Matariki

What is Matariki?

Twinkling in the winter sky just before dawn, Matariki (the Pleiades or 7 sisters) signals the Māori New Year. Traditionally, it was a time for

remembering the dead, and celebrating new life. In the 21st century, observing Matariki has become popular again. Heaven-

bound kites, hot-air balloons and fireworks help mark the occasion.

But it was also a happy event – crops had been harvested and seafood and

birds had been collected. With plenty of food in the storehouses.

Matariki was a time for singing, dancing and feasting. Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars. It rises in mid-winter – late May or

early June.

Matariki Information What does Matariki mean?Matariki has two meanings, both of which refer to the cluster of stars. Mata Riki means Tiny Eyes, and Mata Ariki means Eyes of God.

Words translated in Maori related to Matariki

Star: whetu

New year:

Tau houRoimata:Tears

Whakanui:

celebrateRangi:sky

When and Why is it Celebrated?

Matariki begins to rise in the last few

days of May, and this symbolises the

coming of the Maori New Year. Some

iwi (tribes) start celebrations when

Matariki is first seen, however it is

the first new moon after Matariki

that officially signals the Maori New

Year. Some people celebrate the New

Year on the day the new moon rises,

and others celebrate on the day after

the new moon. Celebrations can last

up to 3 days.

The Story of Matariki

The story how it began

Ranganui father Papatuanga mother Were together and had kids. The kids

grew big and were arguing and wanted out. Tane muhuta push the parents apart

and the kids thought they were finally free.

Rangi was sad, Tawhiri god of the wind was sad for his parents and started to cry and his tears were lightning and he threw

his tears to the heavens and they became the stars of Matariki the 7

sisters.

Made by…………..……

Jordy and TianaH

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