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So I was at the state's Medieval Fair over the weekend, which in itself was quite interesting (see my massive long post about it in the Off Topic section). To officially "open" the fair, the different re-enactor groups marched into the main arena and listened to the opening ceremony, which was mainly thankyous and such. Then it got interesting.
A little bit of background here: at most formal events, one of two ceremonies will take place. Both of these ceremonies will acknowledge the existence of the Aboriginal people who lived (or do still live) in that area and to respect them. The short form consists of a simple few lines thanking that particular group, usually said in English and if possible, in the language of that group. The long form involves an elder of that area (i.e. the Kaurna people, the Anangu people etc.) performing something for those present. The latter is what took place here.
We also had an Aboriginal elder perform a smoking ceremony for us, which was quite simple and sweet, as I'd never seen anything like it (basically it involved him fanning smoke in all directions while chanting in his language, then explaining that he was welcoming our ancestors: not just his, but everyone's ancestors.). However, during part of the ceremony where he was smoking the mayor of the town where the fair was held (I'd also assume it was sort of like a smudging ceremony), some very odd music started playing from our immediate right. At the time we assumed it was the Arabian group that were located directly behind and to the right of the arena, but it turns out that it was a small group of roving musicians who HAD to play their hurdy-gurdy during the ceremony.
If I had the chance, I would've ripped into them-is it possible to NOT play that music for FIVE minutes while something important is going on? It's not only rude to everyone else present, Aboriginal or not, but it's also EXTREMELY disrespectful to the elder present.
Although on a sidenote, I was surprised at how the Elder managed to brave the cold-all he had on was body paint and what appeared to be a loincloth (with underwear underneath) on-and this was before and after the ceremony too! Whereas little ol' me in a linen tunic, woolen apron and leather shoes was FREEZING!
A little bit of background here: at most formal events, one of two ceremonies will take place. Both of these ceremonies will acknowledge the existence of the Aboriginal people who lived (or do still live) in that area and to respect them. The short form consists of a simple few lines thanking that particular group, usually said in English and if possible, in the language of that group. The long form involves an elder of that area (i.e. the Kaurna people, the Anangu people etc.) performing something for those present. The latter is what took place here.
We also had an Aboriginal elder perform a smoking ceremony for us, which was quite simple and sweet, as I'd never seen anything like it (basically it involved him fanning smoke in all directions while chanting in his language, then explaining that he was welcoming our ancestors: not just his, but everyone's ancestors.). However, during part of the ceremony where he was smoking the mayor of the town where the fair was held (I'd also assume it was sort of like a smudging ceremony), some very odd music started playing from our immediate right. At the time we assumed it was the Arabian group that were located directly behind and to the right of the arena, but it turns out that it was a small group of roving musicians who HAD to play their hurdy-gurdy during the ceremony.
If I had the chance, I would've ripped into them-is it possible to NOT play that music for FIVE minutes while something important is going on? It's not only rude to everyone else present, Aboriginal or not, but it's also EXTREMELY disrespectful to the elder present.
Although on a sidenote, I was surprised at how the Elder managed to brave the cold-all he had on was body paint and what appeared to be a loincloth (with underwear underneath) on-and this was before and after the ceremony too! Whereas little ol' me in a linen tunic, woolen apron and leather shoes was FREEZING!
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