Aboriginal Corroborees

Aboriginal corroborees refer to the ethnic rituals or ceremonies performed by the Aboriginal tribes of Australia. These rituals are splendid performances worth watching for and they usually include elaborate dancing and hypnotic hymns that convey the story of Australia's early inhabitants. Musical devices such as didgeridoos, sticks, rattles and boomerangs that are sometimes struck are some of the accompanying instruments used in Aboriginal corroborees. Each of these special ceremonies has a specific purpose and form. To enjoy these performances, travelers can visit cultural and heritage centers in Australia.

Certain kinds of Aboriginal corroborees are performed as initiation rights for the Aboriginal youth. In some of these rituals, no adult female or male is present. The bodies of the youngsters are often covered with sacred markings and symbols or portraits of the animals they portray. Their dance movements usually tell the story of how these animals were created in ancient times. These sacred corroborees are steps the youth must take in order to be accepted into the adult world.

Another purpose of these sacred Aboriginal corroborees is to protect nature. Ceremonial hymns are often chanted by the Aborigines as a means of placing the lands, animals, plants and other natural gifts under a sacred protection. Special rituals and songs are also performed so as to make the lands bountiful enough since these lands are the Aborigines' source of food and other daily needs.

Aboriginal tribes also perform corroborees as a means of healing the sick or injured members of their society. Some rituals are meant for controlling or manipulating the weather while other songs or dances are for storytelling. These storytelling rituals are meant to pass on or celebrate the magnificent and sacred tales of the Aborigines' early ancestors and gods.

These enchanting songs and dances are also performed when traveling through "Dreamtime". Dreamtime is actually a spiritual concept that originated from the Aborigines. It refers to the sacred time when gods and spirits roamed the lands and created the land and it's beautiful creatures like the lakes, mountains, kangaroos and other forms of life that surround these ancient tribes.

Through these enchanting and spellbinding corroborees, the Aboriginal people are able to preserve their culture and traditions. Everytime these sacred corroborees are performed and shared to certain groups, they are telling their youth and the world that the history of their ancestors that govern their lives and their traditions should never be forgotten or forsaken.

Aboriginal Corroborees Photos