What is Matariki?
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). It is a time of renewal and celebration in New Zealand.
When is Matariki?
Matariki is a star cluster which appears in the night sky during mid-winter. According to the Maramataka (the Māori lunar calendar), the reappearance of Matariki, brings the old lunar year to a close and marks the beginning of the new year. Hence, Matariki is associated with the Māori New Year.
Ka puta Matariki ka rere Whānui.
Ko te tohu tēnā o te tau e!
Matariki reappears, Vega starts its flight.
The new year begins!
Traditionally, festivities were conducted to celebrate Matariki, they followed the harvesting of crops when the pātaka food storehouses were full, freeing up time for family and leisure.
These festivities included the lighting of ritual fires, the making of offerings, and celebrations of various kinds to farewell the dead, to honour ancestors, and to celebrate life.
Ngā kai a Matariki, nāna i ao ake ki runga.
The foods of Matariki, gathered up by her.
How is Matariki Celebrated?
The twinkling of the Matariki stars in the pre-dawn sky heralds a special celebration for young and old. Across New Zealand, people come together to remember their ancestors, share food, sing, tell stories, and play music.
Matariki festivities highlight the tangata whenua tangata view of the world. They remind us of the cycle of life and natural ways of marking the passing of time.
Fun and learning
Families gather together during the long, cold nights of Matariki for learning and entertainment. Whare tapere (entertainment), which included tākaro (games) and haka (dance), is an important part of Matariki celebrations.
Remembrance
Matariki, as a marker of transition, was a natural time for families to mourn and honour those who had passed away in the previous year. These loved ones were believed to have transformed into stars – te hunga kua whetūrangitia – shining down from the heavens.
