Matariki, Pōhutukawa and Hiwa-i-te-rangi

The three stars we are learning about is:

Matariki, Pōhutukawa, and Hiwa-i-te-rangi.

• We learned that the Matariki star cluster is visible in other countries too. They just have a different name.
• Matariki is known by many other names around the world, such as:

• • Pleiades (Greek and English speaking countries) 

  • Seven Sisters (Greek mythology) 

  • Messier 45 (Croatia) 

  • M45

  • Krittika (India) 

  • Subaru (Japan)

  • Mao; The Hairy Head of the White Tiger (China)

  • Mul Mul (Babylonian)

  • Freyja’s Hends (Norse mythology the Vikings

We learned about the mum star and decide to link it to a whakataukī : 

Tukua kia tu takitahi nga whetu o te Rangi

Let each star in the sky shine it’s own light

Look at our beautiful art!!

We have learnt that the star in the cluster of Matariki named Pohutukawa represents those who have passed away. At Matariki we remember them. This is what we have made to remember our loved ones. Weaving stars.

Hiwa-i-te-Rangi is the youngest star in the Matariki cluster.

Hiwa-i-te-rangi is the star that is connected to the promise of a prosperous season. It is also known as the wishing star. Māori traditionally would use this star to set their desires and dreams for the year, commonly known now as New Year’s resolutions.
You can look upon this star to set goals and resolutions for the year to come.

We made a wishing tree and everyone wrote their wishes on the tree.