The Hei Matau: a Symbol of Prosperity and Fortune

The Hei Matau is an ancient and powerful symbol that represents prosperity in the Pacific region.

Originally from New Zealand, it was used by the Maori for centuries to protect their boats against bad influences. Even today, this symbol is widely recognized around the world as a source of luck and wisdom.

In this article, we will examine the history of the Hei Matau in detail and explore how its symbolism can be applied to our modern lives.

History and meaning of Hei Matau

The Hei Matau is one of the most important symbols in Maori culture. This ax-shaped object has rich and deep meaning for those who wear or see it. This is a very old object, dating back to pre-European times. It is also considered a sign of love, luck and protection by the Maori.

In its simplest form, the Hei Matau is a piece of clay sculpted from a bone. Obviously, the shapes and engravings can be simple or complicated depending on the artists who create them. Most of the time, they represent a fish (mano) attached to a metal pole (Hei).

We often find engraved motifs, such as:

Spirals symbolizing the importance of natural cycles

The points representing the vital force

Horizontal stripes evoking fertility

The intertwining recalls the interdependence between all living beings.

A Maori protective amulet

The Hei Matau is a Maori protection symbol, a true protective amulet. Thus, it has been used by the Maori for centuries to ensure strength, abundance and courage.

By its shape, the Hei Matau can symbolize the head of the fish but also the hook through which the fishermen catch the animals to feed their family. This protective amulet therefore has several different meanings depending on how the Maori use it.

Generally, it is considered a symbol of prosperity for those arriving in a new or unfamiliar land, but it can also be worn as a sign of good luck and protection against malevolent forces.

Additionally, some Maori believe that this magical symbol can be used to invoke ancient and ancestral spirits for spiritual assistance and guidance. People who wear this talisman around their neck then receive divine messages from invisible sources, such as ancestral spirits or Maori gods.

Traditions around Hei Matau

The Hei Matau is an object of great significance to the Maori people. This is a fishhook pendant that represents strength, courage and happiness. Obviously, the traditions around Hei Matau are old, but still alive today.

In the ancient Maori world, the Hei Matau was considered a bringer of luck and a protector of seafaring travelers.

For this reason, it is often offered to newborns or to those going on a sea voyage so that they can benefit from the benefits provided by this symbolic talisman.

Hei Matau is also used to honor certain important moments such as funerals or the birth of a family member.

A symbol of prosperity and happiness

It has been said: the Hei Matau represents abundant prosperity and happiness, as well as protection and spiritual wisdom for those who wear or use it.

Through its link with fishing and the sea, the Hei Matau symbolizes the ability to capture all kinds of wealth: food, money, love... The deep meaning behind the Hei Matau can therefore also be that of a guide towards abundance and prosperity (on Earth and beyond).

A unique aesthetic

The unique design of the Hei Matau is known throughout the world. People use it as decoration or wear jewelry representing this ancestral motif. As such, there are several interpretations of the symbolism of Hei Matau linked to its aesthetic aspect.

The curvilinear shape thus symbolizes the fact that all things are connected, that we must live in harmony with our planet and our fellow human beings.

In any case, the Hei Matau is considered a sign of love, respect and friendship between people who share this precious cultural symbol.

This cultural object is therefore often used by tourists to remember their journey through this magnificent island in the southern Pacific Ocean.

And you, do you also want to use it for its many spiritual qualities?