The Horowhenua Astronomical Society is teaming up with the Muaupoko Tribal Authority and Te Takere (Levin library, community & cultural centre) to celebrate Matariki during the month of June. There are a number of events from the 5th to 26th of June, and we will be involved in several of them. To help you find Matariki, download this handy guide prepared by Ian Cooper. Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades. It rises just once a year, in mid-winter – late May or early June. For many Māori, it heralds the start of a new year. Matariki literally means the ‘eyes of god’ (mata ariki) or ‘little eyes’ (mata riki). According to myth, when Ranginui, the sky father, and Papatūānuku, the earth mother, were separated by their children, the god of the winds, Tāwhirimātea, became so angry that he tore out his eyes and threw them into the heavens. It is traditionally a time for remembering ancestors, but with plenty of food in the storehouses, it was also a time for singing, dancing and feasting. HASI will be involved in the following activities at Te Takere, so please come along and support or assist where ever possible:-
Regards, Mike |
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