Matariki. It is the given Maori name for the cluster of the seven sister stars or also known as the Pleiades. This cluster of stars is the sign of the New Year's celebration of Maoris.
Most people celebrate the Matariki by:
- Completing the storing of food for the upcoming winter.
- Weave clothes and baskets.
- Storytelling to old tribal stories and reminiscing the ancestors.
- Discover and learn about nature.
- Have fun to learn string games.
- Make your own, decorate and fly kites.
There are different stories about Matariki and its origins. The following is one of them that comes from Māori Astronomer Dr. Rangi Matamua.
Not all the children of Ranginui (Sky) and Papatūānuku (Earth) supported their parents being separated. Tawhirimātea, the God of Wind had strongly opposed the separation but had been overruled by his siblings. In return, Tāwhirimātea waged war against his siblings defeating them all except Tūmātauenga, the God of War. Tū was angry with Tāwhiri for what he had done, so to punish him he tore his eyes out, smashed them and threw them into the sky. They remain there to this day as the star cluster Matariki. Thus, this is why the wind is so changeable as he is stumbling around blind.
Other cultures also have their own stories about these stars.
I'd created a poster about Matariki and here's more information about Matariki!
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