Observation – Aunty Steff’s Smoking Ceremony
Today, we had the privilege of welcoming Aunty Steff to lead a smoking ceremony with the children.
She began by sharing the significance of her Coolamon, explaining its traditional uses for collecting berries, bush tucker, and leaves, as well as for carrying babies and even being used in fire-making.
Before lighting the fire, Aunty Steff spoke about the importance of fire safety, reminding the children that it is always an adult’s responsibility to start a fire. She then showed them the materials she had gathered—leaves, paper, and small twigs—and explained that the fire she was creating in the Coolamon would be small and contained.
To ensure everyone’s safety, we kept the children at a safe distance from the smoke, with those who have asthma placed in a protected area. As Aunty Steff gently blew on the embers, the children watched in fascination as the flames grew—demonstrating the effect of wind on fire. When she placed fresh eucalyptus leaves on the fire, the children observed how it produced a special cleansing smoke without flames.
Aunty Steff then showed the children how to brush the smoke over their bodies, explaining that a smoking ceremony is meant to clear away bad or sad feelings and bring a sense of happiness and renewal. One by one, the children who wanted to participate took turns engaging in this powerful cultural practice.
To further enrich the experience, we were treated to a Didgeridoo performance by Aunty Steff’s son, creating a beautiful atmosphere in the preschool.
Later, the children took burnt sticks from the ceremony and used them to create charcoal drawings outside, making a hands-on connection to traditional storytelling through art.
It was a truly meaningful and memorable experience, deepening the children’s connection to culture, tradition, and community.
