Matariki in New Zealand 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

New Zealand celebrates Matariki annually in late June or early July to commemorate the first appearance of the Pleiades star cluster. Although dates differ from year to year, Matariki will be celebrated on July 14 this year. ‘Matariki’ is the Maori name for the star cluster known as the ‘Pleiades.’ In Mori culture, the celebrations signal the beginning of a new year. 2022 marks the first Matariki celebration as a government-designated public holiday.

The background of Matariki

The name ‘Matariki’ is the Maori term for the star cluster known as the ‘Pleiades,’ or ‘Messier 45’ (M45) to Western astronomers. “Matariki” is also the abbreviated form of “Ng mata o te ariki o Twhirimtea,” which means “the eyes of the god Twhirimtea.” The rising of the star cluster served as the beginning of the new year. Matariki was traditionally a time for observing the stars and predicting the harvest, for mourning the deceased, and for making a food offering to replenish the stars. It was also a time to educate and entertain children with ancient forest and land legends.

Due to the cold weather, Matariki was viewed over three or four nights so that the stars could be seen distinctly. Once an unobstructed view was obtained, the festivities could commence. The brilliance of the constellations was utilised to foretell the success of the planting season. The more brilliant the stars, the warmer the season, which led to a more bountiful harvest. However, if the stars twinkled, it was interpreted as a sign of poor weather. In accordance with custom, the deceased were lamented in a ceremony known as ‘te taki mteatea,’ or ‘the recitation of laments.’ In addition to singing and crying, the ceremony included the recitation of the names of those who had perished since the last Matariki rising. Food was also provided for the celebrities.

Along with other traditional Mori practises, the frequency of Matariki celebrations declined during the 19th century. Matariki was thankfully revived in the late 20th century. In 2000, Te Rangi Huata, a representative of the Ngti Kahungunu tribe, organised an annual Matariki celebration that drew approximately 500 individuals. The government of New Zealand has proclaimed Matariki an official holiday, with the first observance scheduled for June 24, 2022.

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MATARIKI ACTIVITIES

Conduct research

Learn more about the Mori and the gorgeous people of New Zealand. Knowing more about a distinct culture broadens one’s perspective and increases tolerance.

Greetings for the Matariki festival

Whether they are Mori or not, you should wish someone a joyful Matariki. This could lead to a discussion about Matariki and assist in spreading the word.

Employ the hashtag

Be a decent sport and distribute this article to your family and friends. Use the hashtag #matariki for increased visibility.

5 Interesting Facts Concerning the Maori

On hot rocks and covered with a layer of leaves and earth, a meat dish known as ‘Hngi’ is prepared.

In contrast to other cultures, Mori greet each other by touching forehead to forehead and nose to nose, a gesture believed to impart ‘Hongi’ — ‘breath of life’ — to one another.

The unique implications of Mori tattoos can be used to identify a person’s family history or social standing.

Prior to the 1800s, Mori did not have a written language; therefore, Maori are exceptional storytellers.

It is believed that the Mori settled in New Zealand in the fourteenth century, making Mori culture one of the youngest in the globe.

MATARIKI DATES