What are some of the myths 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.

What is the story behind Matariki?

Traditionally, Matariki was a time to acknowledge the dead and to release their spirits to become stars. It was also a time to reflect, to be thankful to the gods for the harvest, to feast and to share the bounty of the harvest with family and friends.

What do the Matariki stars Symbolise?

Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars that signal the beginning of a new year.

What do the 9 stars of Matariki represent?

Matariki is the Māori name for a cluster of stars. This year, from July 6 to 9, Matariki will re-appear in the dawn sky – signalling the start of the Māori New Year. It is a time to celebrate new life, to remember those who’ve passed and to plan for the future.

Is Matariki a religious holiday?

For many New Zealanders, 31 December means parties and celebrations to welcome the New Year. For example, there is the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, the Muslim month of Muharram, and Rosh Hashanah, one of the most important religious holidays in the Jewish calendar. …

What does Matariki mean in English?

The two meanings of Matariki both refer to stars: mata ariki (eyes of god) and mata riki (little eyes).

How Matariki got its name?

Matariki is the Māori name for the Pleaides star cluster. It rises during mid-winter 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.

What are the Matariki names?

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.

How do you say Happy Matariki in Māori?

Say ‘happy Matariki’ in te reo Māori by saying ‘Ngā mihi o Matariki, te tau hou Māori’.

What are 3 facts about Matariki?

Matariki star facts Ngā Meka Matariki

  • The reappearance of the Matariki stars signals the beginning of the Māori New Year.
  • Matariki is a star cluster, not a constellation.
  • You can see Matariki for yourself.
  • Matariki is one of the star clusters nearest to Earth.
  • Matariki has many different names around the world.