The Dreaming
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The definition of supernatural is an instance that cannot be explained by the laws of nature and plays a big part in the aboriginal belief of the “Dream Time”. The dreaming is the aboriginal belief of their spirituality and in the creation of the universe through supernatural events. The concept of dreaming is often told in stories about animals and humans which are passed down from generation to generation. The dreaming is a way of linking aboriginal people to their land and it provides them with knowledge of the importance of being aboriginal. By saying that this means that the dreaming helps aboriginal people connect to their ancestors or spiritual beings through sacred sites, ceremonies and spiritual rituals.
As stated before, stories about the dreaming have been passed through the generations and all of these stories relate to having changed and shaped the land in some particular way. Many traditional aboriginal cave paintings convey messages of the dreaming and are evident today. Most of these caves are known as sacred sites and are scattered throughout the aboriginal land. The aboriginal people value their sacred sites because of the many religious rituals and ceremonies that are taken place in these areas. The dreaming is referred to as the “the law” by aboriginal people.
A major factor between all aboriginal groups is the stories of creation. There are numerous versions of the story as there are many aboriginal languages and backgrounds but they all believe in these stories. The stories make aboriginals generate a great deal of respect and bond together with the land because of the many stories that are associated with the area. They treat the land as if it is a “god” because of their respect for it.
The sacred sites add to the aborigines connection with the land as these areas are where many aboriginal people connect with their land spiritually and physically. Aboriginal sacred sites are seen equivalent to a church or a temple as they are all places of meditation and worship. Most sacred sites are seen in many forms. They range from rock formations, rivers and landscape features of the land. There are many different uses of sacred sites