Karakia and Waiata for Matariki

Matariki karakia are traditional Māori incantations recited during the rising of the Pleiades star cluster. These prayers serve three primary purposes: to farewell the spirits of those who have passed, to give thanks for the harvest of the past year, and to set intentions for prosperity in the coming New Year.

What is the significance of Karakia during Matariki?

In Te Ao Māori (the Māori world), words possess mana—spiritual power and authority. Karakia are not merely prayers in the Western sense; they are incantations used to establish a connection between the physical world and the spiritual realm. During Matariki, the Māori New Year, this connection becomes particularly potent.

The rising of Matariki (the Pleiades) marks a transition point in the environmental calendar. It is a time when the veil between the living and the ancestors is considered thin. Consequently, Matariki karakia lyrics are carefully composed to acknowledge the celestial bodies, the environment, and the people.

When we recite these incantations, we are performing a ritual known as whāngai i te hautapu (feeding the stars). Historically, tohunga (priests) would chant to the cluster to predict the fortunes of the coming year based on the brightness and clarity of each star. Today, while we may not all be tohunga, the use of karakia allows communities, schools, and whānau to participate in this ancient tradition, grounding themselves in gratitude and hope.

What are the protocols for reciting Karakia?

Before accessing specific lyrics, it is vital to understand the tikanga (protocols) surrounding their delivery. Karakia are sacred, and treating them with respect ensures the safety (spiritual and cultural) of everyone involved.

1. Timing and Context

Traditionally, Matariki ceremonies take place pre-dawn, just before the sun rises. This is when the stars are most visible. However, for general events, school assemblies, or dinners, karakia can be performed at the opening of the gathering. The key is intent: the karakia should be the very first thing that happens to settle the energy of the room.

2. Pronunciation

Te Reo Māori is a vowel-based language. Correct pronunciation is important to maintain the mana of the words. If you are learning, take time to listen to audio recordings. Key pronunciation tips include:

• A as in ‘car’
• E as in ‘egg’
• I as in ‘feet’
• O as in ‘or’
• U as in ‘to’

3. Tapu and Noa

Karakia often moves a group from a state of noa (common/neutral) to tapu (sacred) for the duration of a ceremony, and then back again. This is why we have opening karakia (Timatanga) and closing karakia (Whakamutunga). Food is an agent of noa, which is why eating usually happens after the formal ceremonies are concluded, to ground everyone back in the physical world.

Simple Matariki Karakia Lyrics for Opening Events

For those looking for accessible Matariki karakia lyrics to open a morning tea, a school assembly, or a workplace celebration, the following incantations are widely accepted and culturally safe for general use.

Option 1: Manawa Maiea (Welcoming the Essence)

This is a specific karakia acknowledging the arrival of Matariki. It speaks to the rising of the star and the essence of the land.

Option 2: Whakataka te Hau (Universal Opening)

While not specific only to Matariki, this is perhaps the most famous opening karakia used to clear the atmosphere and prepare a group for learning or meeting.

Karakia mō te Kai (Blessing for Food)

Matariki is historically a harvest festival. Feasting (hākari) is a central component. You must never eat food without blessing it first, especially during a cultural event. This karakia acknowledges the source of the food (the earth and sky) which is highly relevant to the stars of Matariki that govern food growth (Tupu-ā-nuku and Tupu-ā-rangi).

Waiata: Songs About the Stars for Schools

Waiata (songs) are an excellent way to embed knowledge. For schools and educational settings, singing helps with pronunciation and memory retention of the star names. The most popular waiata for this season lists the names of the stars in the cluster.

Ngā Tamariki o Matariki (The Children of Matariki)

This song is catchy, simple, and educational. It teaches the names of the stars associated with the Matariki cluster.

Lyrics:
Tīrama, tīrama, ngā whetū
Kei runga ake, i te rangi
Ko Matariki te whaea
O ngā tamariki, tamariki toa

(Chorus)
Waitī, Waitā, Waipuna-ā-rangi
Tupu-ā-nuku, Tupu-ā-rangi
Ururangi, ko Pohutukawa
Hiwa-i-te-rangi, Matariki e!

Meaning:
The song describes the stars twinkling above in the sky. It identifies Matariki as the mother and the other stars as her children. The chorus simply lists the names of the stars, making it a perfect mnemonic device for students.

The Meaning Behind the Incantations

To truly deliver a karakia with impact, one must understand the whakapapa (genealogy) behind the words. Why do we reference specific elements? In the context of Matariki karakia lyrics, we are often addressing specific domains of nature.

Connecting to the 9 Stars

While many people know Matariki as seven stars, many iwi acknowledge nine. A deep karakia might subtly reference the domains of these stars:

• Waitī & Waitā: These stars represent fresh water and salt water. Incantations referencing these ask for healthy waterways and abundant seafood.
• Tupu-ā-nuku & Tupu-ā-rangi: These represent food grown in the earth and food from the sky (birds/fruits). Karakia here are about sustenance and harvest.
• Waipuna-ā-rangi: Associated with rain. We chant for balanced weather patterns—neither drought nor flood.
• Ururangi: The winds. We ask for the winds to be favorable.
• Pohutukawa: Connected to the dead. This is the solemn part of the karakia where we weep for those lost in the past year.
• Hiwa-i-te-rangi: The wishing star. This is where the karakia turns to the future, setting goals and aspirations.

When you recite a karakia like “Manawa Maiea,” you are encapsulating all of these hopes—acknowledging the grief of Pohutukawa and the hope of Hiwa-i-te-rangi simultaneously. This balance of light and dark, past and future, is the essence of the Māori worldview.

Bringing it All Together

Integrating Matariki karakia lyrics into your celebrations is a beautiful way to honor the indigenous culture of Aotearoa. Whether you are a teacher looking for a waiata for your class, or a business leader opening a Matariki breakfast, the key ingredients are sincerity and respect.

Start with the simple “Whakataka te Hau” or “Manawa Maiea.” Ensure your pronunciation is practiced. Understand that you are not just saying words; you are participating in a tradition that has navigated the Pacific Ocean for thousands of years. By giving voice to these incantations, you help keep the spirit of Matariki alive and vibrant for future generations.