Its seasonal bloom, often around the time of Kirihimete (Christmas), marks moments of reunion, rest, and return. For many, the sight of a flowering Pōhutukawa signals the arrival of summer, of whānau gathering, and of homecoming, the arrival of crimson decorated skies and a hearty tribute to Christmas time in Aotearoa | New Zealand!!!! But beyond its festive associations, the tree also plays a sacred role in Māori cosmology and the sky for the wind carries its intentions across the land and ocean scape.