Story: Southern Cross

Interpretations of the Southern Cross

The first Europeans to sail into southern seas interpreted the four bright stars that had just come into view as a cross, naming it Crux Australis or the Southern Cross. In New Zealand, Māori tribes had varying traditions about the constellation. Tainui Māori saw an anchor in the four stars, while Māori from the Wairarapa saw the outline of a plug through which storm winds blew.

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How to cite this page:

Maggy Wassilieff, 'Southern Cross - A national icon', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/diagram/7483/interpretations-of-the-southern-cross (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Maggy Wassilieff, published 12 Jun 2006