A special local tradition - House Opening in Aurukun

First, it's worth explaining what little I know of the cultural side of the House Opening.  We had been told how lucky we were to have a House Opening happening whilst we were here, and to make sure we went along.  How right everyone was.

When a person dies in Aurukun, the family close the house they lived in, for anywhere between 6 months to 3 years.  Everything they touched is removed (I think) and replaced eventually, and no one enters the house during that time.  The last place they visited is also off limits - shown by boundaries of pink string etc if it's land.  therefore, we were told, if there is pink or coloured rope/string around, don't go into that area. 

Also, they do not speak that persons name until they have the 'name ceremony' which allows their name to spoken.  Interestingly, this applies to anyone else in the community with the same or similar sounding name.  You must use the name "Tarpitch" when referring to anyone of that name.  If you have that name you become "Tarpitch Blah Blah". Even on school assignments or forms that need to be filled out etc. 

So a House Opening is a big celebration, re-opening the house of the person that passed away, the house is decorated, people wear special clothing, and there is dancing and feasting and ceremonies. It frees their spirit to move on. This house opening was particularly sad due to the age of the person - he was a young 18 year old boy killed in a car accident on his way home here (he was a boarder at school in Brisbane).  And, his school mates are all staying here in the guesthouse for the event. 

Logistically, I had heard it started at 3, or 2, or 4 or 5pm.  We got there at 3, just to be sure.  Preparation was all still happening.  Decorations were being finalised on the outside, balloons and streamers going up.  The house looked amazing. 

A pit was dug for the "kup maurie" - a fire pit to roast all the food (they killed a bullock, a wild boar, sea turtles and a dugong for the meal).  This is slow cooking method, where they have a pit. hot fire ashes and then put the food in - cover it up and let it cook.  I reckon it was after 4pm when it started.

The local dancers were amazing.  There were all different types of traditional dance and costumes, from painted bodies and grass skirts to hula from the islanders.  And everything in between.  There are very specific rituals and dances that are only performed at House Openings.  I only wish I could understand the language to know each ones significance and meaning.

What a privilege to be able to be able to be sit on the sidelines and just watch.  It's not like it's a tourist performance, these are local normal ceremonies. An huge amount of effort goes into the dancing and the costumes.  Needless to say, I have lots of video, but may just go with a few photo's here.

It was a really moving event.  Hopefully a tradition they can keep going in the future, as they have until now.

Beautiful decorations on and around the house.

Appow