This time of year in New Zealand is all about Matariki. A Maori festival that you can read more about here.
To celebrate Matariki we have been busy at work with the residents craft group.
Many stars were cut out and coloured, or had glitter added, then Jo the activities lady had me scooting up and down the steps adding them to a big black cloth we had pinned to the wall in the lobby. Of course they had to be in the correct configuration.
The birdbath to the right of the mural is representative of a Tangihanga. Stones are placed into water as a symbolic way of honouring the dead. It is one of the many customs that are recognised during the mourning process. In recent weeks we have lost a great number of residents, many of them were active members of the craft group and those remaining felt it was a wonderful way to acknowledge their passing.
We also had some of the residents drawing around templates and cutting out feather shapes to make a Kahu huruhuru. The feather cloak worn as a ceremonial garment on special occasions.
In town on Friday evening we had the now traditional night market. It was introduced a few years ago and has become popular. Not so much this year as the weather gods didn't get the memo and it was not only bitterly cold but also pouring with rain.
The Timaru Patchwork and Crafters club were invited to join an exhibition showcasing some of the many clubs here in town.
The lighting was great for looking at the various exhibits, but really not good for photography.
I looked in briefly during the evening and there was a good crowd sheltering from the weather.
The members who were looking after our exhibition said there was a steady stream throughout the evening.
Lots of people looking to get some respite from the weather.
You might recognise one or two items. LOL
We shared the space with the local WI, the spinners and weavers, the embroiderers guild, the wood turners guild and not one but two choirs.
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I'm off work again today. My head cold has made a comeback.
Are these bugs and viruses getting nastier? Or is it just me?
Anyway, I'm sitting with my needle and thread making more progress on my Chookshed Challenge project.
2 comments:
Sorry to hear your cold has made a comeback Lou, we have been told there are many nastier bugs around this winter. Great exhibition your group set up. Wonderful activities for Matariki, love the idea of the bird bath, so good the residents have a way of acknowledging one of their number has passed. The cloak is a wonderful idea too.
Good to see the work by your group, shame about the weather though. It seems to be the season for bugs this year. Off to read about Matarika now.
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