The Dreaming

Concept of the Dreaming in Aboriginal Australian culture

Aboriginal art at Carnarvon Gorge

The Dreaming is a central concept in Australian Aboriginal mythology and refers to the time of creation when ancestral spirits formed the land, its features, and its inhabitants. It is a complex network of knowledge, faith, and practices that derive from stories of creation and which pervade and inform all spiritual and physical aspects of Aboriginal life.

Concept and Meaning

The Dreaming encompasses the ancestral past, the present, and the future. It is not just a time of creation but a continuous process that is always present. The Dreaming is a way of understanding the world, of seeing and being in the world. It is a set of beliefs and practices that guide Aboriginal people in their daily lives.

The Dreaming stories explain the origins of the universe, the workings of nature and humanity, and the cycle of life and death. These stories are passed down through generations and are integral to Aboriginal identity and spirituality.

Ancestral Beings

The Milky Way over Uluru, a sacred site

In the Dreaming, ancestral beings traveled across the land, creating its features and establishing the laws of nature and society. These beings are often depicted as animals or human-animal hybrids and are considered the ancestors of all living things.

The actions of these beings are recorded in the land itself, in the form of sacred sites, rock formations, and other natural features. These sites are of great cultural and spiritual significance to Aboriginal people and are often the focus of rituals and ceremonies.

Cultural Practices

The Dreaming is expressed through various cultural practices, including art, dance, music, and storytelling. These practices are a way of connecting with the ancestral past and maintaining the cultural heritage of Aboriginal communities.

Petroglyphs in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Art is a particularly important medium for expressing the Dreaming. Aboriginal art often depicts Dreaming stories and is used in ceremonies and rituals. The symbols and patterns in the art are a form of communication and a way of passing on knowledge.

Connection to Land

The Dreaming is deeply connected to the land. Aboriginal people have a profound spiritual connection to their land, which is seen as a living entity. The land is both a physical and spiritual home, and caring for it is a fundamental part of Aboriginal culture.

The Dreaming stories are tied to specific locations, and these places are considered sacred. They are often the sites of ceremonies and are protected by Aboriginal law.

Modern Interpretations

In contemporary times, the Dreaming continues to be a vital part of Aboriginal culture. It is a source of identity and pride and plays a crucial role in the cultural revival and preservation efforts of Aboriginal communities.

Bibbulmun Track markings, a modern walking trail

The Dreaming also informs the way Aboriginal people engage with the modern world, providing a framework for understanding and interacting with the environment and society.

Related Pages

• Australian Aboriginal mythology
• Indigenous Australian art
• Sacred sites in Australia
• Aboriginal land rights