Celebrating Matariki

Earlier in June we celebrated 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.

In the early 2000s the Māori Language Commission, the Ministry of Education and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, became involved in the revival of Matariki celebrations.

Traditionally, Matariki was both a time to commemorate those who had passed on, and celebrate a time of plenty when stores were abundant from horticulture, hunting and fishing.

         
Jax, Mitchell, Caroline, Rowan and Kate all shared speeches about Matariki and we learnt a lot. We also learnt some string games for Matariki.We have decided to share our string games with you. Enjoy!

           

Games, as arts of pleasure, are an integral part of Māori life. Games are not restricted to a time or a place. This is particularly evident during Matariki festivities. Throughout pre-European New Zealand, the great Matariki Festivals were the annual catalyst for a broad spectrum of games development, invention and experimentation.
Star:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=Vj6x-hiEnx0&NR=1

Witches broom / parachute:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmWerCnJf3o&feature=endscreen&NR=1

Check out our videos to watch Ruby, Matthew, Alicia and Jax demonstrate their string games!!!