Atutahi
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In Māori mythology, Atutahi is the name of Canopus, (Alpha Carinae). 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 was the sign for planting to begin. It was also believed that 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).
