Story: Maramataka – the lunar calendar

Phases of the moon

Phases of the moon

The Maramataka, the Māori calendar, was based on lunar months. Each night had a name and a specific characteristic. This handwritten chart shows some of the key phases of the moon as described by Matiti Kūhā of Kaipara.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Polynesian Society Collection
Reference: MS-Papers-1187-184-004

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Paul Meredith, 'Maramataka – the lunar calendar - Lunar months', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/diagram/5382/phases-of-the-moon (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Paul Meredith, published 12 Jun 2006