Quck answer
Matariki, also known as the Pleiades, is a group of seven stars that hold cultural and spiritual significance for the indigenous people of New Zealand, the Māori. Among these seven stars, there are two stars called “Teenage” stars, which are named Pōhutukawa and Hiwa-i-te-Rangi. Pōhutukawa represents growth and well-being, while Hiwa-i-te-Rangi symbolizes aspirations and dreams. These “Teenage” stars play a vital role in the Matariki festival, a time of reflection, celebration, and planning for the year ahead. The Māori people view these stars as a connection to their ancestors and a source of guidance and inspiration.
Do you spend a lot of time observing the night sky? If so, you have probably become familiar with a few celestial objects. Can you locate the Big Dipper? What about the North Star or the planets? Have you learned to identify the Matariki Stars?
A telescope can assist people in seeing far into the cosmos. However, it is not always necessary! The Matariki Star cluster is bright enough to be seen with the naked eye. They are often referred to as “teenage” stars because they are relatively young compared to most stars.
The Matariki Stars have a blue color, indicating that they are some of the hottest stars in the universe. They are hotter and much larger than the Sun. Due to their visibility, humans have been observing these stars for thousands of years.
Many cultures have given this group of stars various names. In Greek, it is known as the Pleiades. In Japan, people call it Subaru. In China, it is called Mao. In Hawaii, it is known as Makali’i, or “eyes of royalty.” However, the cluster is commonly referred to as the Matariki Stars today, a name derived from Maori culture.
The Maori are the indigenous people of Aotearoa, which is often referred to as New Zealand today. For many years, the Maori people have been observing the Matariki Stars. They can see the stars throughout the year, except for a brief period in late spring when the stars are concealed behind the Sun.
In late May or early June, the Matariki Stars reappear in the sky. This marks the beginning of the new year for many Maori iwi (tribes). Some iwi celebrate a new year festival right after the rise of the star clusters, while others wait until the following month. Each iwi also has different stories and legends associated with this star cluster.
Many Maori iwi refer to the stars as “Matariki and the six sisters.” They believe that Matariki is a mother and the other stars are her six daughters. Together, they traverse the sky each year to visit their grandmother, Papatūānuku (Mother Earth).
In certain Maori legends, the six sisters assist Mother Earth in preparing for the upcoming year. Tupu-ā-nuku helps plants grow, Tupu-ā-rangi sings to bring joy to Mother Earth, Waipunarangi ensures that there will be enough fish and water by going to the sea, the twins Waitī and Waitā teach small creatures like bees to work together as a team, Ururangi brings positivity to help Mother Earth get into the right mood for the new year, and Matariki watches over and aids the six sisters.
Other Maori iwi associate the Matariki Stars with their creation story. They believe that the stars are the seven eyes of their god of the wind. Many also use the stars to predict the weather and the size of the harvest. Maori sailors have long relied on the Matariki Stars for navigation.
Have you ever seen the Matariki Stars? What about other objects in the night sky? Perhaps you have glimpsed a shooting star or a comet! With an infinite number of objects in the sky, there is always something new to discover.
Try It Out
Find an adult friend or family member who can assist you in exploring further through the activities below!
– The Matariki Stars are the subject of stories in many cultures. You can read “The Seven Wise Men” as it was told by a chief of the Lenape Nation. Then, compare this story to the one told by many Maori iwi. Discuss the similarities and differences with a friend or family member.
– If you want to see the Matariki Stars for yourself, go outside on a clear night. You can use a map of the night sky to help you find them. A helpful hint is that the cluster is near Orion’s belt. Take note of any other star clusters and constellations you see. Can you spot any planets?
– Do you have a favorite object in the night sky? You can write your own story about a star, constellation, or any other object that interests you. Maybe you would like to write about how a star was formed or a legend about a constellation. Alternatively, you could write a story about space travel or life on other planets. Let your creativity guide you!
– Sources for further information about the wonders of Matariki:
– https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/2322-the-matariki-star-cluster (accessed 09 Dec. 2019)
– https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/discover-collections/read-watch-play/maori/matariki-maori-new-year/whare-tapere/matariki-star-facts (accessed 09 Dec. 2019)
– https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/discover-collections/read-watch-play/maori/matariki-maori-new-year/whare-tapere/six-sisters (accessed 09 Dec. 2019)
– https://www.maori.com/ (accessed 09 Dec. 2019)
FAQ
1. What is Matariki?
Matariki, also known as the Pleiades star cluster, is a group of stars that holds significant cultural and spiritual importance for the indigenous people of New Zealand, the Māori. Matariki is often referred to as the Māori New Year and is celebrated in late May or early June.
2. How many stars are in the Matariki cluster?
The Matariki cluster consists of nine stars, although only seven of them are usually visible to the naked eye. These seven stars are named Matariki, Pōhutukawa, Waitī, Waitā, Waipuna-ā-Rangi, Tupu-ā-Rangi, and Ururangi.
3. Why are the Matariki stars called the “Teenage” stars?
The Matariki stars are often referred to as the “Teenage” stars because they rise in the pre-dawn sky during the winter months in New Zealand. This occurrence symbolizes the transition from childhood to adulthood and is seen as a time of reflection, renewal, and new beginnings.
4. What is the cultural significance of Matariki for the Māori people?
Matariki holds great cultural significance for the Māori people as it marks the beginning of a new year and is a time for family, feasting, and storytelling. It is also a time to honor ancestors and connect with the natural world. Māori communities celebrate Matariki through various cultural practices, including traditional dances, music, and art.
5. How do people in New Zealand celebrate Matariki?
People in New Zealand celebrate Matariki through a range of activities and events. These can include attending Matariki festivals, stargazing, storytelling, cultural workshops, and feasting on traditional foods. It is a time for communities to come together and celebrate Māori culture and heritage.
6. How can I learn more about Matariki and its significance?
If you’re interested in learning more about Matariki and its significance, there are various resources available. You can visit museums and cultural centers that focus on Māori culture, attend Matariki events and festivals, read books or articles on the topic, or engage with local Māori communities to learn directly from them. It’s important to approach the topic with respect and a willingness to learn and understand the cultural significance behind Matariki.
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