Yolŋu Christmas
sorrow, joy, renewal
Yolŋu and balanda. Together. But not mixed up.
— Paul Gurrumuruwuy
Christmas Birrimbirr
It’s more than just lights. There’s something deeper bringing everything together.
— Paul Gurrumuruwuy
In October, when the first thunderclouds of the coming wet season begin to form, Yolŋu know Christmas is on its way, a time when sorrow and joy move together as the rains renew the country and rituals renew relationships.
Manapanmirr, In Christmas Spirit
Christmas is a time to bring the whole family together. And that means something special. More special than you might think.
— Fiona Yaŋathu
Manapanmirr means to join things, people and places together.
The missionaries brought us Christmas.
But the gifts we share here have been here for a long, long time.
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