Aurorae in Australian Aboriginal Traditions

TL;DR

This paper explores how Aboriginal Australian traditions interpret aurorae, linking their physical properties to cultural themes like fire and spirits, and compares these views with other indigenous groups worldwide.

Contribution

It compiles and analyzes Aboriginal accounts of aurorae, highlighting their cultural significance and providing a comparative perspective with global indigenous traditions.

Findings

Aurorae are associated with fire, death, and evil spirits in Aboriginal traditions.

Historical auroral events are documented in Aboriginal cultures.

Comparison with other indigenous groups shows similar interpretations of aurorae.

Abstract

Transient celestial phenomena feature prominently in the astronomical knowledge and traditions of Aboriginal Australians. In this paper, I collect accounts of the Aurora Australis from the literature regarding Aboriginal culture. Using previous studies of meteors, eclipses, and comets in Aboriginal traditions, I anticipate that the physical properties of aurora, such as their generally red colour as seen from southern Australia, will be associated with fire, death, blood, and evil spirits. The survey reveals this to be the case and also explores historical auroral events in Aboriginal cultures, aurorae in rock art, and briefly compares Aboriginal auroral traditions with other global indigenous groups, including the Maori of New Zealand.