Matariki

Matariki is the traditional celebration of the end of the year in Aotearoa New Zealand.

In the Maori lunar calendar, the shorter winter days are marked by the rising of the star cluster Pleiades, called Matariki in Maori. This year, for the very first time in the country's history since colonisation, the celebration of that event, also called Matariki, has been a National Holiday. It is a momentous occasion for this is the first time an indigenous celebration has been officially recognised nation-wide in any colonised country. Matariki is a time to reflect on the year, a time to remember loved ones who are near and far, and a time to remember those who have come before us. 

In recognition of Matariki, the blog this week is just one entry. Wherever you are on the planet, here is a wish for the year to come, a nod to the year that has been, and a heartfelt thanks to you, our worldwide family and friends. Just as the stars continue to rise in the velvet sky, so may our stars shine brightly in this amazing and beautiful world to which we all belong.