The date of Matariki varies from year to year. Generally it falls within the last few days of May or in June. This year Matariki falls on the 18th June.
How is Matariki Celebrated
Matariki is celebrated in a variety of ways.This important event in New Zealand is becoming more popular with schools, community organisations and local councils. Because Matariki was the optimum time for new harvests, often plants or new trees are planted within communities. Matariki is also seen as a perfect time to learn about the land we live on and to remember whakapapa (ancestry) who have passed from this world to the next and the legacy they left behind.
What does Matariki mean?
The word Matariki has two different meanings. Both meaning refer to a tiny constellation of stars.Mata Riki means Tiny Eyes and Mata Ariki means Eyes of God.
How do I find Matariki?
Matariki can be seen just before dawn around the winter solstice. the best place to see it is on a slightly elevated position. Follow these steps and see if you can find Matariki.
1. If you are in New Zealand you must first find The Pot or Tautoru.
2. To the right of Tautoru you will find Takurua or Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky. A clue that you found it is its bluish tint it’s a blue giant.
3. From Takurua you just draw a straight line towards your left through the bottom of the pot. Following this line, you will first find a group of stars shaped like a cone called Hyades or Taumatakuku.
4. Look further to the left in the same direction and you will see Matariki.
Below is a picture that should help you find Matariki.
No comments:
Post a Comment