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The symbols that are used by Aboriginal Catholics in Church ceremony throughout Australia are extremely complex and diverse. They vary from one group to another. A symbol in one area is sometimes a contradictory symbol in another area. Nevertheless, cultural adaptation, and the use of Aboriginal symbols in Church ceremony is done to give strong meaning and intent and greater cultural experience, response and strength in celebrating church life the Aboriginal way.
“For Aboriginal people today, the Spirit of the Dreaming is still strong with us. It is veryimportant that ritual is forward-looking, as well as backward looking. Each time we usesymbols and perform these ancient rituals, we connect our spirit with those of our ancestors – and their spirit is reborn and becomes strong in us.” Marion Pearce (Dec)- Victorian Aboriginal Catholic Council / Sale Diocese
Belief Aboriginal Way Thousands of years before Abraham my old people have had distinct belief and relationship with the Creator Spirit.
Myths/Stories Aboriginal Way Camp fires is the central place to tell stories of the ancient wisdom. We had stories for every single aspect of our lives good and bad.
Sacred Texts Aboriginal Way Etching in trees, rocks and caves are our story books that recorded stories of creation, song lines, lore’s . These marks caught be read by neighboring tribes.
Rituals Aboriginal Rituals Corroborees celebrate the sacredness of the gifts given to us by the creator spirit very special time of ceremony celebrated in every Aboriginal community and family group to give thanks for our gifts. There are many rituals, smoking to ward off evil spirits, Men & woman initiation, Death rituals, Marriage rituals, seasonal rituals.
Symbols Aboriginal Symbols Symbols are used within rituals to celebrate the sacredness in many ceremonies Symbols are used to communicate, for trade across tribes, for specific ceremonial times, status of a person and
Social Structure Aboriginal Way Aboriginal people have particular rules / traditions that must be followed. Inheritance at birth of totem Marriage the correct skin group Lore People, Healers, song, dance, art…
Ethical Principles and or written codes of behavior Aboriginal Way Our Lore was to sustain all that had been created never harm anyone or anything including the hunting of food. Only what was needed would be killed and then every part would be used and then the bones reburied for the Creator Spirit to produce another to take its place. Our Lore was very strict and everyone must comply if not then they would not be regarded as trust worthy or authorities in their areas and would not gain the respect that is required in Aboriginal society.
Religious Experience and Spirituality Aboriginal Way If people broke the LORE there would be punishment, the beliefs for all tribes would be taught from an early age and the rules would be upheld strongly otherwise there would be consequences for the whole group. It was imperative that for the dignity / pride of each tribe that their members obeyedthe Lores.
ThePhysical World • Our Land – • Sites • Trees • Water holes • Rocks • Tracks • Hills • Mountains • Sky Animals • Sun Totems • Moon • Stars
Human World • Ceremonies- men, woman & general. • Rules of Behaviour- Respect for Elders etc. • Family Relationships- who we can marry, where we can go, what ceremonies we can perform. • People who we can have relationships with. • Capacity to adapt and change as needed. • Secrecy. • Sorry Business. • Teaching • Dancing
Sacred World • LORES • Stories • Exists out side of time • Increased care of Country • Punishment • Healing • See the future • Belief in the Spiritual world • Sacred Ceremonies for Birth, Marriage, Death, Illness, almost all aspects of life.
Aboriginal Culture The Message Stick & Stone Inlay at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral The Aboriginal Message Stick housed in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and the beautiful Stone Inlay in the Cathedral forecourt are magnificent and poignant additions to the Catholic heritage of Melbourne. For too long the indigenous people of this country have been left on the margins of our society, and sadly this has often been true of the Church as well. The intention of my predecessor, Archbishop Pell, in encouraging the installation of the Message Stick and the Stone Inlay, was to acknowledge the wrongs of the past and to highlight the special place that Aboriginal people occupy in the Church. This I warmly affirm as my personal view also. I welcome you to this great Cathedral and encourage you in visiting it to remember all who have helped to build and maintain the Church in Melbourne, especially the Aboriginal people. ARCHBISHOP OF MELBOURNE.
In Aboriginal culture message sticks were used as a means of communication with other groups They were made of wood and came in various sizes, shapes and markings. They were not comprised of writing but of symbol; the messenger conveyed the details. The messengers were usually young men and, as they displayed the message stick to the elders of the groups they passed through, safe passage was granted.
This beautiful Aboriginal stone inlay depicts the Creator Spirit who is the continuing source of life in both Aboriginal and Christian spiritual traditions. Encircled by a border of greenstone and a larger surround of basalt, the design of the stone inlay is based on the conceptual understanding that meaning is multi-layered. Each symbol in the design has dual meaning. The particular perspective of the viewer will determine the interpretation of the design. The viewer also is given the opportunity to gain insight into another people’s culture.
Belief • Myths/Stories • Sacred Texts • Rituals • Symbols • Social Structure • Written codes of behavior • Religious Experience and Spirituality
An Australian blessing May you always stand tall as a tree. Be as strong as the rock Uluru. As gentle and still as the morning mist. Hold the warmth of the campfire in your heart. And may the Creator Spirit always walk with you. Elizabeth Pike, 1997
