Explanation Writing: What is Matariki?

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What is Matariki?

Matariki is the Maori name for the group of stars also known as the Pleiades star cluster or the seven sisters and what is referred to as the traditional Maori New Year.


The Maori New Year is marked by the rise of Matariki and the sighting of the next new moon. It rises just once a year, in mid-winter-late May or early June. For many Maori, it announces the start of a new year. Matariki literally means the “eyes of god” (mata ariki) or “little eyes” (mata riki.) According to a myth, Ranginui, the sky father and Papatuanuku, the earth mother, were separated by their children. Tawhirimatea, the god of the winds, became so angry that he cried and threw them into the heavens and those tears became the 7 stars. According to the astronomers, the stars are 100 million years old young.


Traditionally, Matariki was a time to remember those who had died in the last year but Matariki is also a happy event. Matariki is also a time for singing, dancing, eating, enjoying, and feasting. Matariki, or Maori New Year celebrations were once popular, but it stopped in the 1940s. In 2000, it was revived.


Traditionally, celebrations last up to 3 days. If you wish to participate in celebrating Matariki you are welcome to. Today Matariki means celebrating the unique place in which we live and giving respect to the land where we live on. Matariki is also a time to share, give and love to those who are in need. There are so many ways to celebrate Matariki here are some examples, special play performances, street performances, exhibitions of maori crafts, classes showing how to weave or carve etc, television shows on Matariki history, and musical performances. (Some ways to celebrate matariki with family) tree planting, sleep under the stars, new years resolutions, and attend a matariki event.


Matariki is also seen as an important time for family to gather and reflect on the past and the future. Matariki is the name of the Pleiades Star Cluster which was important for the Agriculture in establishing the correct time to plant crops.



Basically, Matariki is a time to celebrate and to have fun or spend with your family and friends. Matariki signals growth its a time of change, it’s a time to prepare and a time of action. Its a time during matariki to acknowledge what we have and what we have to give. It celebrates the diversity of life, culture, language, and people.