What does dreamtime mean to the Aboriginal peoples?

Dreamtime Meaning. According to Aboriginal belief, all life as it is today - Human, Animal, Bird and Fish is part of one vast unchanging network of relationships which can be traced to the great spirit ancestors of the Dreamtime. The Dreamtime continues as the "Dreaming" in the spiritual lives of aboriginal people today. read more

Across Australia, we have different words for this concept, including Tjukurpa in central Australia, Bugari in Broome, and Wongar in north-east Arnhem Land. Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people prefer the use of the word Dreaming over Dreamtime. The Dreaming is passed from generation to generation through stories, song, dance and art. read more

The Dreamtime continues as the "Dreaming" in the spiritual lives of aboriginal people today. The events of the ancient era of creation are enacted in ceremonies and danced in mime form. Song chant incessantly to the accompaniment of the didgeridoo or clap sticks relates the story of events of those early times and brings to the power of the dreaming to bear of life today. read more

The Dreamtime laid down the patterns of life for the Aboriginal people. Creation is believed to be the work of culture heroes who traveled across a formless land, creating sacred sites and significant places of interest in their travels. read more