What is Matariki?
Matariki resembles the new year. It’s a time of renewal and celebration in New Zealand that begins with the rising of the Matariki star cluster.
Why do we celebrate Matariki?
Matariki is a special occasion in the New Zealand calendar which marks the start of the Maori New Year. Signified by the Matariki cluster of stars reappearing in our night sky, this is a time to reflect on the past year, celebrate the present, and plan for the year ahead.
How do we celebrate Matariki?
Matariki, also known as Maori New Year, is a time for celebration, growth and renewal. It’s a chance to get together and remember whanau who have died, share food, tell stories, sing and play music. Matariki is the Maori name for the group of stars also known as Pleiades or the Seven Sisters.
Five facts about Matariki?
- The reappearance of the Matariki stars signals the beginning of the Māori New Year.
- Matariki is a star cluster, not a constellation.
- You can see Matariki for yourself.
- Matariki is one of the star clusters nearest to Earth.
- Matariki has many different names around the world.
Seven sisters of Matariki?
Matariki, Tupu-a-nuku, Tupu-a-rangi, Waipunarangi, Waiti and Waita, and Ururangi.
What does Matariki symbolise?
Known as Pleiades in other parts of the world, the reappearance of the Matariki constellation represents the end of the Maori lunar year and marks the beginning of a new year. Therefore, Matariki is forever linked with the Maori New Year and is a time of celebration and ceremony in Aotearoa New Zealand.
What is the Matariki story?
Matariki – The Eyes of God tells the story of Ranginui, the sky father, and Papatuanuku, the earth mother who were separated by their children. It is a tale of renewal, opportunity and reflection on who we are and our connection to our whanau.