Australian Aboriginal Beliefs and Spiritualities - The Dreaming

Question 1

What is the Dreaming?

Answer 1

• The Dreaming is a complex network of knowledge, faith and practices which dominates all spiritual and physical aspects of Aboriginal spirituality.
• Establishes a link between Aboriginal people, the land and all things associated with Aboriginal life
• The Dreaming is infinite linking the past and the present with the future

Question 2

Explain the origins of the universe in the Dreaming

Answer 2

• The Spirit ancestors arose from the land, created the land and then returned to the land
• Every land feature has a story from the dreaming attached
• Every spirit brought an animal and linked it to their heritage - totem
• Dreaming tracks left behind - recreated by songs and ceremonies

Question 3

Explain why sites are considered sacred in the Dreaming

Answer 3

• A sacred site is a place within the landscape that has a special meaning or significance for Aboriginal tradition
• May be land or rock formations and parts of rivers or seas
• Kata Tjuta - Uluru

Question 4

What are Dreamtime stories?

Answer 4

• Oral history for Aboriginal people
• Tell of aspects of Aboriginal law and lifestyle, and explain the creation of the land, animals and the people
• Teach of the natural world, birds and animals, detailed knowledge of the country

Question 5

Summarise Aboriginal Symbolism and Art?

Answer 5

• Laws, values, customs, ceremonies and obligations of Aboriginal people are incorporated into the dreaming

Question 6

What is the importance of the Dreaming for Aboriginal people?

Answer 6

• Impacts all aspects of life
• Worldview
• Explains creation
• Provides ethics, ways to hunt etc.

Question 7

Describe and outline the inextricable connection between the Dreaming, land and identity?

Answer 7

• There is an eternal link
• Land sustains Aboriginal lives in every aspect
• Totem is extremely important
• Explains rights and responsibilities they each have with respect to the land