The dead were usually buried in the ground, sometimes accompanied by possessions such as stone tools or personal ornaments. In some areas, special clothes were made for the deceased. Small fires were often lit inside or near the grave, and sometimes ochre was sprinkled over the body.
Many Aboriginal tribal groups share the belief that this life is only part of a longer journey. When a person passes away, the spirit leaves the body. The spirit must be sent along its journey; otherwise it will stay and disturb the family.
Aboriginal funeral etiquette
For non-indigenous people attending an Aboriginal funeral, consider speaking to a friend or family member of the person who has died to confirm the dress code. However, like other types of funerals, dark, subdued clothing is a good option.
NSWALC has also determined that any NSW Aboriginal person who was not a member of the Insurance Funeral Fund is able to apply for a NSWALC funeral grant of up to $1000 to assist with covering the funeral costs. Grants are paid directly to funeral service providers under this community benefits scheme.
In some areas, families may determine that a substitute name such as 'Kumantjayi', 'Kwementyaye', 'Kunmanara' or 'Barlang' may be used instead of a deceased person's first name for a period. This is also known as a 'bereavement term'.
But as with many Aboriginal languages there's no simple way of saying goodbye in Wiradjuri. Traditionally, there was little use for such a term. The nearest word like that in Wiradjuri is guwayu – which means in a little while, later or after some time.
Many Aboriginal language and clan groups share the belief that this life is only part of a longer journey. When a person passes away, the spirit leaves the body. The spirit must be sent along its journey back to the ancestors and the land or it will stay and disturb the family.
Pensioners dealing with the loss of a partner may be eligible for government assistance through bereavement and pension payments. A Centrelink lump-sum payment can also help with funeral costs for pensioners.
Money is not an appropriate gift, although exceptions may be made when the family is left in extreme financial difficulty. In that case, friends may wish to pool contributions to make a gift of assistance.
Aboriginal burial often involved very distinctive cultural rituals such as the use of burial mounds, or burial sites built above ground, drying and embalming the remains, burying bodies in a sitting position, or marking them with red ochre.
Flowers, sympathy cards, custom keepsakes, and donations are all appropriate gifts to bring to a funeral. While a gift is certainly not required, it can be a thoughtful way to communicate your love for those grieving. Flower and plant arrangements can often be sent to the funeral home prior to the service.
In western cultures, red is often seen as a color of joy, love, and vitality. It's the color of celebrations and positive energy. Wearing red to a funeral would be considered inappropriate because it would clash with the somber atmosphere and be viewed as disrespectful.
Many Aboriginal people believe in a place called the "Land of the Dead". This place was also commonly known as the "sky-world", which is really just the sky.
Aboriginal Death Beliefs
Notions of heaven and hell though, were not a part of their beliefs. So the idea of an Aboriginal afterlife with rewards or punishment does not exist. Instead, aboriginals focus on helping the spirit in its journey.
At the point of death, it is said that our original mother, Mother Earth, who nourished our bodies, reclaims our physical forms. Our original father, the Creator, takes our spirits, to return them to their place of origin. Afterlife The spirit can be seen and felt leaving the body.
As we've already noted, older generations might be surprised to find how many funerals are requesting donations—and how few people send flowers these days. It's not rude or inconsiderate.
But, who pays for the funeral if there is no money in the estate or a funeral plan is not in place? If there aren't sufficient funds in the deceased's bank accounts or within the estate to pay for the funeral, and they did not have a funeral plan, then the family would normally cover the funeral costs.
Sometimes, the person who's died has already paid for their funeral. Or they've left some money in their estate to cover it. If so, the executor of the estate will take care of paying the funeral bill. Otherwise, usually a relative or friend pays for the funeral.
The amount paid is usually equal to the total you and your partner would've got as a couple, minus your new single rate. It's calculated over a 14 week bereavement period, which starts on the day your partner died.
Can you be forced to pay for your parent's funeral? No, as a child of the deceased, legally you have no obligation to hold a funeral and there's no law that states you have to pay for a ceremony.
If someone dies without enough money to pay for a funeral and no one to take responsibility for it, the local authority must bury or cremate them. It's called a 'public health funeral' and includes a coffin and a funeral director to transport them to the crematorium or cemetery.
To make direct eye contact can be viewed as being rude, disrespectful or even aggressive.To convey polite respect, the appropriate approach would be to avert or lower your eyes in conversation.
In the past and in modern day Australia, Aboriginal communities have used both burial and cremation to lay their dead to rest. Traditionally, some Aboriginal groups buried their loved ones in two stages. First, they would leave them on an elevated platform outside for several months.