maramatahi · 8 min read

Maramatahi: the 30 nights of the Mā'ohi lunar calendar explained

Discover the 30 nights of the Polynesian lunar calendar: Tireo, Hiro, Ohua, Tangaroa, Mahina… Their meaning, traditional uses for fishing, planting and major decisions.

The calendar Polynesia almost forgot, then found again

Long before Western calendars arrived in Tahiti, our Mā'ohi ancestors lived by the Maramatahi — the lunar calendar of 30 nights. Each night had a name, a face, a use. You did not fish on just any day. You did not plant just any time. You did not hold council before Atua tonu, the night of the upright god.

This knowledge was nearly lost during colonisation, then industrialisation. Romy brings it back here, so you too can live your nights with their original names.

Why 30 nights and not 28?

The lunar cycle lasts about 29.5 days. Polynesians rounded up to 30 because they observed the moon with the naked eye, from the sea. When the moon became invisible (Tireo, Mahina), they counted two "dark" nights rather than one — for safety in canoe fishing.

The 4 great phases

The 30 nights group into 4 main lunar phases:

🌑 New moon (Tireo, Hiro)

The moon is invisible. Energy of pure intention, of seeding in silence. Good for starting in stealth what should grow long.

🌓 Waxing moon (Hoata → Maure)

The light grows. Energy of expansion, action, growth. Good for planting, launching, showing up.

🌕 Full moon (Ohua, Atua)

Apex. Maximum energy. Celebration, dance, gratitude. But also amplified emotions — careful with conflict.

🌗 Waning moon (Maharu → Korekore piri)

Light recedes. Energy of letting go, sorting, resting. Good for closing, tidying, forgiving.

The 30 nights — at a glance

Names vary by island, but here are the most recognised in Tahiti:

See all 30 nights with their detail and a project filter on the Maramatahi page.

How to use it daily

You don't need to remember everything. Three simple anchors:

1. Tireo (new moon): write your intention for the month. One clear sentence. 2. Ohua (full moon): celebrate what manifested. Even if small. Even if imperfect. 3. Korekore piri (before new moon): sort, declutter, end a cycle.

With these 3 markers, your month takes a sacred shape that many have lost.

What's next?

If this resonates, Romy can offer you a complete reading which includes your personalised lunar calendar for the next 3 months — the key nights for your decisions, body, heart.

« The sky changes. The nights have names. Learning to listen to them is already the first step back. » — Romy