Embracing Matariki: Reflecting and Renewing through Housekeeping

Camilla Yang • May 22, 2024

As Matariki, the Māori New Year, approaches, we are reminded of the profound significance of this celestial event across Aotearoa.


Matariki heralds a time of renewal, reflection, and cultural connection — a moment deeply rooted in Mātauranga Māori, ancestral wisdom that guides us through these celebrations. At the heart of Matariki lies the essence of family, remembrance, and hope for the future. In this blog we will explore these themes and how they resonate powerfully with the principles of housekeeping and caring for our homes.

Matariki: A Time of Cultural Celebration

Matariki, a star cluster also known as Pleiades, holds great cultural importance in New Zealand, particularly within Māori communities. The Māori New Year is steeped in the values of mātauranga Māori — ancestral knowledge and wisdom, which guide the celebrations. This occasion embraces several core themes:


1. Remembrance and Reflection: One pivotal aspect of Matariki is honouring those who have passed since the last rising of the stars. This period encourages reflection on the memories and legacies of loved ones. Similarly, in the context of housekeeping, clearing, and cleaning spaces can be a reflective practice. Just as the land is prepared for planting during Matariki, tidying our living spaces clears out stagnation and ushers in freshness. It's a symbolic gesture of sweeping away the old to make way for the new – both physically and spiritually. Sorting through possessions and tidying areas can also evoke memories and allow for the honouring of cherished moments.


2. Celebration of the Present: Matariki is a time of gathering as a community and being thankful for the present. Families come together, sharing meals and stories, expressing gratitude for life’s blessings. Housekeeping becomes a means of nurturing this connection – providing a welcoming, comfortable space where families can come together in celebration and unity. A clean, welcoming home becomes the backdrop for joyful gatherings and heartfelt connections. In relation, our housekeepers and room attendants at our client hotels across New Zealand provide a clean and welcoming space so hotel guests can feel like they are at their home away from home.


3. Embracing New Beginnings: Looking to the future with hope and optimism is another central theme of Matariki. It symbolises planting new crops and setting intentions for the coming year. In the context of housekeeping, preparing the home for Matariki can involve decluttering and organising – a symbolic gesture of making space for new opportunities and positive energies. A tidy home creates a harmonious atmosphere that invites positive energies. A clean environment also fosters clarity of thought and renewed purpose. In essence, Matariki invites us to integrate the principles of renewal and reflection into our everyday lives, including keeping our homes tidy. As we cleanse our homes in preparation for this auspicious occasion on the New Zealand calendar, we emulate the spirit of cultural renewal and the anticipation of new beginnings. At ahs hospitality, we embrace this time of celebration and connection, honouring the past, celebrating the present, and looking forward to the promise of a new year — both in the cosmos and within the walls of our homes.

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