The beautiful connection between people and Country | Back To Nature

Summary

In 'About Our Own Country,' Laura shares the traditional customs of welcoming visitors to her land. The process involves a 'weary geary' messenger, a cleansing ceremony to purify spirit and body, and a respectful introduction to the land. Laura explains the significance of connecting with nature, using the earth and river as a means of introduction. The script emphasizes the importance of respecting the land and its wisdom, and suggests that a mindful connection with the environment can lead to a more enriching experience.

Takeaways

• 🌳 Traditional Welcome: In the past, visitors had to wait at the boundary of a country until a 'weary geary' messenger confirmed their intentions and the elders allowed them to enter.
• 🛁 Cleansing Ceremony: A ceremony was conducted to cleanse both spirit and body, ensuring visitors met elders without negativity or conflict.
• 🔥 Eternal Welcome: Once a visitor has gone through the ceremony, they are always welcome to sit by the fire, symbolizing ongoing acceptance.
• 🍃 Connection to Nature: The leaf is taken as a symbol of connection to the tree, the ground, and the land, which is considered the oldest living thing with vast knowledge and wisdom.
• 🎶 Respectful Behavior: The script emphasizes behaving respectfully towards the land and its inhabitants, including ancestors and elders.
• 🐻 Greeting the Land: Upon returning to one's country, it's customary to greet it with a phrase like 'jingle jingle bell' to acknowledge the Yukon bear country.
• 🤝 Self-Introduction: Introducing oneself to the land by mixing earth with sweat and sprinkling it into the river signifies a personal connection and respect for the land.
• 🌬️ Listening to Nature: The wind is not just blowing; it's communicating, and visitors are encouraged to listen and connect with the natural world.
• 🧘‍♂️ Regrounding: The smoke is an opportunity to reground oneself and connect with the land, suggesting a meditative or reflective practice.
• 👐 Physical Connection: Touching the rope and feeling its warmth is a way to let the land know of one's presence, symbolizing a physical and spiritual connection.
• 🗻 Land as Anchor: The rock serves as an anchor to the country, grounding individuals to the land and its traditions.

Q & A

What is the traditional process for welcoming visitors to the country mentioned in the script?

The traditional process involves waiting at the boundary of the country until a messenger called a weary geary is sent to understand the visitors' intentions. After the elders' approval, a ceremony is conducted for cleansing the spirit and body, allowing the visitors to meet the elders without any negativity.

What is the significance of the ceremony described in the script?

The ceremony is significant for cleaning the spirit and body of the visitors, ensuring that they meet the elders with a clear and positive mindset, free from any conflicts or negative emotions.

What does the term 'palingana' mean in the context of the script?

In the script, 'palingana' refers to the act of behaving in a respectful manner towards the land, the ancestors, and the traditions of the country.

Why is the leaf considered important in the script?

The leaf is important because it symbolizes the connection to the tree, the ground, and the land, which is considered the oldest living thing in the world, holding the knowledge and wisdom of everything.

What is the purpose of taking the earth and mixing it with sweat in the script?

The act of taking the earth and mixing it with sweat is a way of introducing oneself to the land, signifying respect and establishing a connection with the country.

How does the script suggest one should introduce themselves to the country?

The script suggests introducing oneself by taking some of the earth, mixing it with one's sweat, and sprinkling it into the river, which serves as a way to let the land and the river know of one's presence.

What is the role of the 'jingle jingle bell' phrase in the script?

The 'jingle jingle bell' phrase is used as a metaphor for a greeting or a way of saying hello to the Yukon bear country, indicating a respectful and friendly approach.

Why is it important to introduce oneself to the country according to the script?

Introducing oneself to the country is important because it helps to establish a connection with the land and ensures a better day by acknowledging and respecting the place one is visiting.

What does the script suggest about the wind in the context of connecting with the country?

The script suggests that the wind is not just a natural phenomenon but also a form of communication, as it is said to be talking to the listener, providing a way to connect with the country.

What is the significance of the rope and the rock in the script?

The rope and the rock are significant as they serve as anchors, connecting the visitors to the country and grounding them in the present moment, allowing them to listen and feel the presence of the land.

How does the script describe the experience of connecting with the land?

The script describes the experience as one of emptying the mind, feeling the warmth of the rope, and listening to the wind, which is said to be communicating with the visitor.