nounplural noun churinga, plural noun churingas
(among some Australian Aboriginal peoples) a sacred object.
‘For instance Central Australian Aborigines never sold churingas, because they were central to their belief system.’- ‘The tribal churinga ensured perpetuation of plant and animal life needed for the support of people.’
- ‘Ceremonial objects such as churingas were often carved as were functional objects such as boomerangs, message sticks and didgeridoos.’
- ‘Sitting in a circle on the cleared earth, the churingas are passed to each of your group in turn.’
- ‘These three churingas come from the Western Desert area of Australia.’
Origin
Late 19th century from Arrernte, literally ‘object from the dreaming’.
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