We are approaching the time to celebrate Matariki. Matariki is the star cluster also known as Pleiades or the Seven Sisters globally. This time to celebrate is a significant cultural event for many Māori and New Zealanders. This time holds deep spiritual significance for our whanau Māori, marking Te Tau Hou Māori and carries three significant themes:
Remembrance – Remembering those who have passed away since the previous Matariki celebration.
Celebrating the present – Gathering to feast, whanau being together and joining in with activities together.
Looking to the future – planning, setting goals and looking forward to the year ahaed.
Traditonal to Māori pūrakau, Matariki represents whānau and symbolizes a time for reflection, renewal, and connection. Each of the stars within the cluster carries its own unique meaning.
Matariki (often referred to as the mother of the stars) – Represents leadership and guidance. The main star of the cluster who welcomes the new year.
Tipuānuku – Symbolizes the abundance of food from the land.
Tipuārangi – Signifies growth, creativity, and the arts. Tipuārangi means to grow in the sky, it reaffirms our connection to the forests and the birds in the sky.
Waipuna-ā-rangi – Waipunarangi means ‘water that pools in the sky’ this whetū is connected to the holistic significance of rain.
Waitī – Symbolizes our connection to freshwater resources and preservation of them.
Waitā – Represents the strong connection to te moana and is the whetū for salt water.
Ururangi – Signifies the power of the winds and communication.
Pōhutukawa – Signifies rememberance for those who have passed since the last rising of Matariki. It is the star who carries the names and memories of loved ones who have died in the past year.
Hiwa-i-te-rangi – this whetū is the Māori wishing star. We speak our hopes and desires for the year out loud to this whetū as affirmation.
During Matariki celebrations, communities come together to honor their ancestors, share stories, perform, spend time together and share kai. Matariki is a cherished cultural celebration that strengthens the bonds within the Māori community and fosters a sense of unity and belonging for all of us.
If you and your whanau wish to get involved in local Matariki events here are some links:
https://www.matariki.com/events
https://www.matarikifestival.org.nz/2023/umu-kohukohu-whetu-2023/
https://www.matarikigi.co.nz/
https://www.facebook.com/events/6754754361209602/?ref=newsfeed
If you wish to access free resources about this time of year or resources for your own celebrations you may find some helpful rauemi here:
https://www.matariki.com/resources
https://kauwhatareo.govt.nz/en/kaupapa/te-matahi-o-te-tau-matariki-ahunga-nui/#
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