The appearance and observation of Matariki’s (pleiadies) heliacal rise in the north eastern skies (or Puanga in some tribal areas) of Aotearoa is associated with the celebration of the Māori new year and occurs within a lunar cycle, during the current June/July period. Similar to northern hemishere cultures, it’s timing is indicative of the winter solstice, a transitioning from the shortest day of the year towards the increasing daylight hours of summer. Traditionally, it was a time to come together, to acknowlegde the atua (gods), make predictions for the year ahead and enjoy the collection of the previous year’s harvest. On the surface, contemporary westernised new year rituals seem not too dissimilar with the coming together of families, acknowledging religious entities (birth of Christ at Christmas), making new year resolutions and feasting amonsgt the company of others. In spite of these relative similarities, there is one aspect of Matariki that is a notable point of difference, that being the acknowledging of the dead.
Te Waka o Rangi is a narrative that is associated with Matariki and the dead. This great waka is a collection of star constellations, with Matariki as its bow, as it journeys across the night sky most of the year round. Navigated by Taramainuku, he casts his giant net to collect the wairua of those who have passed away during the previous day and ties them to the stern of his waka, to journey with him until the rising of Matariki to signal the new year. Thus, greeting matariki is also about remembering the dead, calling out their names and setting them free, as just before the rays of the sun pierce over the horizon, Taramainuku will cast their wairua out into the cosmos to become stars, Kua Wheturangitia!
While collecting firewood before sun rise early this morning, I noticed Te Waka o Rangi floating above the north eastern horizon. I ran my eyes from the stern of the waka to Matariki at the bow. I then placed the firewood down and observed Matariki twinkling above the dawn horizon. My thoughts turned to my ancestors, I acknowledged them and those who are about to be cast into the heavens. It is with this thought I encourage others to take a little time during the celebrating of Matariki to remember their dead. Many of us may have lost someone close to us, or know of someone who has lost someone close in the last year. Taking time to acknowledge those who have passed not only ensures our loved ones are never forgotten, but also assists in lifting some of the emotional burden, by setting them free. Once the past is acknowledged, we can focus on the future.
Ngā mihi tātou katoa mō Matariki.
Nathan Matamua (Ngai Tūhoe)
Undergraduate BA Pyschology Student
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