The name Rainbow Serpent is distinctly Australian, coming from the Dreamtime creation story told by the traditional owners of the land. Dreamtime stories often vary between aboriginal tribes, however the story of the Rainbow Serpent is special as it is one of the few common to all.The Rainbow Serpent is protector of the land, and the source of all life.
In the Dreamtime, the world was flat, bare and cold. The Rainbow Serpent slept under the ground with all the animal tribes in her belly waiting to be born. When it was time, she pushed up, calling to the animals to come from their sleep. She threw the land out, making mountains and hills and spilled water over the land, making rivers and lakes. She made the sun, the fire and all the colours.
The serpent or snake plays an important role in every culture, sometimes as the Creators or Source of everything, other times as the giver of knowledge, sexual energy, spiritual awakener or source of evil. Not only does it connect Aboriginal tribes, it also unites people of all different cultures and walks of life throughout the world.
Through dance, music and artistic expression, the Rainbow Serpent Festival also allows people from across the globe to dance a common dream.
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http://www.rainbowserpent.net
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