RELIGION AND BELIEF SYSTEMS IN AUSTRLIA POST 1945 NOTES

discuss how Aboriginal spirituality is determined by the Dreaming

Aboriginal spirituality revolves around the dreaming which is linked to actions or events of social
significance
Dreaming is the essence of truth derived from past sprits ancestors
Passed down through kinship and ceremonies.
Dreaming shapes structures of Aboriginal spirituality by regulating kinship and ceremonial life
The influence of the Dreaming is embedded in all aspects of Aboriginal life. The different facets of
Aboriginal life, from the ceremonial dimension of life, to the ritualistic obligations owed to the land and
people, as well as the intricate kinship system are all intrinsically connected to, and are derived from the
Dreaming.

kinship
Aboriginal spirituality is expressed through kinship which refers to the ties which identify a system of
belonging and responsibilities.
It is not only based on familial relationship but also on spiritual relationships springing from ones totem
govern the day to day life of the Aboriginal as it is an ethical framework derived from dreamtime stories.
also assign the responsibility to transmit the knowledge of the Dreaming from elders to the younger
generation.

ceremonial life
art reflect the way of communicating the dreaming as it draws the connections between Aboriginal
spirituality and dreaming
art depicts the actions of spirts, which are open to personal interpretation.

obligations to the land and people

Forms a network of obligations involving peoples interacting together