Matariki, also known as the New Year Festival of the Maori people, is a significant occasion for those of Maori ancestry. Matariki is the name used by these people for the Pleiades, a constellation of stars which may be seen at this time of the year, a sign which heralds this occasion. This auspicious constellation is visible only at one time of the year, in the latter part of May or the early part of June.
At the time of this occasion in the midst of winter, the ancestors of today’s Maoris would remember those who had died in the past year, and also celebrate the resurgence of new life. However in modern times this festival has been revived, and it is now marked by the flying of kites, the lighting of fireworks and riding air balloons.
In the Maori language Matariki in actual fact means ‘small eyes’ or ‘eyes of the god’. According to local legend the ‘father of the sky’, Ranginui and the ‘mother of the Earth’, Papatuanuku were caused to separate by their own children. This is said to have caused such fury to the wind god, Tawhirimatea, that he gouged out his own eyes and flung them into the sky. This was thought to be the origin of the Pleiades.
In days gone by Matariki was a joyous occasion as this was a time of plenty. Crops would have been gathered, seafood amassed and poultry secured. Therefore this was a time of happiness and contentment. The Maoris would feast, sing and dance at this joyous time of the year.
In fact the celebration of Matariki dwindled away in the 1940s but were revived in 2000. Initially at this time only a handful of participants observed this event but in the following years increasing numbers involved themselves in the celebrations. Today the ‘Thanksgiving of New Zealand’ is enjoying great popularity amongst a large number of New Zealanders. Visitors to the islands can also involve themselves in the celebrations.
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Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
