Matariki

The seven stars of Matariki can be seen by the naked eye in the night sky.

The names of the seven stars are

• Alcyone – Matariki, eyes of Tāwhirimātea
• Atlas – Tupu-ā-rangi, sky tohunga
• Electra – Waipuna-ā-rangi, sky spring
• Taygeta – Waitī, sweet water
• Pleione – Tupu-ā-nuku, Earth tohunga
• Merope – Ururangi, entry to the heavens
• Maia – Waitā, sprinkle of water

Killed birds were often stored in their own fat as there were no refrigerators and
freezers in the past.

It is said that if the stars of Matariki are dull and hazy when it is cold. 

When there are a lot of bright stars in the sky and the sky is clear it is a
good time to grow crops.