Matariki

Matariki

Matariki are seven stars, called the seven sisters. The names are:

Waipuna-a-rangi - Atlas

Uru-a-rangi - Pleione

Tupu-a-rangi - Maia

Tupu-a-nuku - Taygeta

Matariki - Alcyone

Waiti - Merope

Waita - Electra

Matariki marks the beginning of the Maori New Year. Matariki means "Eyes of God".

Legend of Matariki

Some say that when Ranginui(the sky father) and Papatuanuku (the earth mother) were separated by their children. Tawhirimatea(the god of the winds) became angry, tearing out his eyes and hurling them into the heavens.
Another legend says that Matariki is the mother surrounded by her six daughters, Tupu-a-nuku, Tupu-a-rangi, Waiti, Waita, Waipuna-a-rangi and Uru-a-rangi. One legend explains that Matariki and her daughters appear to assist the sun, Te Ra, whose winter journey from the north has left him weakened. 

Information about celebrating Matariki

The rise of the star cluster Matariki in the pre-dawn sky marks the beginning of the Maori New Year. Most Matariki celebrations start on the New Moon (Mutuwhenua) after the appearance of the Matariki. Some iwi believe it is the rise of the Puanga star that marks Matariki.