others, and witness the beauty of Matariki through the eyes of your community. Let the collective energy inspire and uplift your family. Visit the official New Zealand Matariki website with all related events info.
Embrace the spirit of togetherness, growth, and cultural connection as you embark on this celestial journey together.
How to Find Matariki Star Cluster
To find the Matariki star cluster in New Zealand, follow these simple steps:
1. Choose a clear night: Wait for a night with clear skies, preferably away from bright city lights, to improve visibility.
2. Look towards the northeast: Find a location where you have an unobstructed view of the northeastern horizon.
3. Locate the Pleiades: The Matariki star cluster is also known as the Pleiades. Look for a group of bright stars in a close formation.
4. Spot the Seven Sisters: The Pleiades/Matariki consists of seven prominent stars that form a distinct pattern. These stars are named after the Seven Sisters of Greek mythology.
5. Use a star chart or app: If you’re unsure about identifying the cluster, consider using a star chart or a stargazing app on your smartphone. These tools can help you pinpoint the location of Matariki in the night sky.
Remember, Matariki rises in late May or early June and can be seen throughout the winter months in New Zealand. So, grab a warm blanket, find a comfortable spot, and let the celestial beauty of Matariki inspire and captivate you.