Matariki

Matariki is in the language of the New Zealand Māori name for the constellation of the Pleiades.

The position of this constellation during the year was significant for determining the correct dates of sowing and planting in the Polynesian Māori culture. It is also assumed that played a role in the Polynesian navigation. The word probably derives from Mata - riki ( "little eyes " ) from an alternative interpretation refers to Mata - ariki ( " main ( neuter ) eyes ").

When this occurs the rising of the Pleiades and Rigel in the night sky in late May or early June just before sunrise, this means in the era of Māori that the old year ends and a new one begins. The then held New Year celebrations vary in their exact date according to the different customs of the iwi, the various tribes of the Māori. Some iwi celebrate it immediately, others wait until the next full moon, still others commit it only to the next new moon. It has therefore become common practice for various private and public institutions in New Zealand, sometime to celebrate incipient between June and late July Matariki during a whole week or even a full month. There are also Iwi, which are based on a similar manner to the times of the rising Rigel.

In ancient times, Matariki was a time of celebration and for preparing the soil for planting and seeding. Victims of the country's products were presented to the gods, not least here in Rongo, a major deity of farming. This time of year was also particularly used for this purpose to introduce young people to the care of the land and forests. Also for hunting they had their importance as certain birds and fish were especially easy captured in this period.

A verwandtest hard in Hawaii called Makalii.

Holiday

From time to time attempts have been made to give Matariki in New Zealand the status of an official holiday. In particular, the Commission for the Conservation of the Maori 's language (Maori Language Commission) sees itself as the spearhead of this effort, as it is assumed that this would be a revival of the ancient language conducive.

The definition of the proposed Holidays is the rule of the first new moon after the rising of the Pleiades. These are 8 June 2005 27 June 2006 16 June 2008 24 June, 2009 14 June, 2010, June 4, 2011 June 21, 2012, June 28, 2014 June 18, 2015, June 6 2016, June 25, 2017 June 15, 2018, June 5, 2019, June 22, 2020.