Wirraayaraay facts for kids

The Weraerai (also spelled Wirraayaraay) were an Aboriginal Australian people. They lived in what is now New South Wales, Australia. They were different from another group called the Ualarai people.

What's in a Name?

The Weraerai people's name came from their word for "no," which was wirai or werai.

The Weraerai Language

The Weraerai language, sometimes called Wiraiari, is believed to be part of the Wiradjuri language family. Some experts think it might even be a dialect, or a different version, of the Wiradjuri language itself.

Their Traditional Lands

The Weraerai people lived on lands covering about 10,600 square kilometers (4,100 square miles). These lands were on the northern side of the Gwydir River. They stretched from Moree to Bingara.

Their territory included Yallaroi. To the north, it reached Warialda and Gilgil Creek. It also went from Inverell to north of Wallangra on the Macintyre River. Their western border was near Garah.

Stories and Special Ceremonies

The Weraerai people shared many stories and beliefs with the Gamilaraay people. They believed in a powerful creator spirit named Baiame. Baiame was thought to have created the murri, which means Aboriginal people.

Turramūlan and Muni Burribian

Baiame had a special helper on Earth named Turramūlan. His name meant 'one-legged' because his legs and feet were said to be all on one side. Turramūlan's partner, Muni Burribian, taught women important skills for daily life.

Initiation Rites

Turramūlan's presence was called upon during special initiation ceremonies. These ceremonies took place at a bora circle, which is a sacred meeting place. A special tool called a bullroarer was whirled to make a sound that signaled Turramūlan's arrival.

During these ceremonies, leaders and other Aboriginal people would appear in a long line. They were painted with red, yellow, and white designs. They wore special belts made of opossum fur called a ghūtūr. They also had short kilts made from animal skins, depending on their family's totem animal.

Their hair was styled and decorated with swan down or other bird feathers. They wore a netted band called a ngooloomere around their heads. Participants carried small packets of fine ashes or dust. They would strike these packets, releasing a misty cloud into the air. This was done with solemn chants, adding to the importance of the event.

The Serpent Figure

The ceremony also involved a large figure of a serpent made from mud or clay. This figure was decorated with yellow, red, and white patterns. The participants would walk around this serpent figure. They would bend forward as if showing respect. All their movements were precise, like well-trained dancers.

After this, they would form a square and perform a corroboree. A corroboree is a traditional Aboriginal dance and gathering. They moved together, forward, backward, left, and right, in perfect time with their voices and movements.

A Difficult History

The Weraerai people, along with the Gamilaraay and other groups, faced violence during the early European settlement. This period included events like the Waterloo Creek massacre in 1838.

Other Names for the Weraerai

Some Weraerai Words

• merri (domestic dog)
• euchie (wild dog)