The significance of stars and the sky in Aboriginal art and stories

First Nations peoples of Australia have been studying the sky for tens of thousands of years and this is reflected in their artwork, whether that work is on canvas, engraved in rock formations or painted onto ceramics. This is because Aboriginal stories about stars are not just interesting yarns. In fact, many of them contain important information about the universe and the sky’s relationship to the land and water around us. So what exactly is the significance of these stories based on the sky?

The Emu in the Sky

One of the most famous Aboriginal constellations is called The Emu in the Sky. It can be found in one of the most well-known parts of the Earth’s sky, the Milky Way. If you look closely at what many Western astronomers will know as the Southern Cross, you’ll find a shape you may not have noticed before. Trace your eyes to the bottom left corner of the constellation, there you’ll see a dark smudge – this is the head. Its neck then passes in the middle of the two pointer stars while its body stretches outwards and its legs emerge in the Milky Way’s dust lanes.

The significance of the Emu in the Sky

As we mentioned, the First Nations people of Australia and their interest in the stars was in large part influenced by what it could tell them about their surroundings. If you know how to read it, the sky is a calendar that indicates all sorts of things like when certain foods might be available and what season it is. The Emu in the Sky holds particular significance because depending on the time of year it looks to be either sitting down or running. This detail was the difference between knowing when they needed to hunt for emus or collect their eggs.

The sentiment behind the stories shouldn’t be forgotten

While there are many practical reasons behind certain constellations, the stories behind them are just as important. Many contain other important information, as well as significant community and moral teachings. Whenever these constellations appear in the sky, they provide an opportunity to pass on those teachings to the younger generations.

When appreciating Aboriginal stories and art, it’s important to understand the deep history and context behind the things you're enjoying. This helps to preserve the culture and traditions of the many different First Nations people of Australia.