What and why do we have matariki

Matariki is a time to get together and reflect on those who have passed.Its also a time to spend time with friends & family, and share Kai (food), Stories, and music. The matariki celebration is about the nine stars of matariki (or seven in other ledgends) and reflecting on those who have passed in the last year.

How can we celebrate matariki?

There are lot of ways to celebrate matariki here are some examples from area 14: Arts and crafts , tree planting , make and fly kites , kai , games , sing and create music , fishing , stargazing , hiking , fire works , camping , family time , relax , biking , and a beach day are all different ways to celebrate I wonder how you celebrate matariki.

Matariki

The first star is Matariki, Matariki is known as the mother of the seven sisters in the constillation. Matariki is connected to health & well being and is often viewed as a sign of good fortune or health to come in the following year.

 Pōhutukawa

The second star is Pōhutukawa, which is connected to the dead and those who have passed since the last matariki. Māori belief covers that the spirit leaves the body when a person dies, and then journey along the pathway of spirits known as Te ara wairua.

Tupu-a-nuku

The thrid star is Tupu-a-nuku which is accociated with food grown in the ground.This star is looked upon the month of may to indicate when summer harvest has ended, and winter is near. You can look upon this star and set an intetion to get out into your vege garden

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Tupu-a-rangi

The fourth star is Tupu-a-rangi which is associated with food that comes from the sky and is linked to birds. Traditionally kereu were harvested around this time. It is also connected to the harvesting of elevated foods such as berries and fruit.                                                                                                                                                                                                              

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Waiti

Waiti is the fifth star , Waiti is connected to fresh water and living creatures in the rivers , streams , and lakes. You can look upon this star in recognition and appreciation of our fresh waters in aoteroa.