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| Nyoongar Boodja |
A big part of taking care of the planet lies within caring
for each other, understanding and respecting people of different cultures,
sharing our knowledge of taking care of the planet and most of all creating a
community vibe within our society; as we have since the beginning of our existence
as humans. Love one another to love the planet - SIMPLE! J
Our tribal history as human beings is varce; every country
has a tribal history. What is yours? And what is the tribal history of the land
you live on? How are they similar? How do they differ? For me, my bloodline
runs back to Wales and the ancient Celts that studied the stars and seasons,
planted crops by the moon, built megalithic structures to their deities and
celebrated harvests and nature with costumes, stories and fire. Stocks and food
were shared, families were united for support and protection and best of all –
the earth was happier.
But I was born in Australia. My father was once told by an
Aboriginal Elder that ‘the spirit of the land doesn’t see colour, you will feel
the land you were born upon sing to you no matter who your father is…’ and I
can swear this by my soul. Despite my fascination with my Welsh/Celtic heritage
my heart lies fondly within the knowledge, the stories and the song of
Aboriginal Culture and the Tribal History of Australia.
Tribal history is something that I think we can all learn
from. In a world where we have become mass consumers – is there not something
to be learned from our ancestors that barely left a footprint on our blessed
home? The people who lived for centuries, in harmony with nature, knowing the
planet, its plants and animals, this knowledge lovingly passed down through the
generations and without it there was no survival… and maybe in our world today
where we seem to have lost touch with our roots and each other there is some
peace to be found by turning back to our lineages for guidance.
It is said that Aboriginal people have existed on this land
for 60,000 years and I feel it is here that I should note the last ice age was 20,000
years ago and lasted 5,000 years. This super race of human beings lived in such
harmony with the land that they survived where most men would perish and their
culture stands strong today despite many trials and challenges…..and this we
celebrate!
In my local area of South Western Australia the predominant
tribe is the ‘Nyoongar’ tribe, within it there are 14 tribes; the closest one
to home for us here in Perth is the Swan River (Derbal Yaragan) dwelling people
called the ‘Whadjuk’ tribe.
In this beautiful and picturesque region of Australia there
are actually 6 seasons in a year!
Bunuru – February to March – This is a time when it is hot,
with dry, easterly and north winds. The people would catch fish, marron and
other water dwelling wildlife for food. They would collect fruit and dig up
bulbs to grind for spices.
Djeran – April to May – This is a time when it cools down
and the winds come in from the south west. The people would continue to fish
and begin to gather bulbs and seeds for winter.
Makuru – June to July – This is when seasons turn cold and westerly
gales hit! The Nyoongar people would move inland to hunt and warm them by fire
and build Miya Miya’s as shelter from the rain and wind. This is actually the
wettest part of the year in Nyoongar Region.
Djilba – August to September – This is known as the coldest
time of the year, the nights are cold but clear and starting to warm as the
days creep on. People would continue to gather roots and plants, Emu and
Kangaroo was on the menu for our tribes of the great South West.
Kambarang – October to November – By now the rain begins to
lessen, fewer cold fronts meant that Nyoongar people would gather their
children and head back towards the coast for fishing season. This is also the
height of wildflower season here – which meant one beautiful thing – NATIVE
HONEY! J
Birak – December to January – The heat of summer has
begun!!! This is when the people would do controlled burn offs of the local
bush land to assist hunters in catching some dinner and aid plants in regeneration
for the coming months.
With the knowledge of the seasons and the way the people of
this land lived and survived for thousands of years I thought to utilise the
knowledge to affect my impact on the planet. Knowing the seasons I can plant my veggie patch and flowers when
I know there will be rain, I can open my windows when I know the cooler breezes
will be blowing and I know from which direction they will be coming. I plant
native floras to the Nyoongar country – these plants know how to survive
without me fronting a hefty water bill and they become a food source for the
native birds and animals that have lived here since the beginning!
And last….most importantly and most lovingly from the heart
of the Earth Fae – I CELEBRATE our
ancient Australian culture with love and respect. No matter where you are from
or where you are going – the place you call home has a tribal history full of
knowledge and song, story and magick, and within it you may just find a glimmer
of something that you have been searching for all along.
We must all work together to take care of our home as best
we can, in the ancient wisdom of Aboriginal Culture I have found ways to live
in harmony with the planet I love so deeply and show love to a country that
sings the song of my soul…..this wondrous culture is part of our varce and very
diverse multicultural society here on Earth. It is a gift to have this
knowledge and a blessing that it has survived to be shared with all. Find your
tribal self….and enjoy it! <3
<3 <3 Tribal Earth Faerie <3 <3
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