Symbols, Rites and Celebrations

The following information as been adapted from theCatholic Education Office WA.

Many symbols associated with Aboriginal ceremonies are similar to those used in the religious rituals of the Catholic Church.

Symbol of bread

In an Aboriginal context:

Damper is the result of a collective of activities. Aboriginal women: collect seed, crush into flour, make dough, cook dough
When the dough is cooked in the ground it is known as damper. This is then shared by community members.
Anything that is cooked in the ground has a spiritual influence.

In a Catholic context:

Unleavened bread is the result of a communal effort: farmers harvest the crop, the grain is crushed to make flour, bakers make the dough, the dough is cooked. When the dough is cooked it is known as unleavened bread.
In the Mass we bring ourselves and our lives to the community in the Offertory.
The priest blesses, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, changes the bread & wine into the body & blood of Christ and it is shared amongst the congregation.

In an Aboriginal context:

A smoking ceremony cleanses and heals the body and spirit.
A smoking ceremony is used in the practice of warding off unwanted spirits, eg cleansing a person, home or area.

In a Catholic context:

In Benediction, the priest burns incense to make smoke to purify and sanctify the church before the exposition of the blessed sacrament.
Incense smoke is used in the sanctification of the body during a Requiem Mass.

In an Aboriginal context:

Water is important to Aboriginal people. In the driest parts of the country, water is life-giving,refreshing, cooling and cleansing to country and to the people.

In a Catholic context:

Water is the symbol of Baptism, which gives new life and hope and makes people one with Jesus and with each other.
Water is used in blessings and sprinkling rites.

In an Aboriginal context:

Animal oils are used for healing purposes.
Application of certain oils can assist in helping one connect with his/her spiritual side..

In a Catholic context:

Special oils are used in anointing and for healing purposes, in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Healing of the Sick & Holy Orders.
Anointing of the body prior to death prepares for meeting with God.

In an Aboriginal context:

Decorations are used to convey the things that are important to the living and spiritual world of Aboriginal people.
Natural body paint and other materials are used for decoration.
People can be immediately recognised by the decorations used.

In a Catholic context:

The priest’s vestments immediately identify him as the leader of the faith community.
White Alb – Baptism, Stole – sign of office,Chasuble – historical link to Jewish high priest,Colours reflect the liturgical season.
Water is used in blessings and sprinkling rites.

In an Aboriginal context:

Ceremonies are performed to reinforce the connection between the living world of the Aboriginal people and the spirit world.

In a Catholic context:

Church celebrations follow the liturgical seasons and help create a deeper relationship between people and God.

In an Aboriginal context:

Campfires are important hubs of the community where people gather, and food and information is shared.
Fire is used for creating a sense of togetherness, a sense of belonging,strengthening identity.
Cultural knowledge is often maintained when people gather around campfires (e.g. stories,ceremonies).
Fire is used for cleansing and purification.

In a Catholic context:

On Pentecost Sunday, the Apostles gathered as a community of people, were filled with knowledge by the Holy Spirit who appeared through the symbol of fire.
At the Easter Vigil, the people gather around the Easter fire, where the Paschal candle is lit.This candle is then used throughout the Easter season, at Baptisms and Funerals.

In an Aboriginal context:

Aboriginal youth are introduced to the sacred meaning of life through certain ceremonies.
They acquire knowledge of ceremonies and rituals which is an inherent part of reaching adulthood.
As they receive more knowledge, their participation in ceremony increases.

In a Catholic context:

Youth are fully initiated into the Catholic faith through the sacraments.
The youth upon receiving the gifts of each sacrament, participate more fully inthe life of the Church.
Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation are the three sacraments of initiation.

In an Aboriginal context:

Paintings or engravings on the walls of caves or in other sacred places, depict the spirituality of Aboriginal life.
Spirit ancestors feature in ancient rock art.
Reminders of connection to the land and spirituality abound in nature all around.

In a Catholic context:

Churches use a crucifix and Stations of the Cross which depict important events in the life of Jesus.
Churches usually have pictures and statues of saints.
Other art works may decorate a church and are symbolic of God in nature and all around,eg banners, floral arrangements, focus area.
These forms of art ore a reminder of beliefs and encourage participation in prayer.