Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars known as the Pleiades. When it rises in the north-eastern skies in late May or early June, it signals to Māori that the New Year will begin. In one tradition, Matariki is the mother surrounded by her six daughters, Tupu-a-nuku, Tupu-a-rangi, Waitī, Waitā, Waipuna-a-rangi and Ururangi. Source: Te Ara - The Museum of New ZealandFor many Māori, the appearance of Matariki signals the end of harvesting crops and a time for replanting. It is also a time of remembrance for people who died since the last appearance of the stars.
Matariki was revived in the 20th century, and now many people celebrate with festivals and kite flying.
LISTEN to author Toni Rolleston-Cummins read her book The Seven Stars of Matariki!
LOOK at our Matariki books in the library
FIND MORE ONLINE.....
Te Ara - Encyclopedia of New Zealand
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/matariki-maori-new-year/page-1
Manatū Taonga - Ministry for Culture and Heritage
http://www.mch.govt.nz/nz-identity-heritage/matariki
Nga korero a ipurangi o Aotearoa - NZ History
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/classroom/matariki-maori-new-year
The Phoenix Astronomical Society - Introduction to Māori Star Lore
http://www.astronomynz.org.nz/maori/maori.html
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