Matariki is the Māori name for the Pleaides star cluster. It rises during Pipiri (June/July) and marks the beginning of the Māori new year. The word is an abbreviation of Ngā Mata o te Ariki (Eyes of God) in reference to Tāwhirimātea, god of the wind and weather.
Subsequently, one may also ask, when did matariki first start?
In 2019 Matariki begins on 25 June. In 2020, Matariki will begin on 13 July. In 2021, Matariki will begin on 2 July.
Also, what are the months of the year in Maori? Months of the Māori calendar
| Māori | English | |
|---|---|---|
| Hakihea | Tihema | December |
| Kohi-tātea | Hānuere | January |
| Hui-tanguru | Pēpuere | February |
| Poutū-te-rangi | Maehe | March |
Also Know, what is the Maori New Year?
The Maori New Year in New Zealand. Matariki is the Maori name given to the star cluster known as the Pleiades. For many iwis (tribes), seeing the star cluster rise before dawn around late-May early-June is the mark of a New Year.
Are there 7 or 9 stars in Matariki?
It is another common misconception that Matariki is seven sisters. There are nine stars in the Greek tradition of the constellation: seven children and their parents. In the Māori tradition, there are also nine stars: Rehua (Antares) is the father but is not considered part of the Matariki constellation.
14 Related Question Answers Found
What do you eat on Matariki?
Matariki feasting The typical modern hangi includes lamb and pork, but traditional foods are also likely to feature on the menu – shellfish, seafood, vegetables, plants and herbs gathered from the forest.
What does matariki mean in English?
Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades. It rises in mid-winter and for many Māori, it heralds the start of a new year. Matariki literally means the ‘eyes of god’ (mata ariki) or ‘little eyes’ (mata riki).
Where in the sky is Matariki?
Matariki is found low on the horizon in the north east of the sky. Try looking here between 5.30 a.m. and 6.30 a.m. 1. First find the pot (the bottom three stars of the pot are also called Tautoru, or Orion’s Belt).
Why is matariki so important?
Matariki is celebrated with education, remembrance and the planting of new trees and crops signaling new beginnings. The coming of Matariki symbolized the harvest festival where the Maori feasted on the crops they had prepared. Matariki is important because it also is the time to restart the Maori calendar.
What is matariki for kids?
Matariki for kids. Matariki is the Māori name for the star cluster known as Pleiades. The full name is “Ngā mata a te Ariki Tawhirimātea – the eyes of the God Tawhirimātea”. It is also the name for the Māori New Year celebration.
What does Puanga mean?
Puanga is more commonly known as Rigel, its name is Arabic for foot, indicating its place in the constellation Orion. “Puanga kai rau” means Puanga of abundant food and gives credit to the fruits which Puanga brings.
Why do we celebrate Matariki for kids?
Matariki, the Māori New Year, means ‘tiny eyes’ or ‘eyes of god’ and is celebrated in June when a small group of stars called Pleiades rises above the horizon, bringing the old year to a close and starting a new year. The full moon was celebrated in Wellington on June 6 this year, making the start of Matariki.
What countries celebrate Matariki?
Aotearoa New Zealand is in celebration mode with the arrival of Matariki, a significant time in the New Zealand cultural calendar marking the beginning of Māori New Year. Each year the Matariki cluster of stars – known to astronomers as Pleiades or the Seven Sisters – rises in New Zealand skies.
Why does matariki happen?
Matariki is the Māori name for the Pleaides star cluster. It rises during Pipiri (June/July) and marks the beginning of the Māori new year. The word is an abbreviation of Ngā Mata o te Ariki (Eyes of God) in reference to Tāwhirimātea, god of the wind and weather.
How can we celebrate Matariki?
Ways to celebrate Matariki with your family Cook with traditional Māori vegetables. Acknowledge the value of healthy kai as a taonga for achieving wellbeing. Explore the outdoors. Matariki was a time to learn about the natural world. Spend time with kids in the kitchen. It is important for children to learn the skill of cooking. Set exercise goals. Get involved.
When can you see the Matariki stars?
You can see Matariki for yourself. From early June, before sunrise, look to the north-east horizon. Find the constellation Tautoru, or Orion’s belt (sometimes called ‘the pot’). Trace a line northwards from the three stars of Tautoru.
How did matariki affect Maori farming?
Matariki played a significant role in determining when to plant foods such as kūmara (sweet potatoes). Clear, bright stars indicated a good season. But if they were hazy and bunched together, a cold winter was predicted, and planting was delayed.
What is Matariki Te Papa?
Sometimes called the Māori New Year, Matariki is celebrated when the star cluster known as Matariki rises in the sky during winter. The Te Papa programme includes the iconic celebration of haka and waiata, Taikura Kapa Haka, performed by senior Māori performing artists from around Aotearoa New Zealand.
What did it mean if Matariki looks hazy?
If the stars were clear and bright, it was a sign that a favourable and productive season lay ahead, and planting would begin in September. If the stars appeared hazy and closely bunched together, a cold winter was in store and planting was put off until October.