For homework this fornight, we have to research about Matariki. I can guess what a few of you would be thinking...
"Uhh..." and tapping their temples,
or
"Hmm..." and scratching their heads,
or maybe even
"What the heck is Matariki?" and raising an eyebrow.
A few might look it up in a normal dictionary, but not everyone would use a Maori dictionary. Some might not even pronounce Matariki correctly.
Anyway, I shouldn't keep you wondering for long. Here are a few information to help you understand Matariki.
Matariki...what is it?
It is a star cluster named Pleiades or The Seven Sisters. It is also referred to as the Maori New Year in which crops and trees are harvested and replanted. This symbolises a new beginning. It is also seen as a good time to learn about the land we live on and remember our ancestors and the legacy they left behind. Maoris also give ceremonial offerings to the land-based gods: Rongo, Uenuku and Whiro to ensure good crops for the coming year.
I hope that helps. For more information, read the poster bellow:
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