WANANGA REFLICTION - MATARIKI

MATARIKI 

What is Matariki - 

A cluster (collection of stars) which is made up of mainly 9 stars - between 7-9  are most visible in the night sky. Matariki was Formed more than 100 million years ago. Matariki was celebrated every year during the winter months. Matariki was Signifies as the start of the Māori New Year. Matariki is also referred to as the Pleiades or the seven sisters. It’s a time of remembrance to reflect on the previous year. The stars disappear from view around April/May and reappear in late June/July. Festivities are held throughout the winter months. Whānau came together during long, cold nights for entertainment and learning. A Tohunga (spiritual expert) would look to the Matariki star cluster to find out about the upcoming year's crop harvest. Bright, clear stars promised a warm and successful season. Hazy stars, however, warned of cold weather and poor crops.

Meaning of the stars -

Matariki signifies reflection, hope, connection to the environment and the gathering of people.

Waitī is connected with all freshwater bodies and the food sources that are sustained by those waters.
Pōhutukawa is connected to those that have passed on.
Waitā is associated with the ocean, and food sources within it.
Waipuna-ā-Rangi is connected with the rain.

Tupuānuku is connected with everything that grows within the soil to be harvested or gathered for food.

Tupuārangi is connected with everything that grows up in the trees: fruits, berries and birds.

Turangi is connected with the winds.

Hiwaiterangi is the star connected with granting our wishes and realising our aspirations for the coming year.