Ceremonies

Emu in the night sky

The appearance of the Emu in the night sky was an indicator for various ceremonies. The emu occurs in the region of the Milky Way near the Southern Cross constellation. The coalsack region (shown in the image) represents the emu's head.

The concept of the Emu in the sky exists in different Aboriginal groups across Australia.

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A small part of the Wurdi Youang stone arrangement in Victoria

The coalsack and the Southern Cross

S. Brunier | CC BY SA 3.0

The rising Banumbirr (Venu)

The planet Venus is known to the Yolngu people as Banumbirr or Morning Star. Its rising marks an important ceremony in Yolngu culture.

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Venus, also known as Banumbirr or Morning Star

Venus, also known as Banumbirr or Morning Star

Luis Argerich | CC BY-NC 2.0

Navigate by the stars