The seven stars...

I've been wanting to make a set of cute candle holders with the kids to represent the coming winter solstice and the return of the light and longer days. I proposed 5 as a number, but then Nathan suggested that we make 7 to represent the 7 stars of Matariki - the Maori New Year.

We made the holders using salt dough, and then baked them till hard (removed the candles and left the holders in place while they baked). Apparently though, while sitting on the table that night (before decorating), the dog thought they would make a tasty treat...fortunately I was able to fix up the one chewed holder with a little left over dough (and replaced the munted candle/foil holder!).

We then decorated them with water paints, sequens and paua pieces.

A new family tradition is born

While at the library the other day I thought to have a look for a book I've been meaning to get out for a while after having a recommendation for it. Celebrating the Southern Seasons - Rituals for Aotearoa by Juliet Batten. It was perfect timing with Matariki a few days away.

So we spent the morning preparing for our Winter Solstice/Matariki dinner that we had decided on having tonight (the rising of Matariki is actually on the 24th). As a part of reconnecting with nature over the past year, we have been focusing on observing seasonal celebrations. So we talked about the winter solstice as being the shortest day of the year and from now on the days will get longer as summer will once again come around. Matariki is the Maori New Year, which occurs on the first new moon after the rising of Mataraki (a constellation) in the eastern sky at dawn.

Danielle collected flowers this morning and wanted to make a crown.

A basket of items to use for our decorations.

Adding some decorations. Suns and stars on the window, and lanterns in "sun" colours.

The table had a bowl of "sun" fruit (mandarins) and a bowl of "stored food for winter" (nuts and dried fruit). The candles were in "sun" colours.

Preparing the feast.

And...unfortunately I accidentally deleted the lovely photo of our food-laden, candle-lit table. Ah well. lol.