‘Ōte’a Matari’i I Ni’a - Hiti Mahana

Tumu Parau: Matariʻi i Niʻa
Group ʻŌteʻa
Te ʻOri Ora Competition 2024 - Miami, FL
Pupu ʻOri: Hiti Mahana

We look up towards the sky and realize Matariʻi i Niʻa is upon us! The trees are growing, the flowers are blooming, and vegetation is plentiful. The land is full of life!

It is the Tahitian New Year, which occurs around November 20th, when the Pleiades constellation, Matariʻi, appears i Niʻa, meaning above in the Polynesian skies. The constellation rises in the east simultaneously as the sun sets in the west. This is the beginning of a new season, a period of abundance and fertility, a joyful time for the Māʻohi people who believe that the constellation is ʻOro himself.

ʻOro is here back on Earth, the God of fertility. He slides down on a rainbow, blessing us with rain and the season of peace and rejuvenation. For six months, the land produces lavish fruit and harvest, and the fish are plentiful. An opening to the spiritual circle through the tasting of kava allows for great celebration.

ʻOro is the protector of the ʻArioi, the revered and mystical sect of people, believed to be the reincarnation and representatives of the God ʻOro himself. For everywhere they go, they are highly respected and bless the places they touch, because ʻOro lives through them.

Every year, when we gaze at Matariʻi, we celebrate all that is Tahiti! We dance joyfully as we express gratitude to the fenua and moana for having kept the promises of feeding the people and enabling them to heal themselves thanks to the virtues of the flora.

Letʻs rejoice. Matariʻi i niʻa is here!

Costume
Our ahu ʻōteʻa is made of entirely fresh materials, incorporating ʻautī (ti leaves), foliage and flora, to represent the plant life and plentiful vegetation that is brought by Matariʻi i Niʻa.