Aborigines

Aborigines came to Australia over 40.000 years ago by sea or a land bridge. Aborigines keep track of their past through folklore. They believe in Dreaming- they guard and honour spirits created the land and life. The main job of aborigines was to find food. They all are expert hunters and food finders. They never over-pick fruits and vegetables and leave some to grow for the next year. All their weapons were made of wood and rock.

They did not build houses because they were constantly moving to new places of hunting. They did not wear clothes because it was hot. They became experts in finding water in the desert. They knew how to dig to find water in bodies of frogs, in hollow logs and in roots. After a hunt Aborigines shared equally with everyone. Today there are few true Aborigines left. They work in cities and on large sheep stations.

The Aborigines spoke more than 250 languages; only 50 of them have survived. Many people speak Aboriginal English. Some Aboriginal words entered English: kangaroo, boomerang.

Aboriginal art began with simple symbols. Concentric circles could mean a camp site, a tree or meeting place. For thousands of years, aboriginal tribes have created elaborate sand and body painting using sand, ochres, blood and feathers for ceremonies.

Australian ways

Australia is a clean country. There is a stiff fine for littering. Australians are friendly and easy-going. Many people frequent local pubs. Being prompt is important. When conversing, Australians often gesture. Australians are outgoing and relaxed in public. They express feelings openly.

Australians greet friends with G’Day and a warm handshake. Close female friends may hug and kiss on the right cheek. People prefer to use first names. From distance, a wave is a greeting.

There are strong rules of basic etiquette in Australia. Winking at women is considered inappropriate. Pointing at someone with the index finger is impolite. One points with an open hand.

Australians enjoy visiting others to dinner. One popular reason for getting together is the barbecue. When invited by friends, people offer to bring something to the meal. The hosts may accept or decline the offer.

The food in Australia is a result of a great diversity of cultures. Australians eat in the continental style: the fork is in the left and the knife is in the right hand. Beef is the most popular meat. Australians prefer plain, not spicy meal. Crocodile Bread is bread with bacon, green peppers and cheese and looks like crocodile when it is made. Sausage Rolls soup is rather popular. Tea is a favourite hot drink in Australia. Coffee comes second. A favourite dessert was created by Western Australian chef Bert Sachse in honour of ballerina Anna Pavlova. The pavlova shell or ‘pav’, rich with whipped cream and ice-cream, is a wonderful dessert which should appeal to anyone with a sweet tooth. One distinctive of restaurant in Australia is the BYO- Bring Your Own. The BYO restaurant allows you to bring your own bottle of wine, and the waiter will open it and serve it for you.

The average family has 2 or 3 children. Society is family oriented. Teenagers are rather independent. Home is valued highly and is a part of the Australian Dream. The average age for marriage is about 34; church weddings are still common.