MATARIKI LIGHT TABLE PUZZLES - Matariki Cluster or Puanga, Manu Tukutuku (Kite) and Collage Image of "What Matariki Means to Us"
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Let the stars shine through!
By doing puzzles on a light table, brings the images to life. The Cluster looks like the star are shining through.
The below information comes with each resource:
Matariki Cluster
Matariki is the Māori name for the small cluster of stars. In Aotearoa/New Zealand it comes into view in the last days of May or in early June. This heralds the “Maori New Year”. For Iwi, the importance of Matariki has been captured in proverbs and songs. Matariki literally means the ‘Eyes of God’ (Mata Ariki) or ‘Little Eyes’ (Mata Riki). Traditionally, Māori were keen observers of the night sky, determining from the stars the time and seasons, and using them to navigate the oceans. For Māori, this time signified planning, remembrance and celebration.
Puanga
Puanga features in the sky just prior to Matariki and is seen as a precursor to Matariki. For the Iwi of Taranaki and Whanganui, Puanga is the significant star to celebrate the New Year. During Puanga we celebrate our unique place in the world. We give respect to our land (whenua) on which we live, and admiration to our mother earth (Papatuanuku). Throughout Puangai we learn about those who came before us, our history, our family. Puanga signals growth. It’s a time of change, it’s a time to prepare, it’s a time for action and a time to celebrate. During Puanga we acknowledge what we have and what we have to give. Puanga celebrates the diversity of life. It’s a celebration of culture, language, spirit and people.
Manu Tukutuku
Kite flying traditions have a highly symbolic connection to Matariki; the two were historically inseparable. Kites were seen as connectors between the heavens and earth. Kites welcomed Matariki. In modern times, fireworks etc, symbolising kites are used.
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During Matariki we celebrate our unique place in the world. We give respect to our land (whenua) on which we live, and admiration to our mother earth (Papatuanuku). Throughout Matariki we learn about those who came before us, our history, our family. Matariki signals growth. It’s a time of change, it’s a time to prepare, it’s a time for action and a time to celebrate. During Matariki we acknowledge what we have and what we have to give. Matariki celebrates the diversity of life. It’s a celebration of culture, language, spirit and people.