BLOG 11A: How are Southeast Asian cosmological traditions connected to New Zealand practices?

Ancient civilisations were preoccupied with astronomy and keeping accurate calendar systems. By observations of the sun’s movements annually and recording its solstice and equinox positions, a careful count of days beyond these events, would determine when to plant, harvest, celebrate festivals or observe holy days (holidays). Solar movement, throughout the year, was the primary tool for determining the timing of significant events by civilisations worldwide.

Solstices and equinoxes are astronomical events caused by Earth's tilt that mark the beginning of the seasons. Solstices occur twice a year when the sun's path is farthest north or south, resulting in the longest day (summer solstice) and the shortest day (winter solstice) of the year. Equinoxes happen twice a year when the sun is directly over the equator, causing day and night to be of equal length, and mark the start of spring and autumn. 

Solstice alignments are the intentional astronomical alignments of ancient monuments, temples, with the sun's position on the summer and winter solstices.

Indian cosmology profoundly shaped Southeast Asian societies, through a process of cultural diffusion and adaptation, beginning over 6,000 years ago and accelerating through maritime trade and religious missions. Central to this exchange was the concept of Mount Meru, the cosmic mountain at the centre of the universe in Hindu tradition. Cambodian kings and architects adopted this idea, designing monumental temples such as Angkor Wat as symbolic representations of Mount Meru, with their soaring towers and concentric moats mirroring the cosmic oceans and mountain ranges described in Indian cosmology. Indian astronomical knowledge further influenced the orientation and alignment of Cambodian temples, with structures like Angkor Wat featuring precise solar and equinoctial alignments that reflect Hindu cosmological and calendrical principles.

Angkor Wat has a precise alignment during the spring and autumn equinoxes (around March 20-21 and September 22-23) when the sun rises directly over its central towers when viewed from the western entrance. This is a deliberate design, reflecting the ancient Khmer's deep understanding of astronomy and cosmology, with some researchers also noting alignments related to solstices and stellar patterns, like the constellation Draco. 

Numerous marker stones and stone circles were established by ancient stone-working communities in New Zealand to precisely track solar equinoxes, solstices, and even more advanced stellar positions. In recent years, teams across New Zealand have explored the landscape, seeking astronomical significance in the remnants of stone structures and archaeological sites found throughout the country. Undertaking such observations requires not only advanced surveying skills but also a strong enthusiasm for cross-country exploration, making these studies both challenging and rewarding.

The following Blog 11B outlines an important New Zealand example constructed to track solar equinoxes and solstices.