Here is some of the information that we found out and shared:
- Matariki is an important time to remember those who have passed away and those who have come into the world.
- Matariki is the Maori name for the group of seven stars.
- Matariki has two meanings - Mata riki - tiny eyes / Mata ariki (eye of God)
- Today Matariki means celebrating the unique place in which we live and giving to the land we live on
- Matariki appears in the eastern sky around the shortest day of the year
- Matariki begins to rise in the last few days of May and this symbolises the coming of the Maori New Year.
- Traditionally during Matariki some would gather to make a small hangi and when they saw the stars they would weep and say the names of the people who have passed. They would then uncover the hangi so that the scent would warm and strengthen their souls and encourage them to keep moving forward in life.
- In the past seasons crops were planted according to the stars. If they were clear and bright it was a sign that flavourable and yummy food lay ahead.
- Matariki is the name of a small cluster of stars also known as Pleiades or the Seven sisters.
- Matariki celebrations were once popular but stopped in the 1940's. In 2000 they were revived. Only a few people took place at first but in just a few years thousands were honouring the celebration.
- Matariki is a time for singing, dancing, feasting, celebrating, sharing, rejoicing, and connecting with family and friends.
- The Matariki star's names areWaiti, Waiata, Waipuna-a-rangi, Tupa-a-nuku, Tupa-a-rangi, Ururangi and Matariki.
- Matariki is primarily celebrated in New Zealand but is also celebrated in Hawaii.
Here are some photos of some of the amazing projects that we produced this week. Well done my bright little Room 8 stars! You are all amazing!!
