The Australian culture originates from stories of battlers, bushrangers and brave soldiers. In today’s context, they refer their culture to sports heroes, thriving performing arts scene and a vibrant multi cultural society as a result of the migrants. It also defines itself by their Aboriginal heritage.
The People:
Aboriginal culture: a rich and timeless tradition
The dreamtime to the aborigines is the sacred ‘time before time’ of the world’s creation. Based on the beliefs of the aborigines, totemic spirit ancestors emerged from the earth and descended from the sky to awaken a dark and silent world. In turn it created the sun, moon and stars, forged mountains, rivers, trees and waterholes and changed into human and animal forms. Spirit ancestors connect this ancient past with the present and future through every aspect of Aboriginal culture. Rock art, craft and bark painting reveal Dreamtime stories, mark territory and record history. Songs tell of Dreamtime journeys and verbally map out water sources and other essential landmarks. The special lyrics which have been passed down are left unchanged for more than 50,000 years. It is often accompanied by clapsticks or the deep throb of the didgeridoo. Similarly, traditional dances reveal creation myths; enact the deeds of Dreamtime heroes and even recent historical events.
Aborigines Today
For the aborigines group, land rights are their top priority hence laws have been passed to allow them to make claims on ownership of land. However many of them have lost or forced to leave their homes due to floods resulting in homes destroyed and development of land to build mines. Although they are groups of aborigines that live in remote areas who go through much suffering, there are others who manage to integrate successfully into the Australian society.
The Urban Aussies
80% of Australians live in cities making it the most urbanized place on earth unlike the myth of a true Aussie to be in the outback. As the majority now holds office jobs, including leisure is crucial to them. As nature is often close to them, some spend their leisure time at the beach or take a stroll at the park or others have a beer at a nearby café. Their lifestyles are mostly relaxed, with the weekends for leisure and “9 to 5 pm” as the working hours for weekdays.
Australia is now a multi cultural society resulting from the massive influx of 6 million settlers from 200 different countries who have made Australia their home. In the 19th century, racism was still deep rooted in Australia and they fear the hordes of Asian settlers. Although it was not easy adapting ,there are others who resorted to other means of settling such as cross cultural marriages. Today, racism is still evident in some areas but not a majority and mostly it is successful in showing cultural diversity.
Life in the Bush (Rural Australia)
This group of people live a life totally different from the urban Aussies. Most of them stay in rural parts of Australia like in the outback and are farmers or cowboys. There is still a large group of them that have not been exposed to globalization and still use traditional methods of farming and raising cattle.
The Traditions:
Australia Day
This day is an occasion whereby Aussies come together and celebrate what's great about Australia and being Australian. It is also a time where they reflect on achievements and re commit to making Australia a even better place to live in, in the future. Held on the , 26 of January, it is the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet of 11 convict ships from Great Britain, and the raising of the Union Jack at Sydney Cove by its commander Captain Arthur Phillip, in 1788.
Over half of the population attend organised community events while others have gatherings together with family and friends. Citizens get to enjoy fireworks, barbeques, dress up in Australian colours and even feast on traditional Australian fare.
Christmas
As Australia is situated in the southern hemisphere, it is a summer time holiday for Aussies with no chance of a “white Christmas”. Similar to other nations, Christmas is normally celebrated as a family event. Due to the weather, Aussies normally head outdoors to have barbeques. Also, the traditiondal Christams food like turkey,cold ham ,pudding and pies still remains however there is increasing popularity of seafood on ice to complement the hot weather. Some associate it with sport like a game of cricket.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day which is followed after Christmas where it is referred as Proclamation Day. A number of sporting events take place on that. One of them is cricket where ten of thousands will flock to the Melbourne Cricket Ground to enjoy the opening day of the test. Some go there for purely the interest in cricket, others go there for the sake of tradition and even those who just simply enjoy the summer sun. While in Sydney, Boxing Day marks the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
Anzac Day
Taking place on the 25th of april,the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps Day was established to commemorate and honor Aussies who have passed away while serving their country in wars. Veterans usually march the streets and narrate their stories over afternoon tea. Ceremonies are conducted around war memorials and includes wreath laying,singing of hymns, saying prayers and moments of silence and the Australian national anthem.
Traditional Aussie Food
Though Australia boasts of different cuisines , there are some traditional Australian cuisine and staples. Examples include the famous vegetime over sandwiches or toast,pavola (soft meringue dessert with fruit and cream filling,lamingtons( small sponge cake desserts with coconut and chocolate coating and meat pies.
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