Celebrating the unifying virtues of Matariki

The Matariki festival is becoming a powerful celebration of unity in Aotearoa and brings to mind these words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, which mention the Pleiades star cluster — known as Matariki in te reo Māori:

Whensoever ye gather in that radiant assemblage, know ye that the splendors of Bahá are shining over you. It behooveth you to seek agreement and to be united; it behooveth you to be in close communion one with the other, at one both in body and soul, till ye match the Pleiades or a string of lustrous pearls. Thus will ye be solidly established; thus will your words prevail, your star shine out, and your hearts be comforted.…

— ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

The stars of the Matariki cluster (the Pleiades) begin their rise on 2 July this year, inaugurating the Matariki festival period. This is a good occasion to remind ourselves of the National Assembly’s wish that the whole Bahá’í community increases its understanding of Māori culture. Exactly a year ago, on 3 July 2020, the National Assembly wrote, in a letter to all believers in Aotearoa:

Learning about the history of this land and gaining an appreciation and sufficient understanding of the language and culture of tangata whenua by all peoples of Aotearoa, will contribute to greater understanding amongst us all, and a more unified society.

There is much about the meaning of Matariki that connects with the Faith’s community-building aims. The website of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa says Matariki “is a time to celebrate new life, to remember those who’ve passed and to plan for the future. And it’s a time to spend with whānau and friends — to enjoy kai (food), waiata (song), tākaro (games) and haka.” Such elements are a normal part of Bahá’í core activities so it is not hard to see how a Matariki flavour could be brought into our gatherings at this time of year.

The Matariki stars are invested in Māori lore with symbolism on spiritual themes, such as various human virtues, connection to the environment, remembering those who have passed on, and the attainment of aspirations. Professor Rangi Matamua writes: “Matariki means many things, to many people, but its message of renewal, of honouring those who have passed, of looking forward to the future, and of unity, is one that can be shared by all people in Aotearoa.”

Stars, of course, represent symbolic meanings in the whole world’s traditions — and in the Bahá’í Writings. Here are a few examples for inspiration:

… the terms “sun,” “moon,” and “stars” primarily signify the Prophets of God, the saints, and their companions, those Luminaries, the light of Whose knowledge hath shed illumination upon the worlds of the visible and the invisible.

— Bahá’u’lláh, The Kitáb-i-Íqán

Assist ye, O My people, My chosen servants who have arisen to make mention of Me among My creatures and to exalt My Word throughout My realm. These, truly, are the stars of the heaven of My loving providence and the lamps of My guidance unto all mankind.

— Bahá’u’lláh, The Kitáb-i-Aqdas

In the eyes of the All-Merciful a true man appeareth even as a firmament; its sun and moon are his sight and hearing, and his shining and resplendent character its stars. His is the loftiest station, and his influence educateth the world of being.

— Bahá’u’lláh, The Kitáb-i-‘Ahd

True peace and tranquillity will only be realized when every soul will have become the well-wisher of all mankind. He Who is the All-Knowing beareth Me witness: were the peoples of the world to grasp the true significance of the words of God, they would never be deprived of their portion of the ocean of His bounty. In the firmament of truth there hath never been, nor will there ever be, a brighter star than this.

— Bahá’u’lláh, Tabernacle of Unity

A collection is attached below, containing the above quotations and several more that mention stars.