The Approach of Matariki
According to Maori tradition, 14th June 2010 is a day to be celebrated!
Around this time our geographical location provides for a unique marker of the New Year, where the Pleiades constellation of stars (or Matariki in Maori) start to be seen before sunrise (usually at the beginning of June, with a different date each year). Matariki is one of the most important Maori festivals as it signifies the optimum time to start preparing the ground and planting crops, marked by celebration, and reflection on the past and future – the preference being to engage in a range of creative festivities over a period of one to three weeks rather than just the single day.
Julie Paama-Pengelly, author of ‘Maori Art and Design’ is available to be interviewed about the Matariki celebrations and traditions and also discuss her brand new book, which has been published by New Holland in time for this yearly event.
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