Wuluwaid- Aboriginal Australian SpiritSpirit"The Rain Bringer"

Also known as: Wuluwait

Titles & Epithets

The Rain Bringer

Domains

rainmonsoonseasons

Symbols

rain clouds

Description

Rain spirit of Arnhem Land who gathers the monsoon in the sky and releases it when the season demands. The thunderheads building on the horizon are signs of his stirring, and the peoples of the tropical north perform ceremonies to ensure the rains he controls arrive on time.

Mythology & Lore

The Bringer of the Monsoon

Wuluwaid dwells in the sky or among the clouds, gathering rain and releasing it when the season demands. The building thunderheads that characterize the monsoon's approach in Arnhem Land are signs of his activity. When Wuluwaid releases the monsoon in full force, rivers overflow their banks and dry plains become shallow lakes where fish and turtles move freely.

Mountford documented traditions relating to Wuluwaid during his expeditions to Arnhem Land. Ceremonies are performed to ensure the timely arrival of the rains. Wuluwaid's stirring is read in the first cumulus clouds gathering on the horizon, in the increasing humidity, and in the preliminary storms that precede the full onset of the wet.

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