Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tāwhirimātea
The eyes of the God Tāwhirimātea
Mānawa maiea te putanga o Matarirki
Mānawa maiea te ariki o te rangi
Mānawa maiea te ariki o te tau
Hail the rise of Matariki
Hail the lord of the sky
Hail the New Year
Matariki is an abbreviation of Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tāwhirimātea (The eyes of the God Tāwhirimātea) and refers to the cluster of stars also known by Europeans as the Pleiades. It rises in Hōtoke (winter) and for many iwi around Aotearoa, it indicates the start of a new year. The children of Papatuanuku, the earth mother, and Ranginui, the sky father, were in conflict over whether to separate them and bring light and life to the earth.
Tane Mahuta, the God of the forest, laid on his back and used his legs to force his parents apart.
Tāwhirimātea, the God of the winds and weather, was so angry and heartbroken by his brother’s actions, he tore out his own eyes and threw them into the heavens where they have looked down on man ever since.
The eyes of Tāwhirimātea have become many constellations, and among them live Matariki, the mother and her six daughters.
Matariki is the star that signifies reflection, hope, our connection to the environment and the gathering of people. Matariki is also connected to the health and wellbeing of people.
Tupuānuku is the star 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.
Waipun-ā-rangi is connected with the rain.
Waitī is connected with all freshwater bodies and the food sources that are sustained by those waters.
Waiti is associated with the ocean, and food sources within it.
Ururangi is the star connected with the winds.
Matariki ki runga/Celebrating Matariki
Matariki is a time to reflect on the past year, celebrate the present and plan for the year ahead.
During the first sightings of Matariki, many of our whānau would remember those who have passed since its last appearance. This would then be followed by celebrating the present and end by planning for the year ahead, using the stars to guide us. If the stars were clear and bright, it signalled a favourable and productive season ahead, and planting would begin in September. If the stars appeared hazy and closely bunched together, a cold winter was in store and planting was put off until October.
For the first time ever, Matariki is being recognised in Aotearoa with a public holiday on Friday June 24 and here are some ways that you and your whānau could celebrate Matariki.
• Remember your loved ones who are no longer with us
• Spend time with family and friends
• Attend a Matariki event
• Give thanks for the year that has passed
• Write down your wishes for the year ahead
Kaumatua
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