The setting of Matariki
Te Tōnga a Matariki
Join Dr Rangi Matamua as he shares with us knowledge around the setting of Matariki.
Play Video about Te waka o Rangi
Join Dr Rangi Matamua as he shares with us knowledge around the setting of Matariki.
While Matariki is associated life, it also has a strong connection with death. The star Pōhutukawa in particular is associated with those whom have passed away. Once tohunga kōkōrangi have ascertained the Matariki signs for the year ahead, the community will gather together to mourn the dead. Te Tirohanga (the viewing), Te Whakamahara i ngā mate (Remembering the dead) and Te Whāngai i ngā whētu (Feeding the stars) are outlined in our free eBook here and will be discussed more during upcoming days.
Connected to the setting of Matariki is the constellation known as “Te Waka o Rangi”.
Known by a variety of names based on regionalised kōrero, Te Waka o Rangi is a canoe with Matariki (Pleiades) at the front and Tautoru (Orion’s Belt) at the back which is captained by a star named Taramainuku. Taramainuku casts his net (Te Kupenga a Taramainuku) each evening upon the Earth and hauls up the souls of those who have died that day. The spirits of the deceased are placed on his waka until the Tangaroa moons Haratua when the year ends, Matariki sets and Te waka o Rangi is seen vertical in the Western sky setting with the sun. As Matariki sets from view, we know that Taramainuku is taking our loved ones onwards to their journey into the heavens of Rarohenga.
The setting of Matariki is a time for mindfulness and reflection. It’s a time to make the most of our loved ones and spend time together to share ideas, wānanga/learn together. It’s a time to get creative with artistic pursuits and do those indoor activities.
Matariki, including its setting occurs during the Winter season when all of the crop harvests are long complete. The pātaka (pantry/larder/food store) is full and as the gardens aren’t producing as much; we eat from the preserves to get through the winter. It’s a time for winding down and keeping warm by the fire. The woodshed should be full from the activities in the warmer seasons to stock up on firewood and keep the whare (home) adequately fuelled.