Māori New Year: Embrace the Spirit of Matariki with Edible Blooms

Matariki, also known as the Māori New Year, is a time of renewal and celebration in Aotearoa New Zealand. This annual event marks the rising of the Matariki star cluster, also referred to as the Pleiades, which appears in the winter sky in late June or early July. Matariki holds profound cultural significance for the Māori, symbolising a time to honour the past, celebrate the present, and plan for the future.

Traditionally, it is a period of reflection, remembering those who have passed away, and gathering with family and community to share in festivities, feasts, and activities that promote unity and gratitude. This season reflects the Māori connection to the land and sky, and its observance has seen a resurgence, embracing wider communities across New Zealand in recent years.

What is Matariki and What is its Significance in New Zealand's History?

Matariki is a significant event in the Māori calendar, marking the first rising of the Matariki star cluster, which serves as a signal for the Māori New Year. It occurs during the winter months, specifically in late June or early July, when the cluster becomes visible in the dawn sky.  The celebration of Matariki is deeply rooted in Māori traditions and is observed with rituals that honour the cycles of nature, the importance of family, and the interconnectedness of all living things.

The Traditional Celebration of Matariki and How it Has Evolved Over the Years

Traditionally, Matariki was celebrated with customs and activities connecting the Māori to ancestors, nature, and their communities. Whānau (extended families) would gather for communal feasts, sharing the bounty of the land and sea. Preparing the Hākari (feast) was key, often featuring seasonal foods like kūmara (sweet potato), kaimoana (seafood), and other traditional dishes.

Storytelling and sharing whakapapa (genealogy) were crucial, as elders recounted legends and histories, reinforcing cultural knowledge and values. Matariki also included traditional songs and dances, known as waiata and haka, honouring their deities and ancestral spirits.

In recent years, Matariki has seen a renaissance and has transformed to embrace a broader audience beyond the Māori community. Efforts to revive and acknowledge Matariki have led to its official recognition as a public holiday in New Zealand, reflecting the country's commitment to honouring its indigenous heritage.

Contemporary celebrations now include public events, such as cultural performances, art exhibitions, educational workshops, and community gatherings, where both Māori and non-Māori can participate and learn about the significance of this tradition.

Ways to Incorporate Matariki into Your Daily Life

Create a Matariki-Inspired Menu

One way to honour Matariki is by incorporating traditional Māori foods into your meals. Design a Matariki-inspired menu with dishes that celebrate New Zealand flavours and ingredients. Start with kūmara (sweet potato) baked with herbs, a staple in Māori cuisine. Include kaimoana (seafood) like pāua (abalone) or mussels, often enjoyed during Matariki feasts. Add native plants like pikopiko (edible fern fronds) and kawakawa (a medicinal herb) to enhance your dishes. Sharing these meals with family and friends brings Matariki's spirit into your home and offers a chance to reflect on teamwork, gratitude, and connection to the land.

Decorate Your Home with Stars and Symbols

Create star-themed decorations using paper, fabric, or other craft materials to represent the Matariki star cluster. Hang them in prominent places around your home or use them as part of a centrepiece for your dining table. You can also create artwork that incorporates Māori symbols and motifs, such as koru (spirals symbolising new life and growth) and manaia (mythical creatures representing protection). Additionally, adding elements of the natural world, such as flowers, foliage, and stones, can help to evoke the essence of Matariki celebrations.

The Perfect Gift To Celebrate Matariki

Celebrate Matariki with Edible Blooms Chocolate Celebration Boxes

Bring joy and flavour to your Matariki celebrations with Edible Blooms Chocolate Celebration Boxes. Perfectly crafted to complement your Matariki-inspired menu, our chocolate boxes make a delightful addition to any gathering with friends and family. Each box is filled with premium chocolates and treats, beautifully arranged to mirror the spirit of unity and gratitude. Make this Matariki season even more special with a gift that everyone can enjoy. Order now and share the sweetness of life under the festive winter sky.

Matariki Frequently Asked Questions

Is Matariki a Public Holiday?

Yes, Matariki is a public holiday in New Zealand. The introduction of Matariki as an official public holiday in 2022 reflects the country's effort to recognise and honour the cultural traditions and history of the Māori people.

What are the Stars of Matariki and What Do They Represent?

Each of the nine stars in the Matariki cluster holds its unique significance and meaning:

1. Matariki - The central star, Matariki, is often considered the 'mother' and represents health and well-being. She signifies the healing and good luck that is hoped for in the coming year.
2. Pōhutukawa - This star connects Matariki to those who have passed away, representing remembrance of loved ones.
3. Tupuānuku - This star is associated with food grown on the earth. It represents the produce harvested from the soil and the promise of future crops.
4. Tupuārangi - Linked to food from the sky, Tupuārangi encompasses the fruits, berries, and birds that are harvested from the trees.
5. Waitī - This star is tied to freshwater bodies and the creatures inhabiting them, symbolising health and well-being connected to rivers, lakes, and streams.
6. Waitā - Representing the ocean and the food it provides, Waitā is connected to marine life and the bounty of the sea.
7. Waipuna-ā-Rangi - This star is associated with the rain and its importance for growth and nourishment.
8. Ururangi - Connected to the winds, Ururangi is symbolic of the weather patterns that influence the year's cultivation and harvest.
9. Hiwa-i-te-Rangi - This star, the wishing star, is symbolic of aspirations and goals, representing the hopes and dreams for the future.

Each star within the Matariki cluster encapsulates different aspects of nature and life, embodying the holistic connection between the Māori people and the natural world.

How Can I Participate in Matariki Celebrations If I’m Not Māori?

Participating in Matariki celebrations as a non-Māori is a wonderful way to honour and respect the rich cultural heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand. Here are a few respectful ways to join in the festivities:

1. Attend Public Events: Many communities host public events during Matariki, such as cultural performances, art exhibitions, and educational workshops. These events are open to everyone and offer an opportunity to learn more about Māori traditions and values.
2. Learn and Share Stories: Matariki is a time for storytelling and sharing whakapapa (genealogy). Take time to listen to Māori legends and histories, and share what you learn with others. This can be done through books, online resources, or attending storytelling events.
3. Cook Traditional Foods: Integrate traditional Māori foods into your meals during Matariki. Try recipes that include ingredients like kūmara (sweet potato), kaimoana (seafood), and native plants like kawakawa. Sharing these meals with loved ones can deepen your understanding and appreciation of Māori culinary traditions.
4. Engage in Crafting: Create Matariki-themed crafts, such as star decorations or artwork featuring Māori symbols and motifs. This is a great activity for families and can help bring the spirit of Matariki into your home.
5. Reflect and Set Goals: Matariki is a time for reflection, remembrance, and setting goals for the future. Take part in these practices by thinking about past achievements, remembering loved ones, and setting aspirations for the coming year.

How Many Stars Are in the Matariki Cluster?

The Matariki cluster consists of nine distinct stars, each carrying a unique significance.

How Can I Spot the Matariki Cluster with the Naked Eye?

Spotting the Matariki cluster, also known as the Pleiades, with the naked eye can be a rewarding experience, bringing you closer to the celestial traditions of Māori culture. To locate Matariki in the night sky, follow these steps:

1. Choose the Right Time: The Matariki cluster is best observed just before dawn during its rising in late June and early July, which coincides with the Māori New Year.
2. Find Orion's Belt: Start by locating the constellation Orion, which is easily identified by its three bright stars forming Orion's Belt. This constellation is prominent in the night sky and serves as an excellent reference point.
3. Look to the North East: Once you've found Orion’s Belt, trace a line upwards and to the left (north-east). This path leads you towards the Matariki cluster, located in the Taurus constellation.
4. Identify the Cluster: Matariki appears as a tight formation of small, twinkling stars. While seven stars are typically visible to the naked eye under good conditions, some may be able to discern all nine stars.

Use a Sky Map or App: To further assist in locating the Matariki cluster, consider using a sky map or a stargazing app, which can provide a real-time guide to the night sky and help pinpoint the cluster.