Matariki is a small star cluster that appears around this time of year in New Zealand and marks the change of the seasons. It is seen as the beginning of the Maori year.This seven star constellation appears on the predawn horizon in late May In Western astrology is known as The Pleiades.
Two interpretations of the name are Mata Riki = Tiny Eyes, or Mata Ariki = Eyes of God and when you see these stars they do look like small eyes looking over the hills.
As this is the start of the cold season in Aotearoa, it is a time to pause and reflect, to renew connections with whaanau (family), prepare the land for crops and to plant trees.
It is said that the brighter the stars appear the better the crops will be in the coming year.
The Rocket Into Reading Poster advertised the Summer Reading Programme held in the Masterton District Library (and about 23 other libraries in the North Island) over the Summer of 2007 and 2008.
A few years ago I went to a small inflatable planetarium which was erected at Aratoi, our local art gallery. By lying on your back you were able to watch the constellations moving across the sky and learnt to identify Matariki as well as hear legends of this cluster. I'd love to do that again!
This celebration is increasingly celebrated in New Zealand and in town at present the UCOL art students have a Matariki exhibition. There will be a Matariki Fair in the coming weeks. Looking forward to that!
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