Matariki
Matariki is the name of a cluster of stars which is visible in our night sky at a specific time of the year. In June/July Matariki will reappear in the dawn sky - signalling the start of the maori year.
It is a time to celebrate new life and remember those who have passed and to plan for the future. And it is a time to spend with family and friends - to share food and songs and games.
Maori ancestors would look to Matariki for help with their harvesting. When Matariki disappeared in April/May, it was a time to preserve crops for the winter season. When it reappeared in June/July, the ancestors would read the stars to predict the coming season - clear and bright stars predicted a warm and abundant winter while hazy stars warned of a bleak winter.
Matariki has nine visible stars, according to leading maori astronomer, Dr Rangi Matamua, who’s been researching the Matariki for over 30 years. As part of his research Dr Rangi Matamua his ancestors were able to see nine stars. The nine visible stars include: Matariki, Tupuārangi, Waipuna-ā-Rangi, Waitī, Tupuānuku, Ururangi, Waitā, Pōhutukawa and Hiwa-i-te-Rangi.
Salve Leyla,
ReplyDeleteYour facts are great. Where is your reflection? What were you learning? What did you find easy/tricky? What would you change next time? Use the Learning Intention you glued into your book to answer these questions and then you can update your blog.
Mā te wā,
Mrs Naden
Kia Ora Leyla, I am Nora from waikowhai primary school. I really enjoyed reading your blog about Matariki. Your blog gave loads of great information about Matariki! Have you thought about changing the font and maybe get a screenshot of the Matariki stars form the web? Instead of saying "food and songs and games" you can add a comma to it. I didn't know that Dr Rangi Matamua had been researching Matariki for 30 years! Blog you later!😜
ReplyDeleteKonichiwa Nora,
DeleteI am sorry I hadn't replied to you. Thank you for the ideas about how to make my blog post better. Next time I will add a photo of the Matariki stars!
Mā te wā,
Leyla