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The traditional Māori lunar calendar, known as the maramataka, offers a unique and profound connection to the environment, culture, and time that has been intrinsic to Māori life for centuries. This ancient knowledge system, which marks the Māori New Year around June/July with the reappearance of the star cluster Matariki, is much more than a timekeeping system. It is an ecological and cultural framework that links lunar cycles to environmental signs (tohu), guiding daily and seasonal activities in harmony with nature.
The maramataka, meaning "the moon turning," is a lunar-stellar calendar system tied to natural environmental patterns. Each iwi (tribe) developed their unique maramataka based on local environmental observations, allowing them to predict optimal times for planting, harvesting, fishing, ceremonies, and community events. For example, some phases of the moon were considered better for planting crops, while others were better suited for fishing or holding important rituals such as baptisms or hui (meetings).
The maramataka structures the traditional Māori year around natural cycles and seasonal markers, like the flowering of pohutukawa or the arrival of migratory birds, which help indicate changes in the environment and appropriate activities at those times. This holistic worldview, where time, nature, and daily life are deeply interwoven, embodies the Māori tradition and cultural identity.
In recent years, researchers have begun investigating the connection between maramataka and various aspects of the natural world. For instance, Plant & Food Research is exploring the potential benefits of maramataka in understanding honey bee behaviour, providing insights for beekeepers. Meanwhile, researchers have started tracking a maramataka in Antarctica by observing tohu to help track environmental change.
Museums, such as the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, offer resources on the maramataka, including information about the nights, months, and learning resources. Astronomy and maramataka expert Rereata Makiha shares his work through articles on RNZ and E-Tangata. The Spinoff also features articles on general knowledge of marama within the Maramataka, as well as key dates for particular years.
One contemporary example of the maramataka's significance is Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke, who is helping her people connect to the taiao (environment) through māra kai (gardening) and mātauranga Māori tied to the maramataka. By understanding the maramataka, Māori can maintain an ongoing relationship with the environment and continue to pass down centuries-old traditional ecological knowledge across generations.
In conclusion, the maramataka is not just a calendar; it is a testament to the wisdom and deep connection Māori have with their environment and culture. By rediscovering this ancient knowledge system, we can better understand and appreciate the rich tapestry of Māori tradition and identity.
- The maramataka, being a lunar-stellar calendar system, has been leveraged in modern science, with researchers investigating its connection to honey bee behavior and environmental change in Antarctica.
- In the realm of environmental-science and space-and-astronomy, maramataka expert Rereata Makiha shares his work, providing insights on the maramataka and its relevance in today's world, including the significance of māra kai (gardening) and mātauranga Māori tied to the maramataka.
