Fire in the sky: The southern lights in Indigenous oral traditions

TL;DR

This paper explores the significance of Aurora Australis in Australian Indigenous oral traditions, highlighting its cultural meanings and similarities with Native American beliefs.

Contribution

It provides an analysis of Indigenous narratives and cultural interpretations of the southern lights, emphasizing their symbolic importance.

Findings

Aurorae are linked to fire, death, blood, and omens in Indigenous traditions.

Australian Indigenous stories share similarities with Native American beliefs about aurorae.

The paper highlights the cultural significance of aurorae in Indigenous communities.

Abstract

Parts of Australia have been privileged to see dazzling lights in the night sky as the Aurora Australis (known as the southern lights) puts on a show this year. Aurorae are significant in Australian Indigenous astronomical traditions. Aboriginal people associate aurorae with fire, death, blood, and omens, sharing many similarities with Native American communities.