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When did they start celebrating Matariki?
Upcoming dates: In 2021, Matariki will begin on 2 July. In 2022, Matariki will begin on 21 June.
What is the traditional reason for celebrating Matariki?
Matariki, also known as Māori New Year, is a time for celebration, growth and renewal. It’s a chance to get together and remember whānau who have died, share food, tell stories, sing and play music. Matariki is the Māori name for the group of stars also known as Pleiades or the Seven Sisters.
Is Matariki the Māori New Year?
Matariki is a special occasion in the New Zealand calendar which marks the start of the Māori 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.
What are the 4 different names for the Matariki constellation?
Matariki is known by many other names around the world: Pleiades, Seven Sisters, Messier 45, M45, Krittika, Subaru, The Hairy Head of the White Tiger and Mul Mul, to name just a few.
Who are the parents of Matariki?
In Maori, Matariki means ‘tiny eyes’ or ‘eyes of God’. The children of the earth mother Papatuanuku and sky father, Ranginui, were divided over whether to separate them and bring light and life to the earth. Eventually, Tane Mahuta, the god of the forest, laid on his back and used his feet to force them apart.
How do you wish someone a happy Matariki?
engaging with the natural environment. say “happy Matariki” in te reo Māori by saying “Ngā mihi o Matariki, te tau hou Māori”.
What does Matariki mean in New Zealand?
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).
What is the legend of the star Matariki?
There are many legends about the star cluster Matariki. One of the most popular is that the star Matariki is the whaea (mother), surrounded by her six daughters, Tupu-ā-nuku, Tupu-ā-rangi, Waipunarangi, Waitī and Waitā, and Ururangi. Matariki and her daughters journey across the sky each year to visit their tupuna wahine
What is a Matariki gourd?
Gourd for preserving birds. 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).
Who are the six Sisters of Matariki?
The legend of Matariki and the six sisters Te ono o Matariki There are many legends about the star cluster Matariki. One of the most popular is that the star Matariki is the whaea (mother), surrounded by her six daughters, Tupu-ā-nuku, Tupu-ā-rangi, Waipunarangi, Waitī and Waitā, and Ururangi.