Matariki is the Māori name for the small cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades or the Seven Sisters, in the Taurus constellation. In New Zealand it comes into view low on the north-eastern horizon, appearing in the tail of the Milky Way in the last days of May or in early June, just before dawn. This marks the Māori New Year.
Although they may celebrate different aspects of it, for all tribes, the
importance of Matariki has been captured in proverbs and songs, which link it
with the bright star.
Matariki is also
associated with the winter solstice. It appears when the sun, drifting north on
the shortest day in winter, reaches the north-eastern end of the horizon. The
sun then turns around and begins its journey south.
Matariki is a time to celebrate with family and is particularly associated with kite flying, eating traditional food and also with weaving. There are many fun activities organized for Matariki in Dunedin this year. Here's a link: www.matarikidunedin.co.nz/
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| Pleiades Constellation |
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| Yum, hangi! |
Legends
Matariki literally means
the ‘eyes of god’ (mata ariki) or ‘little eyes’ (mata riki). Some say that when
Ranginui, the sky father, and Papatūānuku, the earth mother were separated by
their offspring, the god of the winds, Tāwhirimātea, became angry, tearing out
his eyes and hurling them into the heavens. Others say Matariki is the mother
surrounded by her six daughters, Tupu-ā-nuku, Tupu-ā-rangi, Waitī, Waitā,
Waipuna-ā-rangi and Ururangi. One account explains that Matariki and her daughters
appear to assist the sun, Te Rā, whose winter journey from the north has left
him weakened.
Content courtesy of Te
Ara Online Encyclopedia
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