Matariki: the Maori New Year
In the final days of May each year, a cluster of tiny stars intermittently twinkles as it rises on the north east horizon. To astronomers this constellation is known as Pleiades but to the tangata whenua (indigenous people) of New Zealand, it is Matariki - a celestial signal of the end of one year and the beginning of the next
Matariki has two common English translations - mata riki, tiny eyes; and mata ariki, eyes of god. Though the there are two translations - to the Māori, there is one universal theme of Matariki, the beginning of a new life cycle and the celebration of traditional Māori new year. The new year is marked by the next new moon after the appearance Matariki.
In days gone by, Matariki was a time to prepare for the year ahead, a time to learn and a time to celebrate the future. Matariki was also a time of ceremonial offering to the land Gods Rongo and Uenuku in the hope of a good harvest.
Because Matariki appears in the middle of the winter, a time when all crops have been harvested, it was important to have preserved sufficient food stocks to last to the next harvest, before the constellation appeared in the pre dawn sky. Having completed this important task, the people were free to focus their attentions on other things - learning, sharing, family and celebration.
The end of harvest was a plentiful time for all, and with the village food stocks replenished to the brim; it was time to feast on and to share what was left of the harvest. Guests and visitors were showered with gifts during Matariki and great hākari (banquets) were held in celebration of the New Year and the future.
The tradition of Matariki continues and is very much alive in modern day Aotearoa. Exhibitions, lively festivals, concerts and cultural performances are among a growing myriad of entertaining events that take place throughout the country during the celebration of Matariki.
Matariki celebrations will vary in style and timing from region to region but the underlying principle of sharing, learning, feasting and festivity is constant throughout. It is a celebration unique to Aotearoa and a chance for everyone to forget the worries of winter and embrace the warming spirit of Matariki ahunga nui - Matariki provider of plentiful food.
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