Matariki – June 28, 2024

History of Matariki

The name ‘Matariki’ is the Maori name for the cluster of stars called the ‘Pleiades,’ otherwise known to Western astronomers as ‘Messier 45’ (M45). ‘Matariki’ is also the short form of the phrase ‘Ngã mata o te ariki o Tãwhirimãtea,’ which means ‘the eyes of the god Tãwhirimãtea.’ The rising of the star cluster was used to mark the start of a new year. Matariki was traditionally a time to observe the stars and predict the harvest, mourn the dead, and make an offering of food for replenishing the stars. It was also a time to regale and educate young ones with the ancient lore of the forest and land.

Due to the wintery weather, the viewing of Matariki was spread over three to four nights so that the stars could be seen clearly. As soon as a clear view was obtained, the celebrations could begin. The brightness of the stars was used to predict the prosperity of the planting season. The brighter the stars, the warmer the season, which consequently led to a more bountiful harvest. However, if the stars were twinkling, this was taken as a sign of bad weather. Following tradition, the dead were mourned in a ceremony called ‘te taki mōteatea,’ meaning ‘the reciting of laments.’ The ceremony involved singing and crying, alongside a recitation of names of those who had died since the last rising of the Matariki. Food was also offered to the stars.

During the 19th century, the number of Matariki celebrations declined, along with other traditional Māori practices. Thankfully, Matariki was revived in the late 20th century. In 2000, Te Rangi Huata, a representative of the Ngāti Kahungunu tribe, organized an annual Matariki festival which attracted about 500 people. Finally, New Zealand’s government has declared Matariki an official holiday, slated for its first observance on June 24, 2022.