Matariki vs Pleiades

Matariki Vs Pleiades

Introduction - Arina

Friday the 15th of June marks the day of the Maori New Year

also known as Matariki. Matariki is a time to honour those who have passed

away and think about our future. Matariki is also the name for a cluster

of stars seen in the sky over Aotearoa in late May or early June. The star

cluster Matariki is also known by another name, Pleiades. Matariki and

Pleiades share many similarities and differences  

Cultural Myths - Georgia

One similarity is that both Matariki and Pleiades are

important cultural events. Matariki comes from the Maori

people of Aotearoa, where as Pleiades comes from Greece in

Southern Europe.

English Meaning - Isaac

Both Pleiades and Matariki have English names. Matariki is translated

in English as the eyes of god or little eyes. However Pleiades is known in

English as the seven sisters.

Sisters - Caroline

Both Matariki and Pleiades feature stories including sisters. For many

Maori Matariki is the mother of six daughters. However in Greece

there are only six sisters as one was punished for marrying a mortal.

Many Myths - Jack

Both Pleiades and Matariki have very different and special myths

about why and how it happens. One myth in Maori has Tane Mahuta

jealous of a bright star hurling the star and causing it to a splinter into

seven pieces. One Greek myth has Zeus turning the daughters

of Atlas into stars and placing them in the sky.

Overall we believe learning about Matariki helps us to understand and

connect with Maori culture of the past in an interesting way. Some

ways you could celebrate Matariki this year are learning about the

myths, making kites and sharing kai during a hangi.