Matariki

Matariki is a cluster of seven stars that awaken in late May, early June and late June. They appear in the early morning Eastern sky. Matariki is known for many names, like little eyes, eyes of God and other names.

Myths, legends, and stories

They are a lot of myths, legends and stories about how Matariki became, well,Matariki. The most known story for Matariki was when Tawhirimatea (God of the wind) became so angry that he tore out his eyes and threw them into the heavens. Now, they twinkle up there forever. 

Traditional times

Traditions have changed a lot in Matariki. Nowadays, people celebrate Matariki wake up early and try to find Matariki in the Eastern sky. However, in the olden days, the maori's caught big birds like takahe with snares . They also caught lots of fish. Afterwards, they would cook it in a hāngi and preserve the meat in fat. They grew lots of crops to eat with their hāngi. It was a time for dancing, laughter and feasting.

Kites

Lots of Maori's flew kites because they thought that it would reach up to the Matariki stars.

In conclusion, Matariki was celebrated in many ways around through out the years.