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... re benefits to aboriginal people.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" > <channel> <title>RSS Australian Culture</title> <link>http://districthilo.com/</link> <description>Australian Culture</description> <lastBuildDate>Thu, 01 Apr 2021 19:49:43 -0500</lastBuildDate> <language>en</language> <sy:updatePeriod>daily</sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency> <item> <title>Aboriginal history culture and beliefs</title> <description>History and culture of Australia's indigenous peoples by Ricco Villanueva Siasoco Djakapurra Munyarryun plays the didgeridoo in the "Sea of Hands" display in Sydney in 1998. The display was in support of native title and ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/australian_aboriginal_culture_jenolan_caves.jpg" alt="About" align="left" /><p>History and culture of Australia's indigenous peoples by Ricco Villanueva Siasoco Djakapurra Munyarryun plays the didgeridoo in the "Sea of Hands" display in Sydney in 1998. The display was in support of native title and reconciliation of Australian aboriginals. (Source:AP) Who Are Aborigines? Aborigines are Australia's indigenous people. Recent government statistics counted approximately 400, 000 aboriginal people, or about 2% of Australia's total population. Australian Aborigines migrated from somewhere in Asia at least 30, 000 years ago. Though they comprise 500–600 distinct groups, aboriginal people possess some unifying links. Among these are strong spiritual beliefs that tie them to the land; a tribal culture of storytelling and art; and, like other indigenous populations, a difficult colonial history. "The Dreamtime" Aboriginal spirituality entails a close relationship between humans and the land. Aborigines call the beginning of the world the "Dreaming, " or "Dreamtime." In the "Dreamtime, " aboriginal "Ancestors" rose from below the earth to form various parts of nature including animal species, bodies of water, and the sky. The name "aborigine" derives from the Latin, meaning "original inhabitants." There are approx. 400, 000 aborigines living in Australia. Unlike other religions, however, aboriginal belief does not place the human species apart from or on a higher level than nature. Aborigines believe some of the Ancestors metamorphosed into nature (as in rock formations or rivers), where they remain spiritually alive. Storytelling, Art, and the Didgeridoo The oral tradition of storytelling informs aboriginals' vibrant cultural life. Songs illustrate the Dreamtime and other tales of the land, while dances and diagrams drawn in the sand accompany oral tales. Books About Aborigines and Australia The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith Thomas Keneally The Songlines Bruce Chatwin In a Sunburned Country Bill Bryson In the Northern Territory, aboriginal art includes sculpture, bark and rock paintings, and baskets and beadwork. Rock carvings and paintings can be found in such places as Arnhem Land, Ubirr, and Nourlangie. Many aborigines earn a living through selling native artworks. Aboriginal music is often recognizable for its most famous instrument, the didgeridoo. A wind instrument typically made from bamboo, it extends about five feet and produces a low, vibrating hum. Aborigines use didgeridoos in formal ceremonies at such events as sunsets, circumcisions, and funerals. Land Rights Movement As a result of forced assimilation, by the late 1880s most aborigines had joined white rural and urban communities. Aboriginal people became economically marginalized and were exposed to new diseases. The consequence was massive depopulation and extinction for some aboriginal tribes. Land and property rights fueled an important civil rights movement in the 1970s. Aborigines spoke out for equal rights, and specifically for land rights for property that had been forcibly taken by British settlers. The Aboriginal Land Rights Act, passed in 1976, became instrumental in territories with tribal associations. The 1990s witnessed further rights milestones, including government legislation that returned a great degree of autonomy, and increased wages and welfare benefits to aboriginal people.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Australian Aboriginal Culture]]></category> <link>http://districthilo.com/AustralianAboriginalCulture/aboriginal-history-culture-and-beliefs</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://districthilo.com/AustralianAboriginalCulture/aboriginal-history-culture-and-beliefs</guid> <pubDate>Fri, 02 Apr 2021 05:49:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Who are the Aboriginal people?</title> <description>According to the United Nations, there are approximately 400 million Indigenous people worldwide, making up more than 5, 000 distinct tribes . Together we are one of the largest minority groups in the world, spanning over 90 ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/perry_bellegarde_afn_chief_urges_people.jpg" alt="Perry Bellegarde, AFN chief" align="left" /><p>According to the United Nations, there are approximately 400 million Indigenous people worldwide, making up more than 5, 000 distinct tribes . Together we are one of the largest minority groups in the world, spanning over 90 countries. While Indigenous Peoples total only about 6% of the world’s population, we represent 90% of the cultural diversity . INDIGENOUS PEOPLES HOLD 20% OF THE EARTH’S LAND MASS. THAT LAND HARBORS 80% OF THE WORLD’S REMAINING BIODIVERSITY. DEFINING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES There is no rigid definition of what makes a group Indigenous, but the United Nations and the International Labour Organization have outlined a few characteristics that usually define an Indigenous group: ● We are descended from the pre-colonial/pre-invasion inhabitants of our region. ● We maintain a close tie to our land in both our cultural and economic practices. ● We suffer from economic and political marginalization as a minority group. ● A group is considered Indigenous if it defines itself that way. Each Indigenous group is unique. We speak thousands of different languages, and our traditions are as diverse as our lands. However, there are basic principles that all Indigenous communities share. These principles are the foundation of all Indigenous practices, and it is because of them that our economies and our societies are equitable, balanced, and sustainable. Given that Indigenous lands contain so much of the world’s natural assets, why are we not the wealthiest, healthiest people on Earth? The answer is clear: we are not simply losing control of our assets, our assets are being stripped from us. At the same time, we are systematically denied access to the legal and political tools to secure our rights. This is the single most unifying issue for all Indigenous Peoples. Regardless of where we live, Indigenous Peoples are suffering from eviction, violence, exclusion, discrimination and disenfranchisement, leading to poverty, health issues, and the destruction of our cultures. Perhaps most detrimental is the widespread perception that we lack the capacity to take care of ourselves. We have been prosperous for the vast majority of our history, and the loss of that prosperity is the only possible result of being completely stripped of our resources and our rights. The same would become of any civilization on Earth if it were to experience the same asset-stripping. The perception that Indigenous Peoples lack capacity not only leads to further marginalization, it prevents us from working effectively with non-Indigenous partners, and from acquiring the capital to create change for our communities.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Australia History]]></category> <link>http://districthilo.com/AustraliaHistory/who-are-the-aboriginal-people</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://districthilo.com/AustraliaHistory/who-are-the-aboriginal-people</guid> <pubDate>Fri, 26 Mar 2021 05:44:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Aussie Christmas Lights</title> <description>It may still be November, but this will get your Christmas pulses going as Australian David Richards – known locally in Canberra as ‘Christmas Lights Man’ - has orchestrated the world’s Largest display of Christmas lights ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/where_to_see_best_christmas_light.jpg" alt="Wantirna South couple Gail and" align="left" /><p>It may still be November, but this will get your Christmas pulses going as Australian David Richards – known locally in Canberra as ‘Christmas Lights Man’ - has orchestrated the world’s Largest display of Christmas lights on an artificial tree with 518, 838 individual lights to earn himself a spot in the record books. The display was officially switched on at 20:45 Australian time on Friday in the presence of jolly locals and an official Guinness World Records Adjudicator who was on hand to confirm the new world record. The Christmas tree is decorated with baubles, flashing presents and is topped by a 1.5-metre star containing 12, 000 bulbs. A display of this kind was no overnight job and, with the leadership of Richards and an enormous undertaking involving architects, electrical and civil engineers, designers, and an army of SIDS and Kids ACT volunteers, 518, 838 lights was more than enough to beat the previous record of 374, 280 by Universal Studios Japan in October 2015. The dad of three is no stranger to Christmas related records and has previously set the Guinness World Records titles for the “Largest image made of LED lights” and “Most Christmas lights on a residential property”. Richards and his wife Janean sadly lost their son aged just one month old in 2002 and have been fond supporters of the Canberra-based charity SIDS and Kids ACT which is dedicated to eliminating sudden and unexpected death in children from conception onwards and providing programs and services. They have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through various fundraisers and his record attempts are key to helping conjure up local support for the charity and much needed funds. “For a little charity to come out of nowhere and beat the previous record is extraordinary - Canberra has taken the world record away from a major theme park in Japan! This has been an enormous undertaking involving architects, electrical and civil engineers, designers, and an army of SIDS and Kids ACT volunteers all donating their time and goods and services, ’ says Richards. ‘Ever since our tragic loss in 2002, SIDS and Kids ACT has been an organisation close to our hearts. We want to support them so they can continue to provide bereavement services to Canberra and the surrounding community, ” says David. SIDS and Kids ACT CEO Lisa Ridgley says she is in awe of David’s commitment to the event, and his passion and sheer will-power to finish the project. “Our organisation is truly grateful for all David does. We’ve been working on this since January; it’s been fantastic watching it all come together. Christmas Lights in the City would not have been possible without the contribution from David, local businesses and the Canberra community. It is an incredible way to bring people together at Christmas… what a gift for Canberra!” says Lisa. Guinness World Records Editor in-Chief, Craig Glenday, was delighted to see this record kick of the start of what will be a month filled of amazing Christmas records. He said: “Everyone here at Guinness World Records looks forward to this time of year like most and David Richards continues to amaze us with his incredible Christmas displays. This is an amazing new record and it’s no mean feat decorating a tree with over 500, 000 lights - do bear a thought too for our adjudicator who had to count each and every light! video</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Australian Celebrations]]></category> <link>http://districthilo.com/AustralianCelebrations/aussie-christmas-lights</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://districthilo.com/AustralianCelebrations/aussie-christmas-lights</guid> <pubDate>Fri, 19 Mar 2021 05:10:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Customs in Australia culture</title> <description>Unlike many other cultures, Australians say what they really mean and are, in general, more individual and outgoing. They are mostly relaxed, easy-going, open and direct. People normally think that most Aussies dwell in the ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/tradition_and_culture_in_yangon.jpg" alt="And Culture in Yangon" align="left" /><p>Unlike many other cultures, Australians say what they really mean and are, in general, more individual and outgoing. They are mostly relaxed, easy-going, open and direct. People normally think that most Aussies dwell in the countryside but as a matter of fact, more than three quarters of them live amidst the crowded cities and urban areas, mainly along the seashore. Some key values that reflect the Australian way of life include: • Freedom of speech • Freedom of religion • Democracy • Equality regardless of sex, marital status, religion, nationality, disability or sexual preference • Peacefulness • A ‘fair go’ (equal opportunity) for all and support for the underdog. Australia, in real sense, is a democratic nation with equal opportunities with no formal class divisions. There is no discrimination between people of different incomes or backgrounds. Everyone is a free-bird. They can live where they like, join university and adhere to whichever religion and occupation they choose. What are Australians like? Australians usually call each other by their first names in the workplace and among friends and companions. When people meet someone for the first time, it is common to shake each other’s right hand. People generally do not kiss or hug when meeting people for the first time or whom they don’t know. Australians, while speaking or listening to other people, show respect by looking people in the eye but they don’t have as much physical contact (such as hugs and kisses) as other cultures. Australian friends might have difficulty in pronouncing your name in the beginning but you have to be patient and prepared so that they could repeat your name or say it slowly and finally succeed in uttering the name exactly and properly. As bonds mature, you may find that your friends give you a nickname, which is very common in Australia and is a form of compliment. Sporting culture Australians love their sport and most people watch the finals of major sporting events, even if they don’t normally have an interest in the sport. Popular events include the State of Origin and Melbourne Cup. Men and women Most of the women stay in the workplace after they get bound to a matrimonial relationship and many after they’ve had kids. There are fifty percent of women employees in Australia. Women are also free to breastfeed in public. Men and women are treated equally in Australia. Friendships with members of the opposite sex, and social events with both sexes are common as there are no social rules and regulations regarding friendships or dating in Australia. It is also common for de facto couples to live together, or for men and women to live in a share-house together. Since people in Australia generally don’t have maids and servants, the both sexes equally share the cooking and domestic duties in the home. Language The wit and the funny aspect of Australians could easily be ascertained. They are considered to be quite sarcastic. One may find difficult to comprehend the Australian sense of irony at first but will get accustomed to it in no time. If you don’t understand anything, you may ask without any hesitation. The Australian accent and use of ‘slang’ may also be unclear and confusing. Aussie slang • Arvo – afternoon • Aussie – Australian • Barbie – BBQ/barbeque • Bloke – man/guy • Boardies – board shorts • Brekkie – breakfast • Brizzie – Brisbane • G’day – good day/hello • Goldy – Gold Coast • Mozzie – mosquito • No worries – no problem/that’s OK • Roo – kangaroo</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Culture Of Australia]]></category> <link>http://districthilo.com/CultureOfAustralia/customs-in-australia-culture</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://districthilo.com/CultureOfAustralia/customs-in-australia-culture</guid> <pubDate>Fri, 12 Mar 2021 05:58:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Traditional Christmas food in Australia</title> <description>Christmas dinner offer at Palazzo Versace Gold ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/christmas_dinner_offer_at_palazzo_versace.jpg" alt="Christmas at Palazzo Versace" align="left" /><p>Christmas dinner offer at Palazzo Versace Gold Coast</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Christmas Traditions In Australia]]></category> <link>http://districthilo.com/ChristmasTraditionsInAustralia/traditional-christmas-food-in-australia</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://districthilo.com/ChristmasTraditionsInAustralia/traditional-christmas-food-in-australia</guid> <pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2021 05:12:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Is Australian</title> <description>It is said that you should never discuss religion, sex or politics. Although religion is the question on the Census that tends to cause the most discussion. It seems everyone has an opinion on it. The Census doesn’t collect ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/australian_tea_t2_teas_grown_in.jpg" alt="Tea grown where" align="left" /><p>It is said that you should never discuss religion, sex or politics. Although religion is the question on the Census that tends to cause the most discussion. It seems everyone has an opinion on it. The Census doesn’t collect anything on politics, and sex is only “Male” or “Female” (although now there is an “other” option but that is for another blog) so I guess that leaves religion as the most controversial question on the form. In a time when many people don’t necessarily identify with a formal religion, there is much discussion about what people will put as their religion on the form. And there are always questions about emerging religions, particularly Islam, which may be perceived as a more major religion in Australia than it actually is (2.2% of the population in 2011). Changes over time Question 19 on the Census form asks, “What is the person’s religion?” The 2016 Census will involve a major change to the religion question, which will be interesting, but make it difficult to compare some religions over time. In the past this has been used by religious groups to target their services to particular communities, mainly in the days when most people identified with a religion and more services were provided under their auspices. These days, religious schools seem to be the main users of the information, but the question it is one of several measures of ethnicity and cultural diversity in the Census that help to build a picture of different places. A question on religion has been asked right back to the first national Census in 1911, although religion is the only optional question on the form. The Australian Constitution does not allow the government to force people to disclose their religion, so it remains optional. In 2011, 8.6% of the population, or 1.8 million people did not answer it. In 2011, these were the main religious groups in Australia. The majority are mainstream Christian religions, but the biggest emerging groups are Catholic, as well as non-Christian religions such as Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism. “Christian, not further described” is also on the increase, which is people writing in “Christian” rather than choosing a denomination. Changes to religions in Australia tend to represent a combination of trends – movement away from the traditional mainstream Christian religions into no religion or broad identification with Christianity without formal church attendance – coupled with migration into Australia of particular cultural groups associated with other religions, both Christian and Non-Christian. Missing from this list is “No Religion” which of course is not a religion, but a valid option for the question. In 2011, 22.3% of the population did not have a religion (this doesn’t include those who didn’t answer the question, above). This has increased steadily over time – back in 1911, just 0.4% nominated no religion. In 1971, an instruction for those with no religion was placed on the form, and 6.7% of people nominated no religion. The Census Return of the Jedi The only exception to this increase was in 2001, which saw a small dip in “No religion” due to a large number of people who started responding with their religion as “Jedi” or “Jedi Knight” or some variant on a Star Wars theme (many of whom would presumably otherwise have put no religion). This is not a recognised religion in the official classification, and it ends up in “Not Defined” or “Non-classifiable religious belief” in profile.id. In 2011, approximately 171, 000 people, or 0.8% of the population were in this category. Despite not being recorded in terms of standard religious output, the ABS does release some information about the number of people who write in a Star-Wars related religion. In 2011 it was about 65, 000, or little over a third of this non classifiable category. Changes in 2016 In 2016, Census is implementing a major change to the religion question – The “no religion” option is moving from the bottom of the question to the top. The ABS has said that this is to make it more consistent with other questions and the way other countries ask the question. It remains to be seen how this will affect the response, but I think it will be consistent. It’s likely that people who don’t strongly identify with the religion they were born into may see this option first and mark that, rather than seeing their childhood religion before they notice “No religion” at the bottom. This could be the biggest change in the religion question since the introduction of no religion as a marked box in 1991. In New Zealand, they have had “No religion” at the top of the list for several Censuses now, and in 2013 recorded 38.3% of the population with no religion, well above Australia’s 22.3%. Unfortunately this will mean it will be hard to identify changes in religious groups over time as distinct from changes caused by the wording of the question. Atheist Foundation campaign The Atheist Foundation of Australia have commenced a campaign to encourage people to mark “No religion” when they no longer identify with the religious group they were born into or don’t accept the tenets of a particular religion. This may also have an effect on the numbers, but it will be hard to tell how much. Interestingly, they are not promoting that people write “Atheist” which is a valid option too. Along with Humanist, Rationalist and Agnostic, respondents who write “Atheist” in the “Other” box are recorded as a separate category for detailed output but for most standard output (including in profile.id) are included with the “No religion” total. What is .id’s position on all this? At .id we encourage people to answer all the Census questions truthfully – it’s such a valuable resource for planning in the community and we only get this information every 5 years, so the best way to make this resource work for all Australians is for everyone to answer as accurately as possible for themselves and their families. As far as religion goes, if you identify with a particular religious group, you should answer with that group (including writing in the “Other” category if it’s not a tick box), and if you don’t identify with any religion, mark “No religion” or write in one of the sub-categories. The same really goes for any other topic on the Census. And if you truly believe in the tenets of the Jedi Knights, put down your religion as “Jedi”, but be warned that it won’t be recorded as a separate category in the output.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Australian Aboriginal Culture]]></category> <link>http://districthilo.com/AustralianAboriginalCulture/is-australian</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://districthilo.com/AustralianAboriginalCulture/is-australian</guid> <pubDate>Fri, 26 Feb 2021 05:10:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Festivals Australia 2014</title> <description>The coming months are a travelling film buff's dream, as film festivals all over the country pop up celebrating both international and local film. Wherever in the country your travels may take you, there is sure to be festival ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/sydney_writers_festival.jpg" alt="Sydney Writers' Festival" align="left" /><p>The coming months are a travelling film buff's dream, as film festivals all over the country pop up celebrating both international and local film. Wherever in the country your travels may take you, there is sure to be festival nearby - or at least only a few hours drive away. We've located some of the top film festivals around Australia for you to include in your itineraries - so without further ado, here are the nominees for this year's best in film. Revelation International Film Festival, Perth When: July 3-13, 2014 From humble beginnings in the back room of the Greenwich Club in 1997, the Revelation International Film Festival has since spread to a number of galleries, cinemas and cafes, showcasing more than 100 films and drawing 10, 000 attendees each year. Revelation endeavours to combine the art of film with the visual art within galleries and live music, to create a sensory experience in all areas. The festival receives in excess of 500 submissions each year, giving creators a wide variety of film to choose from. Audiences are treated to a selection of offerings to cater to their many backgrounds, tastes and ages. The event is made up of a number of components including creative, argumentative and active subject matter, with the most recent introduction of an academic standpoint. Audience members can enjoy feature films, documentaries, workshops and seminars with more than 50 guests from the film industry. Top Picks: Palo Alto and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Melbourne International Film Festival, Melbourne When: July 31 - August 17, 2014 This festival is one of the oldest in the world, beginning in 1952, making it the most prestigious in the country. Set in lively Melbourne city, it hosts the best current films from around the globe as well as opportunities for filmmakers and film lovers to hold discussions and tributes. Screening both international and local offerings, the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) is a must for travellers new to the state or country and who are looking to view some of the best in cinematic experiences in the world. MIFF also hosts an industry program that provides investment and guidance to local directors, giving back to the community that has supported it for so long. Top Picks: God Help The Girl and What We Do In The Shadows. Canberra International Film Festival, Canberra When: October 23 - November 9, 2014 Celebrating its eighteenth year on the scene, this year the Canberra International Film Festival boasts 18 days of incredible cinema.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Festivals Australia]]></category> <link>http://districthilo.com/FestivalsAustralia/festivals-australia-2014</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://districthilo.com/FestivalsAustralia/festivals-australia-2014</guid> <pubDate>Fri, 19 Feb 2021 05:04:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>What are Social Customs?</title> <description>Varkala is a coastal town and municipality in Thiruvananthapuram district situated in the Indian state of Kerala. It is the suburban town of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum city). It is located 50 kilometres north-west of ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/india_kerala_varkala.jpg" alt="INDIA - KERALA - Varkala - Fishing Boat (2" align="left" /><p>Social customs vary based on a person's background, ethnicity and cultural upbringing. For example, India's social arena puts more prominence on gender, with special preference given to males as a figure of authority and dominance. Almost all marriages are arranged in this culture, and women are expected to be more submissive in social settings. Japanese social customs often include a bow or simultaneous bow and handshake upon greeting one another, according to Nanzan University's guide to social customs. In addition, when greeting, first names are rarely used in the Japanese culture. The family name followed by "san, " which translates to Ms., Mrs. or Miss, is preferred. The French culture boasts formal social etiquette, according to the Paris Culture Guide. Formality in dress, greetings before asking a question and formal table etiquette in social settings and at meals with acquaintances and friends is expected at all times and is a sign of respect for others. Learn more about Social Sciences</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Australian Customs]]></category> <link>http://districthilo.com/AustralianCustoms/what-are-social-customs</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://districthilo.com/AustralianCustoms/what-are-social-customs</guid> <pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2021 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Indigenous Religious beliefs</title> <description>Indigenous Religious Beliefs and Cosmology of the Filipino Introduction Any simple attempt at describing the belief systems native to the Filipino is likely to be inadequate. The religious beliefs were as varied as the languages ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/african_traditional_beliefs_janakesho.jpg" alt="Image" align="left" /><p>Indigenous Religious Beliefs and Cosmology of the Filipino Introduction Any simple attempt at describing the belief systems native to the Filipino is likely to be inadequate. The religious beliefs were as varied as the languages of the country. However, there were certain areas of common ground that existed among many of the peoples throughout the islands. In this webpage, we will try to organize some of these core beliefs an present as much as possible a Philippine system, or systems, of belief and cosmology. The problem is somewhat complicated by the fact that the native savants, like those found among other Malayo-Polynesian peoples, were highly secretive. Specialists in the field often complained after lifetimes of research that they had not uncovered much of the native knowledge. Their reasons for these beliefs usually stemmed from the fact that they often would hear the names of new deities, concepts, beliefs, etc., or of chants, sometimes epic in nature, even after their informants had assured them of divulging all their knowledge. Also, generally the most respected hierophants were often uncooperative with non-initiates. While many early Western works focused on "juicy" anthropological items like human sacrifice, etc., these often lead to stereotyped views of Philippine beliefs. For example, among the Kankanai Igorots, the dog was almost worshipped, in a manner similar to other tribes throughout the Malay archipelago; some of whom even gave their dogs amulets to wear against sickness and danger. However, among some neighboring Igorot tribes, the dog, while considered sacred, is killed and eaten during sacrifices. This has been a source of some hostility even among these Igorot peoples who live close to one another. Throughout the Philippines, there was a great diversity of belief. Just as one cannot say that the torturing of heretics by the Grand Inquisitioner, the practice of conversion by sword, the slaughter of infidel women and children during the Crusades, and the robbing of Jews during the pogroms are characteristic of Christianity, one cannot casually stereotype Philippine beliefs. Besides, it is unwise, in most cases, to judge others except by the their own standards. For example, the slaughter and eating of cows would be considered a great evil by many orthodox Hindus. It would quite literally be the mark of savages. Yet, Hindus generally do not use this standard when judging non-Hindus. So, with this, let us proceed. Belief in Supreme God While there somewhat of a trend going on in the ethnological circles claiming that widespread monotheistic beliefs found among many tribal peoples were due to the influence of diffusion, or by forced interpretation by missionaries, the belief in a Supreme God seems to be one of the most natural and simplest of beliefs. Indeed, very little evidence has been mustered in support of this theory and it remains simple conjecture. In the Philippines, the record of the Spanish, and the surviving indigenous traditions leave little doubt that the Filipinos had a belief in a Supreme Creator God. The name of this god varied depending on what region is discussed. Among some of the names are: Bathala, Diwata, Kabunian, Mansilatan, Makaptan, Laon, Lumauig, Mamarsua, Tuhan, etc. Here is a graph showing the hierarchy of creation generally held in Philippine belief systems: The Creator God was almost always said to be invisible, or without form, and as such, images of the deity were not generally made. The name was considered sacred, and very rarely uttered, usually only in sacred rituals by special initiates. This same phenomenon occurs widely throughout the Malay Archipelago. Generally, the Supreme God was seen as distant and too involved in higher matters for direct worship. Instead, a lower class of deities, who, like humans, were also created, were the principle objects of prayer, supplication and ritual. However, sacrifices, offerings and rituals aimed at the Supreme God were no unknown, and they were usually reserved for emergency-type situations as among the Bagobo, or in very special annual rites. The lower gods were known by names like diwa, diwata, tuhan and anito. As in many shamanistic cultures, these deities were divided into benefic and malefic categories. A sort of cosmic dualism was ever present in which humans and other earthly beings were also involved. However, the malefic deities were not generally seen as enemies and were often supplicated themselves. Their role in bringing harm to earthly beings was seen as having a special significance in the cosmic scheme of things. While a sort of battle between good and evil did exist, this was primarily between the beings of earth and the lower realms. In this conflict, the shaman/priest acted as the primary defender in native society. He/she sought the aid of the benefic deities against the malevolent lower spirits, or the appeasement of the malefic deities. In special cases, the shaman/priest even appealed to the Supreme Deity.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Australian Aboriginal Culture]]></category> <link>http://districthilo.com/AustralianAboriginalCulture/indigenous-religious-beliefs</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://districthilo.com/AustralianAboriginalCulture/indigenous-religious-beliefs</guid> <pubDate>Fri, 05 Feb 2021 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Ancient Aboriginals</title> <description>It is acknowledged that Australian Aboriginal culture is heavily spiritual and symbolic, but a rock engraving in a national park near Sydney suggests that the indigenous belief system represents a deep knowledge of the sky and ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/explore_dream_discover_third_day_sun.jpg" alt="Explore. Dream. Discover" align="left" /><p>It is acknowledged that Australian Aboriginal culture is heavily spiritual and symbolic, but a rock engraving in a national park near Sydney suggests that the indigenous belief system represents a deep knowledge of the sky and the motion of the bodies within it. Scientists at Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) have presented the hypothesis that Aborigines – whose existence stretches back, unbroken, for more than 50, 000 years – could have been the world’s first astronomers. Coalsack Dark Nebula (within the Milky Way) is known to the Wardaman Aboriginal people as the head of the ‘Emu In The Sky’. The rest of its body falls to the left, seen as the darkness between the stars. In the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, near Sydney, is an ancient Aboriginal rock engraving of the Emu In The Sky, oriented in such a way so as to line up with the nebula where it appears in the sky at the time when real-life emus are laying their eggs.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Australian Traditional Clothing]]></category> <link>http://districthilo.com/AustralianTraditionalClothing/ancient-aboriginals</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://districthilo.com/AustralianTraditionalClothing/ancient-aboriginals</guid> <pubDate>Fri, 29 Jan 2021 04:45:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> </channel></rss>If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:
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