Aboriginal Spirituality
Beliefs
Most aboriginal tribes, love and respect the land and see it as their 'Mother'. No one own's the land but the aborigines see it as their duty to care and nurture the land, only taking what they need. Dreaming is very important to aboriginal spirituality and explains how the land, animal and plants were created. It also describes guidelines by which people should live by.
Larrakia - Rainbow Serpent
The Rainbow Serpent is very significant figured for the Larrakia people as it is one of their most important ancestral beings. The name of the serpent is Durrula and it travels in the waters around Darwin. People must be careful not to upset Durrula, meaning they must be careful not to swim were they shouldn't because otherwise it may upset Durrula, causing storms and rough seas to flow.
Larrakia - Rainbow Serpent
The Rainbow Serpent is very significant figured for the Larrakia people as it is one of their most important ancestral beings. The name of the serpent is Durrula and it travels in the waters around Darwin. People must be careful not to upset Durrula, meaning they must be careful not to swim were they shouldn't because otherwise it may upset Durrula, causing storms and rough seas to flow.
Myths & Other Stories
Dreamtime
Dreaming is used to tell stories of significant ancestors and stories of creation. During the dreamtime Marnbil, Dhul-dhu and Ghingin travelled around having adventures. They created Mornington Island and created the fish, food and named all the places on the Island. The Rainbow Serpent and the dingo are responsible for the creation of the laws and ceremonies.
Dreaming is used to tell stories of significant ancestors and stories of creation. During the dreamtime Marnbil, Dhul-dhu and Ghingin travelled around having adventures. They created Mornington Island and created the fish, food and named all the places on the Island. The Rainbow Serpent and the dingo are responsible for the creation of the laws and ceremonies.
Sacred Text
There is no sacred text or any other form of religious written text for aboriginal spirituality. Dreamtime stories are passed downed by the elders in the community. Often the young women will learn from the older women and the younger mean will learn from the older men.
Rituals
Funeral Ceremonies
Often aboriginal funeral ceremonies requires the people to paint detailed paterns over the bodies. These designs are also painted onto carved Pukamani poles, which are used as graves posts in the funeral service. The poles can be quite long, (up to 4m long) and the carving and decorating of these poles is preformed by the relatives of the dead person.
Often aboriginal funeral ceremonies requires the people to paint detailed paterns over the bodies. These designs are also painted onto carved Pukamani poles, which are used as graves posts in the funeral service. The poles can be quite long, (up to 4m long) and the carving and decorating of these poles is preformed by the relatives of the dead person.
Symbols
A common symbol in aboriginal spirituality is totems. Each family is given is given a different totem in the form of a animal, bird, or fish. It is important that you never harm or kill your totem, or some who shares your totem. You also are not allowed to marry someone of the same totem as you.
Some examples of totems are:
-kookaburra (kukuburra)
-Crow (wagan)
-Red Kangaroo (birigun)
-possum ( Giramui)
Galah (Gular)
Some examples of totems are:
-kookaburra (kukuburra)
-Crow (wagan)
-Red Kangaroo (birigun)
-possum ( Giramui)
Galah (Gular)
Social Structures
There is no set social structure in aboriginal spirituality, due each tribe having their own beliefs. Although the elders are seen as highly knowledgable figures and greatly respected by those in the community.
Ethical Principles And Oral Codes of Behaviour
Land is very sacred to the aboriginals and must be looked after with great respect, love and care. Respect within the community is also very important, especially towards the elders in the group. People must look after their totem, and be careful to never harm or kill it, or marry someone of the same totem group.
Religious Experience & Spirituality
Aboriginal spirituality can be felt through their deep connection with the land and animals. it can also be felt through the telling and re-telling of the dreamtime stories. By telling these stories they are able to keep their relgiion and culture alive.