Here's a breakdown:
1. Astronomical Observation:
* Matariki's reappearance: Matariki, the Pleiades, becomes visible in the pre-dawn sky around mid-June in the Southern Hemisphere.
* Position of Matariki: Māori observe the position of Matariki relative to other stars and constellations, noting its rising point and its movement in the sky.
2. Environmental Cues:
* Weather patterns: Māori observe the weather patterns and changes in the natural world. These include:
* The arrival of the kōtuku (white heron) and the return of other migratory birds: These birds often return around the same time as Matariki.
* Changes in the temperature: The weather begins to cool down and there's a noticeable drop in temperature.
* The ripening of certain fruits and vegetables: This signifies the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the new year.
* Lunar cycle: The lunar cycle is also observed. The new moon closest to the reappearance of Matariki often signals the beginning of Matariki celebrations.
In essence, Matariki isn't just about the appearance of the star cluster, but rather a holistic understanding of the changing seasons and the natural world. This knowledge was passed down through generations and forms an integral part of Māori cultural practices.
The specific date of Matariki varies slightly each year due to the slight shift in the earth's orbit. However, it generally falls between June and July. In 2023, Matariki will officially begin on Friday, June 23rd for Aotearoa (New Zealand).
It's important to remember that the specific observations and practices associated with Matariki vary between different iwi (tribes) and hapū (sub-tribes).