Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades or the Seven Sisters. It rises in mid-winter and for may Māori, it heralds the start of a new year.
Matariki literally means the 'eyes of God' (mata ariki) or 'little eyes' (mata riki). According to myth, when Ranginui, the sky father, and Papatūānuku, the earth mother, were separated by their children, the god of the winds, Tāwhirimātea, became so angry that he tore out his eyes and threw them into the heavens.
The Meaning of the stars...
Matariki is the whaea (mother), surrounded by her six daughters, Tupu-ā-nuku, Tupu-ā-rangi, Waipunarangi, Waitī and Waitā, and Ururangi.
Traditionally, it was a time for remembering the dead and celebrating new life. In the 21st century, observing Matariki has become popular again. Kites, hot-air balloons help mark the occasion.
In the early 2000s Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (Māori Language Commission), the Ministry of education and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, became involved in the revival of Matariki celebrations.
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