Editing 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). 
''Aotahi'', ''Autahi'', and ''Atutahi'', "First-light"  or "Single-light", were equivalent names that also intimated the star's solitary or self-centered nature.

Atutahi is considered to be a very [[Tapu (Polynesian culture)|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 [[Sweet potato|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.<ref>Best 1955: pp38,42,48</ref><ref>Tregear 1891: p31</ref>

Atutahi has several different mythologies attached to it as well. One story tells of how Atutahi was left outside of the basket representing the [[Milky Way]] when [[Tāne|Tane]] wove it. Another related myth surrounding the star says that Autahi was the first-born child of [[Rangi and Papa|Rangi]], who refused to enter the Milky Way and so turned it sideways and rose before it. The same name is used for other stars and constellations throughout Polynesia.<ref>Makemson 1941:pp200-202</ref>

==Other names==
*Aotahi
*Autahi
*Atutahi-mā-Rehua

==References==
{{reflist}}
*E. Best, ''Astronomical Knowledge of the Maori'' Dominion Museum Monograph No. 3. (Museum of New Zealand: Wellington), 1955. 
*MW Makemson ''The Morning Star Rises: an account of Polynesian astronomy''  (Yale University Press 1941)
*E.R. Tregear, ''Maori-Polynesian Comparative Dictionary'' (Lyon and Blair: Lambton Quay, 1891).

[[Category:Māori mythology]]
[[Category:Canopus]]


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