Matariki

Matariki


Matariki is the Maori name for the group of stars also known as the Pleiads star cluster or The Seven Sisters; and what is referred to as the traditional Maori New Year.
It also the beginning of the Aotearoa Pacific New Year, Signals other news beginning,Education remembrance and the planting of new trees. They celebrated for the unique place in which we live and giving respect to the land we live on.Matariki has two meanings, both referring to a tiny constellation of stars; Mata Riki (Tiny Eyes) and MataAriki (Eyes of God).
The brighter the stars indicated the warmer the season would be and thus a more productive crop. It was also seen as an important time for family to gather and reflect on the past and the future.
Matariki is celebrated with education, remembrance and the planting of new trees and crops signaling new beginnings.