What does matariki mean in English?

Matariki is a Māori word, and it doesn't have a direct translation into English. However, the closest English equivalent would be:

"Eyes of God"

This is because Matariki refers to a cluster of stars that are also known as the Pleiades in English. The Māori people see these stars as the eyes of the god Tāwhirimātea, the god of the winds and weather.

While "Eyes of God" is the closest translation, it doesn't fully capture the cultural significance of Matariki for the Māori people. It is much more than just a star cluster; it is a time of celebration, reflection, and remembrance, marking the beginning of the Māori New Year.