Wuriupranili facts for kids
In the stories of the Tiwi people from northern Australia, there is a special Sun Woman named Wuriupranili. She is a goddess who brings the sun to the world. Her torch, made from stringybark, is actually the Sun itself!
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Wuriupranili: The Tiwi Sun Woman
The Tiwi people live on islands north of Australia. Their myths tell us about Wuriupranili, the Sun Woman. She is a powerful solar goddess who controls the sun's journey each day.
Her Daily Journey Across the Sky
Every morning, Wuriupranili wakes up in the east. She lights a small fire, which is what people see as the first light of dawn. After lighting her fire, she decorates her face and body. She uses red ochre, a natural earth pigment. Sometimes, she blows the ochre into the air. This makes the clouds look red, creating a beautiful red sunrise.
As Wuriupranili gets ready for her trip, the birds start to sing. Their songs wake up all the people. Finally, she lights her big stringybark torch from her campfire. Then, she begins her journey across the sky. She travels all the way to her evening camp in the west.
Sunsets and Nighttime
When Wuriupranili goes below the western horizon, she puts out her torch. This is why the sun disappears and night begins. She then decorates her body with ochre again. This time, her decorating creates the amazing colors we see in sunsets. As night settles in, Wuriupranili travels back to her morning camp. She goes through a special tunnel to get there, ready to start her journey again the next day.
See also
- List of solar deities
