matariki
Published on Nov 23, 2015
No Description
MORE DECKS TO EXPLORE
PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades. Matariki rises in mid-winter late May or early June. Matariki literally means the eyes of god. For many Māori, it heralds the start of a new year.
Photo by Alfred Hermida
In the 21st century it is the new moon following the rising of Matariki that signals the (Maori) New Year.
Photo by P_Lham kun.(ฺ Go to work 1 week)
In traditional times, Matariki was a season to celebrate and to prepare the ground for the coming year. Offerings of the produce of the land were made to the gods, including Rongo, god of food. This time of the year was also a good time to instruct young people in the lore of the land and the forest. In addition, certain birds and fish were especially easy to harvest at this time.
Photo by A Guy Taking Pictures
Nowadays Matariki is celebrated using education the planting of new trees and crops signalling new beginnings. Matariki was the best time for new harvests, and offerings to the Maori land-based gods Rongo, Uenuku and Whiro to make sure there will be good crops for the coming year.
Photo by Lisa.Ng
