What are some Matariki traditions?

Matariki is traditionally a time to get together to share kai harvested from past seasons. Cook a mid-winter feast for friends and whānau using traditional Māori vegetables such as kumara, kamo kamo, taro, puha and uwhi. There are many other delicious foods you could cook as well.

What is the Matariki story?

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 do you do during Matariki?

People gathered together during Matariki to survive the winter months. There are many exciting events that take place throughout the Matariki Festival such as kite making, storytelling, dance performances, arts and crafts.

What are the 7 stars of Matariki called?

8. Many iwi speak of the Matariki stars as a mother and her daughters. The mother is Matariki, and her daughters are Tupu-ā-nuku, Tupu-ā-rangi, Waipunarangi, Waitī, Waitā, and Ururangi.

How do you greet Matariki?

say “happy Matariki” in te reo Māori by saying “Ngā mihi o Matariki, te tau hou Māori”.

Are there 7 or 9 stars in Matariki?

The nine stars of Matariki It is another common misconception that Matariki is seven sisters. There are nine stars in the Greek tradition of the constellation: seven children and their parents. In the Māori tradition, there are also nine stars: Matariki (Alcyone) – the mother of the other stars in the constellation.

Why is matariki so important?

Matariki is all about celebration, and spending time with family. Matariki was also important for agriculture. The coming of Matariki symbolized the harvest festival where the Maori feasted on the crops they had prepared. Matariki is important because it also is the time to restart the Maori calendar.

What is the best time to see Matariki?

Matariki takes place in mid-winter from late May to early July. The dates vary according to tribes and geography. This year (2021) the reappearance of the constellation will be visible around the 2nd of July. The best time to view the Matariki cluster is early morning, just before dawn.

Does Matariki have 7 or 9 stars?

Are Waiti and waita twins?

Waitī and Waitā are Matariki’s twins. Papatūānuku knew that they would be able to care for the smallest and fastest of creatures – because they too know about being a team. When insects work together, they can they can do amazing things.

Can you say 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 foods were eaten during Matariki?

Background: Traditional Māori food The first Māori voyagers who navigated their great canoes from Hawaiki – the original homeland – brought food plants with them, such as kumara / sweet potato, hue / gourds, taro, and yams, along with the rituals and tools they used for cultivation.

When does Matariki start and end in New Zealand?

Matariki, the Māori New Year, is typically marked by the rise of the Matariki star cluster and the sighting of the next new moon. Some iwi observe the rise of the lone star Puaka as the beginning of the new year. In 2020, the Matariki cluster will set on 15 May and return from 13–16 July. The Matariki period is 13–20 July.

How are the Nine Stories of Matariki related?

The audio journey comprises nine stories highlighting the nine stars of Matariki and how each influences whenua and moana, land and sea, and wellbeing, as described in Māori star lore shared in Dr Rangi’s book Matariki: The Star of the Year.

What can we do with the Matariki tradition?

Matariki was a time to learn about the natural world. Today, one way we can embrace this tradition is by creating an edible garden. Growing your own veges, fruit or herbs is simple and satisfying. It’s a fun way to keep active, eat well and learn about seasonality.

How are the seven Matariki Stars helping the Earth?

Hear Te Waari Carkeek, from Ngāti Toa Rangatira iwi, tell the story of how the seven Matariki stars use their special talents and skills to help their kuia, Papatūānuku (the earth), prepare for the new year. If playback doesn’t begin shortly, try restarting your device.