Matariki Waihi 2011 Coming in June

Posted by on 03/05/2011

This year schools around Waihi will be coming together to celebrate Matariki and encourage knowledge of this important celestial event for New Zealand.

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 NewYear. Matariki has two meanings, both referring to a tiny constellation of stars; Mata Riki (Tiny Eyes) and Mata Ariki (Eyes of God).

 The night sky contains a massive number of stars which were used by Maori as a way to calculate time and seasons, navigate oceans, preserve knowledge and stories, maintain customary practices and inspire action and achievement. Matariki is an especially important cluster of stars to Maori, it is a signal for seasonal celebration and a key navigational beacon for ocean voyages.

 The time of Matariki brings together family to share and learn the stories and knowledge that the stars hold. There are many legends that are associated with Matariki and not only in New Zealand but the Pacific and worldwide. In Japan the Matariki constellation is called 'Subara', and yes it is the logo on the car.In India it is known as Krittika nakshatra. It is also celebrated by many other cultures including the Persians, Australian Aborigines, the Aztecs, Mayans and the Sioux and Cherokee native American Indians.

 The sky was used by Maori for many reasons throughout history. Reading from the vast volumes of stars was a way of preserving history, knowledge, culture and maintaining ancient practices. The time of Matariki was a celebration in all customs and beliefs, so arts in its many forms were very important to this period. With the coming together of family and friends it was a time to share with each other skills, achievements and history through story telling, song and dance, carving and weaving, ancient ceremonies and passing on of knowledge and history.

Gold FM is supporting the planned celebrations so stay tuned to hear about all the activities throught the festival celebrations.