Matariki

WALT use visual language.
For writing we are learning about Matariki.
I found it hard to write about the nine stars.
I found it easy to write about what happens and Matariki.
I tried to use subheadings.

What is Matariki?
Matariki is the Maori name for the 9 sisters and cluster of stars that appear during June and July. It was a time for family, food, games, and haka.  Our ancestors used it to predict the weather- if it was hard to see the stars separately it meant that they would not have much harvest. However, if the stars were easily seen by the naked eye, it meant the crops would flourish and they would have lots of food.
Maori use the Maori calendar, not the European calendar, so the dates for Matariki change every year.

The Matariki Legends
Other parts of the world see Matariki, but they see a different perspective. The Japanese see 5 stars and call it “Subaru.” In Greece they call it “Pleiades.” In the Maori culture Matariki is the Mother of the 8 daughters, also part of the nine stars.

The Nine Stars of Matariki

What is Matariki?

Matariki is the Maori name for the 9 sisters and cluster of stars that appear during June and July. It was a time for family, food, games, and haka.  Our ancestors used it to predict the weather- if it was hard to see the stars separately it meant that they would not have much harvest. However, if the stars were easily seen by the naked eye, it meant the crops would flourish and they would have lots of food.

Maori use the Maori calendar, not the European calendar, so the dates for Matariki change every year.

The Matariki Legends

Other parts of the world see Matariki, but they see a different perspective. The Japanese see 5 stars and call it “Subaru.” In Greece they call it “Pleiades.” In the Maori culture Matariki is the Mother of the 8 daughters, also part of the nine stars.

The Nine Stars of Matariki

*This picture does not include all stars.

Matariki is the star that represents reflection, hope, and the gathering of people. She is also part of the health of people.
Pohutukawa is the star connected to the ones that have passed away.
Wati, the twin of Waita is the star connected to fresh water, as in, rivers, lakes, and also the animals that live in them.
 Twin of Wati, Waita is the star connected with the ocean and the seafood within it.
Waipuna-a-rangi is connected to the rain.
Tupuanuku is connected with everything that grows in the earth and is harvested.
Tupuarangi is connected with things that grow in the trees, like manu (birds) and berries.
Ururangi is the star associated with the wind.
Hiwa-i-te-rangi is the star connected with granting our wishes.