MAtariki

   How do people celebrate Matariki ?

Matariki is a Maori new year, Maori in New Zealand celebrate Matariki. 

Whanau gathering - This is a time when extended whanau get together to celebrate the new year.

Preparing Matariki breakfast - People get up early in the morning before sun rise, To make a big feed for the big whanau to celebrate Matariki new year, During the night time looking at the stars which is considered good luck.

Harvesting crops - It is the time to cut ripe crops to grow new seeds in the fields.

Fly kites - Maori make special kind of kites that are made out of flax or sticks, They also have Kite flying competitions during the new year.

Fishing - It is the time to catch fish, to cook it and have a feast under the 7 Matariki stars.

Remembering Ancestors - Families remember their ancestors whom have gone or remember the good times they had with them.

Narrating legends - People from different sides have different legends about the Matariki legend.

Pepe rama - These are paper lanterns that are flown in the sky during the night sky. These lanterns are flown for their ancestors who have passed away. People also go to their graves to put flowers or food.