Wednesday, 15 June 2016

Matariki - Maori new year

The importance of Matariki:
Matariki resembles the Maori new year. It was also time rest after the crops have been harvested and birds and other foods have been collected and preserved. It was time to spend with whanau (family) and remember the whakapapa (genealogy) and those who had past away. People also reflect on the year gone by and celebrate and make new plans for the new year.

How you know it is Matariki:
Matariki is the name of the cluster of stars that rise in late May to early June. They seven stars each have a name these are; Waipuna-a-rangi, Uru-a-rangi, Tupu-a-rangi, Tupu-a-nuku,  Matariki, Waiti, Waita. Matariki means eyes of god (Mata riki).
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Rituals during Matariki:
A very common ritual during Matariki is Hangi. Many people have Hangi with whanau and celebrate the new year.
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