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Theories Of Aboriginal Spirituality

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Aboriginal spirituality as determined by the Dreaming
 The important tenet that reinforces Aboriginal spirituality is a idea known as the Dreaming
 Dreaming is the unseen spirit world. It is not incomprehensible and in the past. It is realism ‐ Dreaming is expressed in ceremonies, dance, song and art. It is both individual and communal
 Everything in the terrestrial is linked to Dreaming. Persons and the spirits are linked to it
 The Dreaming is the central concept underpinning the human, physical and sacred sizes of Aboriginal belief; it has different meanings for Aboriginal people
 The Dreaming mentions Aboriginal mystical beliefs about creation and being
 According to Aboriginal belief, all life as it is today ‐ human, animal …show more content…

 Based on family relatives and totem relationships (which represents a connection to the ancestral beings)
 Kinship is expressed through skin names, which are critical for Aboriginal identity and determine personal relations including marriage.
 Govern everyday life through determining distinct responsibilities to the clan
Significance of Kinship Ties
- Responsibility of leaders to pass on the knowledge of the Dreaming to earlier generations
Relationship with the Dreaming:
- Kinship groups established by ancestor existences in dream‐time, along with other laws
- It is the tangible appearance of Dreaming in everyday life.
- The way the individual experiences the Dreaming (ceremonies, sacred sites etc.) is entirely strongminded by the connection of the kinship group.
- Roles, privileges, tasks of kinship group are defined and explained through Dreaming stories.
Ceremonial Life
 Aboriginal ceremonies are a communication of Aboriginal spirituality
 The multifaceted and spiritual core of the Dreaming for each group is recognised and revered in ceremonial life, encompassing the expression of art, the passing down of stories, the performance of rituals and totemic …show more content…

 Separation from the land is especially problematic for Aboriginals due to:
- The land contains the Dreaming & therefore is needed to communicate it
- Ritualistic Association with the land e.g. death & burial rituals are linked with the land(could not properly conduct these & other such rituals)
- Economic uses of land for Aboriginals
- Inextricable connection with the land
- Obligations to the land (responsibilities)
- Loss of connection with ritual estate, country & sacred sites
- Spiritual & personal identity of Aboriginal people lies within their relationship within the land
- Other aspects of Aboriginal culture a linked to the land, e.g. stories, song & dance
The Effect of Dispossession ‐ Separation from Kinship

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