Maramataka the lunar calendar

For thousands of years the lunar calendar formed the basis of cultural life in Oceania, indicating appropriate times to stop or start various activities. In Aotearoa however, the maramataka had to undergo considerable adaptation to a southern hemisphere sky, seasons, and most particularly, a temperate, as opposed to tropical, climate.

FROM OCEANIA TO AOTEAROA

While remaining faithful to its underpinning holistic, relational and spiritual values, the maramataka was gradually refined and reconstructed in order to meet and utilise fully the newly encountered conditions, habitats and environs of the new home.