Atutahi
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In Māori mythology, Atutahi is the name of Canopus, (Alpha Carinae).
Atutahi is the second brightest star in the night-time sky, second only to Sirius (Takurua).
Atutahi is considered to be very tapu star, and always dwells alone. This is seen in its position outside the milky way.
Of all the stars known to the Māori, Atutahi had a special place, along with Rigel (Puanga), because of their intimate association with kūmara cultivation. Their appearance in the eastern sky was the sign for planting to begin. Atutahi and Puanga could be used to foretell the weather (Best 1955:38, 42, 48; Tregear 1891:31).
[edit] Other names
- Aotahi
- Autahi
- Atutahi-mā-Rehua
[edit] References
- E. Best, Astronomical Knowledge of the Maori Dominion Museum Monograph No. 3. (Museum of New Zealand: Wellington) , 1955.
- E.R. Tregear, Maori-Polynesian Comparative Dictionary (Lyon and Blair: Lambton Quay, 1891).
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