Aboriginal Spirituality

Question 1

Origins of the Universe

Answer 1

The Dreaming includes explanations of the origins of the universe, that is, how the world came into being through the actions of their ancestral spirit beings, the creation of the physical world and the animals and plants, which inhabit this world.

Question 2

Sacred Sites

Answer 2

The Dreaming is inextricably connected to the land, as the land is the physical medium through which the Dreaming is lived and communicated. Whilst all land is important to all Aboriginal people, particular sites, known as sacred sites, have a special significance for particular Aboriginal groups as they are connected with different events in the Dreaming. Thus, particular groups of Aboriginal people have special responsibilities to care for and to learn from these sites, for example by carrying out prescribed rituals such as balance rites.

Question 3

Stories of the Dreaming

Answer 3

For Aboriginal communities the telling and learning of the Dreaming stories is a lifelong process. This process is revealed through many aspects of Aboriginal societies such as kinship, song, dance, art, ritual, and story. Symbolism in art, for example, explains the creation of the natural world and the laws, which stem from this. This is an important way of teaching Aboriginal children about right and wrong behaviour in society. However, symbolism in art cannot be taken at face value for Aboriginal art is esoteric, and has multiple layers of meaning.

Question 4

Kinship

Answer 4

Definition: Kinship ties identify a complex system of belonging and responsibilities within a clan. It is based not only on familial relations but also on relationships springing from one’s totem, usually a plant or animal, which represents a person or group’s connection to the ancestor beings within the land.

Sacred sites are places within the landscape that have a special meaning or significance under Aboriginal tradition.