Celebrate Matariki

Matariki, the Māori New Year, is a time of profound significance in Aotearoa New Zealand. Marked by the reappearance of the Matariki star cluster in the winter skies, it's a period for reflection, remembrance, and renewal. More than just a date on the calendar, Matariki provides an opportunity to connect with whānau (family), honour ancestors, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future.

As the days grow shorter and the nights colder, Matariki invites us to pause and appreciate the abundance of the past year while setting intentions for the year to come. Whether you're of Māori descent or simply seeking to engage with the unique cultural tapestry of New Zealand, celebrating Matariki offers a chance to learn, grow, and participate in a meaningful tradition. This guide will provide you with practical steps and ideas to respectfully and authentically celebrate Matariki.

With the official recognition of Matariki as a public holiday, understanding and embracing this celebration has become even more important. Let's explore ways to honour the traditions and values associated with Matariki, ensuring its legacy continues for generations to come.

Step 1: Gather for a Mid-Winter Feast

Embrace the spirit of togetherness by hosting or attending a mid-winter feast with friends and whānau. Traditionally, this is a time to share kai (food) that has been harvested and stored throughout the year. This aligns with the cooler season, a time for gathering and enjoying the fruits of past labour. Consider incorporating traditional Māori ingredients like kūmara (sweet potato), puha (sow thistle), and seafood into your menu. Prepare and share food as an act of hospitality and connection.

Think about hosting a breakfast feast to coincide with the early morning visibility of the Matariki stars, or opt for a more traditional dinner or lunch celebration. Don’t be afraid to be creative with your menu while remaining mindful of the cultural significance of sharing food during this time. Ensure there are options for diverse dietary needs.

A warmly lit dining table overflowing with food; various dishes made with kūmara, seafood, and foraged greens are visible. People of different ages and backgrounds are laughing and talking, passing dishes around the table. Soft bokeh suggests a family gathering.

Step 2: Light a Candle in Remembrance

Matariki is intrinsically linked to remembrance and honoring those who have passed in the preceding year. Lighting a candle serves as a powerful symbolic gesture to acknowledge their journey and keep their memories alive. This act of remembrance can be a deeply personal experience or shared with loved ones. Consider sharing stories or memories of those being honored as the candle burns. This provides an important space for reflection and healing.

If you are away from family, lighting a candle can be a solitary act of connection to your heritage and those you have lost. You may want to choose a candle with a natural scent reminiscent of the outdoors. Ensure the candle is placed safely and supervised at all times.

A close-up shot of a hand gently placing a lit candle on a windowsill. The flame flickers softly, casting a warm glow on a framed photograph in the background. Subtle side-lighting highlights the texture of the wooden windowsill.

Step 3: Record Your Aspirations for the Future

Looking forward is a core tenet of Matariki celebrations. Take time to reflect on your hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the coming year. Document these aspirations either in writing, through video, or even through art. Consider what you wish to achieve, experiences you long to have, places you want to visit, and people you hope to connect with. The act of recording these intentions helps to solidify your goals and provides a point of reference to revisit throughout the year.

Be specific and realistic in your aspirations, but also allow yourself to dream big. This process can be done individually or as a group activity with whānau or friends, sharing your aspirations and supporting one another's goals. This is a beautiful tradition to revisit year after year to see how far you've come.

A person sitting at a desk, writing in a journal by the light of a lamp. The desk is cluttered with art supplies and inspirational objects. A laptop sits open nearby, displaying a video editing program. Soft focus on the background highlights the importance of the written word.

Step 4: Connect with Nature

Matariki coincides with the cooler months of the year, a time when the natural world undergoes a visible transformation. Take time to spend outdoors, observing and appreciating the unique beauty of this season. Look up at the night sky and attempt to locate the Matariki star cluster. Explore your local neighborhood, paying attention to the streams, rivers, and trees. Visit a familiar place that you typically frequent in the summer and note the differences in its appearance during Pipiri.

Connecting with nature helps foster a sense of connection to the environment and a deeper appreciation for the cycles of the natural world. Dress warmly and be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions. Consider joining a guided nature walk to learn more about local flora and fauna.

A wide shot of a person walking along a riverbank on a crisp winter morning. Frost covers the ground, and the trees are bare. The person is bundled in a warm coat and hat, looking up at the sky. Golden hour lighting paints the scene in warm tones.

Step 5: Share Stories and Play Games

Matariki is a time for joy, laughter, and strengthening bonds. Disconnect from technology and engage in traditional pastimes like storytelling and games. Turn off the TV, put away electronic devices, and engage in playful activities with family and friends. Share personal stories, read books aloud, or recount tales from your family history. Play board games, card games, or outdoor games that encourage interaction and laughter.

Consider learning traditional Māori games like poi or stick games. Storytelling provides an opportunity to share cultural knowledge and strengthen intergenerational connections. Remember, the goal is to create a fun and engaging atmosphere that fosters connection and shared experiences.

A group of people sitting on a rug indoors, playing a board game. Laughter fills the air as one person reaches for a game piece. A warm fire crackles in the background, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Close-up shot on hands and game pieces.

Step 6: Create a Community Matariki Ritual

Extend the celebration of Matariki by organizing a community ritual. Bring together members of your school class, neighborhood, workplace, or sports team to create a shared experience that incorporates elements of fire and warmth, food, reflection, aspirations, storytelling, nature, and games. Brainstorm ideas collectively and design a ritual that reflects the values and interests of your community.

This could involve a potluck dinner, a bonfire with storytelling, a tree planting ceremony, or a collaborative art project. The key is to create a meaningful experience that strengthens community bonds and celebrates the spirit of Matariki. Ensure the event is inclusive and respectful of cultural traditions.

A group of people gathered around a bonfire outdoors. Some people are roasting marshmallows, while others are sharing stories. The flames cast a warm glow on their faces. The bonfire is safely contained within a fire pit.

Step 7: Learn and Share the Origins of Matariki

Deepen your understanding and appreciation of Matariki by learning about its origins and sharing your knowledge with others. Begin with the traditional Māori creation story, which explains how the god of the wind, Tāwhirimātea, tore out his eyes and threw them into the heavens, forming the Matariki constellation. Research other aspects of Matariki mythology, including the significance of each star in the cluster.

Share your knowledge with friends, family, and colleagues through conversations, presentations, or social media posts. Educating others about Matariki helps to promote cultural understanding and appreciation. Consult reputable sources, such as Te Papa Tongarewa, for accurate information.

An open book displaying illustrations of the Matariki star cluster and the Māori creation story. A hand points to the illustration of Tāwhirimātea. Warm, diffused lighting highlights the book's pages.

Pro Tips

Respectful Engagement: While adapting celebrations, avoid appropriating or misrepresenting Māori cultural practices. Consult with local Māori communities for guidance on respectful engagement.
Seasonal Foods: Focus on locally sourced, seasonal foods for your Matariki feast to reflect the connection to the land.
Mindful Reflection: Create a quiet space for personal reflection and contemplation during the Matariki period.

FAQ Section

Q: When is the best time to view the Matariki star cluster?

A: The best time to view Matariki is early morning, just before dawn, typically in late June or early July.

Q: How long does the Matariki celebration last?

A: Matariki can be celebrated for as long as the star cluster is visible in the sky, typically a few weeks.

Q: Is it appropriate for non-Māori to celebrate Matariki?

A: Yes, anyone can celebrate Matariki, but it's essential to do so respectfully and with an understanding of its cultural significance.

Conclusion

Celebrating Matariki is more than just a festive occasion; it's an opportunity to connect with culture, community, and the natural world. By following these steps, you can engage in meaningful and respectful celebrations that honor the traditions of the Māori New Year. Remember to prioritize reflection, remembrance, and renewal as you embrace this special time of year. From sharing a feast with loved ones to reflecting on aspirations for the future, Matariki offers a pathway to growth, connection, and cultural understanding.