We are a class of Year 3 & 4 children at Vardon School in Hamilton, NZ. The purpose of this blog is to share what we are learning with others. Click into our individual blogs to see samples of our learning and our reflections. WE LOVE LEARNING!!! We also love commenting, so please leave us a comment!!!



Thursday, June 21, 2012

Matariki

Information on Matariki


This week, on the 21st June, New Zealand will celebrate Matariki.

What is Matariki?
Matariki is the Māori name for the star cluster known as the Pleiades.
Traditionally for Māori, when it appeared just before dawn in late May or early June, it signalled the start of the Māori New Year. For some tribes, the rising of Puanga (Rigel in Orion) signals the start of the New Year.

When is Matariki?
Different tribes celebrated Matariki at different times. For some it was when Matariki rose in May/June. For others it was celebrated at the first new moon, or full moon, following the rising of Matariki. In the 21st century it is the new moon following the rising of Matariki that signals the New Year.
Read our previous post... our voicethread about what we learnt about matatriki.
What did you learn?
What questions do you have?
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1 comment:

  1. Powerful Learners in Room 7!June 22, 2012 at 2:45 PM

    To Room 7

    I know lots about Matariki. Matariki has two meanings Mata Riki means tiny eyes and Mata ariki means eyes of god.This is why we celebrate Matriki today Matariki means celebrating the unique place in which we live and giving respect to the land we live on.

    From Victoria

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