NZ Compare delves into the history and meaning of Matariki, a star cluster and official public holiday that Aotearoa celebrates.
Matariki is a special occasion in New Zealand that typically falls in June, and marks the beginning of the Māori New Year.
What is Matariki?
Matariki is the Māori name for a cluster of stars that typically appear in the sky in mid-winter. This cluster of stars is also known as the Pleiades. The appearance of this cluster of the stars marks the beginning of the Māori New Year. This occasion is celebrated by Iwi across the country in different ways and at different times.
Matariki is a shortened version of Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tāwhirimātea, which means ‘the eyes of the god Tāwhirimātea. This tells the story of how the cluster of stars in the sky came to be. According to Māori legend and tradition, the god of wind, Tāwhirimātea, was furious when his siblings separated their parents, Ranginui the sky father and Papatūānuku the earth mother. He was so angry that he pulled out his eyes and tossed them into the sky.
How is Matariki Celebrated?
Matariki is celebrated in various ways. Many Māori take Matariki as a time to honour those who have passed, and to release their spirits to the stars. It is also a great time to be thankful for great food and meals with loved ones.
The celebrations of Matariki were recently made a public holiday, which is to be held on a Friday of June or July each year. Thousands of people celebrate and honour this special occasion and the public holiday serves as a time to spend quality time with family and friends and enjoy a great meal.
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