May 20th Marks a Sacred Date in the Ancestral Mā’ohi Calendar: The Beginning of Matari’i i Raro
This symbolic period announces the end of abundance (Matari’i i Ni’a) and the arrival of a more modest season, centered on reflection, resilience, and reconnection with the land.
A Cosmic Milestone in Polynesian Culture
Matari’i i Raro literally means “the Pleiades down below.” In ancient times, constellations—especially the Matari’i (Pleiades)—served as celestial compasses for our tupuna (ancestors). Their movement in the night sky marked the beginning of a new life cycle, not dictated by the Gregorian calendar, but by natural and cosmic rhythms. This season, stretching from May to November, traditionally corresponds to a relative scarcity of food resources: fewer crops, less bounty from the sea. It called for collective resource management, a return to the essentials, and the strengthening of family and community ties.
A Time to Care: For the Land, for Others, for Ourselves
In the Polynesian worldview, abundance is not a given right, but a blessing to be shared and preserved. During Matari’i i Raro, people observe and respect nature’s signs: lunar cycles, star movements, plant growth, and animal behavior. Sacred sites (marae) are maintained, and homage is paid to the ancestors. Solidarity within villages, families, and communities is reinforced. Sharing, exchange, and moderation guide daily life. This is also a time of transmission, where elders teach younger generations about navigation, fishing, farming, traditional medicine, and the chants and legends of Polynesia.
A Modern Call to Reconnection
Even though society has evolved, the message of Matari’i i Raro remains deeply relevant. It reminds us of the importance of consuming responsibly, protecting our natural and cultural heritage, doing business ethically and with respect for local values, and promoting sustainable, community-based economic models aligned with island realities. May the spirit of Matari’i i Raro inspire us to slow down, listen to nature, reconnect with our roots, and build together a balanced and respectful future.
