Understanding Aboriginal Funeral Traditions

Aboriginal Australians hold a profound connection to their land and cultural heritage, which has led to the development of distinct and diverse funeral traditions.

Recognising that funeral traditions within Aboriginal culture differ significantly among various communities and regions is essential. This diversity stems from the unique traditions, languages, and customs of each group. Therefore, it is crucial to approach each community with respect and an open mind.

Understanding these traditions requires an appreciation of the profound respect Aboriginal people have for their ancestors and the spiritual significance of death in their cultures.

The concept of death and the afterlife

Central to Aboriginal beliefs about death is the concept of the spirit (or "soul") and its journey after death.

For many Aboriginal groups, death is viewed not as an end but as a transition into the next phase of existence, where the spirit continues its journey in a different form. One common belief is that when a person passes away, the spirit leaves the body and must be guided along its journey; otherwise, it will remain and disturb the family.

The afterlife is often considered a spiritual realm, and the deceased’s spirit may undergo a journey to join their ancestors or return to the Dreamtime.

According to Aboriginal culture, The Dreamtime is the period during which life was created. Dreaming refers to the explanation of how life came to be, encompassing the stories and beliefs behind creation. Different Aboriginal languages have their own names for this concept, such as Ngarranggarni and Tjukula Jukurrpa. 

A widely held belief in many Aboriginal communities is that speaking the name of a deceased individual is deemed disrespectful, as it may interfere with their journey to the Dreaming and potentially bring them back to this realm.

During the mourning period, certain Aboriginal communities opt to use a substitute name in place of the deceased's original name such as 'Kumantjayi', 'Kwementyaye', 'Kunmanara' or 'Barlang.'

Time of passing

The passing of a loved one can be very traumatic in Aboriginal communities, especially in rural areas where the entire community grieves.

Businesses may close out of respect, initiating cultural protocols that demand sensitivity. Extended family and relatives have cultural duties to support the bereaved, including feeding, transporting, and housing mourners.

Within some Aboriginal communities, it is considered culturally inappropriate for non-Indigenous health staff to contact and inform the next of kin about a person’s passing.

This violation of cultural protocol can cause considerable distress for Aboriginal communities connected to the deceased.

Aboriginal funeral traditions (Sorry Business)

In Aboriginal communities, when someone passes away, the entire group comes together to share in the sorrow through a process known as Sorry Business. Sorry

Business is a period of cultural traditions and practices observed after a person's death.

Ceremonies and periods of mourning can span days, weeks, or even months, depending on the beliefs of the language group and the social standing of the deceased individual.

A significant and widely practiced funeral tradition among Aboriginal people is the smoking ceremony, typically led by an Aboriginal elder or a person with spiritual and cultural knowledge of the ritual. This ceremony involves burning native plants, such as eucalyptus leaves, to create purifying smoke believed to drive away evil spirits. The smoke helps guide the deceased's spirit on its journey back to the Dreaming.

Following this, ochre is commonly painted at the location where the deceased lived, and a flag is raised to signify their passing. Ultimately, a death ceremony takes place where the body remains inside the deceased’s home, while mourners engage in a celebration filled with singing and dancing.

Aboriginal burial and cremation

Both burial and cremation have played significant roles in Aboriginal culture long before Australia was colonised; however, burial practices are more commonly observed.

Aboriginal burial practices differ among various communities, but they are all generally regarded as sacred. These practices may involve interring the body with personal belongings or covering the burial site with a small structure.

In some traditions, the body is wrapped in bark or placed on an elevated platform, with the remains later collected for burial after several months.

Some Aboriginal communities may choose a tree burial where the body is placed within a hollow tree, while others opt for a more common tradition of laying the deceased to rest in the ground.

Both of these funeral traditions reflect the spiritual connection between the deceased and the natural environment.

Modern practices

In some communities, traditional practices are blended with modern funeral practices. This can include the use of coffins and funeral homes, alongside traditional ceremonies and rituals.

Funeral etiquette for non-indigenous people

For non-Indigenous individuals attending an Aboriginal funeral, it is essential to seek guidance on the appropriate etiquette and traditions, as these can differ between communities.

However, as with other funerals, wearing dark, subdued clothing is generally a respectful choice.

Whether you are attending an Aboriginal funeral, involved in making arrangements, or simply seeking to understand their cultural practices, we hope this guide has provided valuable insight into Aboriginal funeral traditions.

It is essential to approach these ceremonies with respect and a willingness to learn, as they carry deep cultural and spiritual significance.