1. The name of a star cluster: Matariki is the Māori name for the Pleiades star cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters. This cluster is a significant astronomical marker for Māori, marking the beginning of the Māori New Year.
2. The Māori New Year celebration: Matariki is also the name of the festival that celebrates the Māori New Year, which typically falls in late May or early June. This celebration is a time for reflection, remembrance of ancestors, and looking forward to the coming year.
Therefore, Matariki can refer to both a specific group of stars and the broader celebration that revolves around them.