Matariki - Māori New Year

The Māori New Year just began, and is marked by the rising of a constellation of seven stars called "Matariki". There are two explanations of the name Matariki: mata-riki (small eyes) or mata-ariki (chiefly eyes). In Greek mythology, this same group of stars has been referred to as "the Pleiades" (the Seven Sisters).

For the Māori, the rising of Matariki signaled a time to celebrate and prepare the grounds for the next growing season. In the 21st century, New Zealanders celebrate in a variety of ways, including dances, songs, and plenty of hangi (food cooked in a ground oven).

Yesterday, I went to Te Papa museum to watch Torotoro, a dance troup from Auckland, perform