Ruokaruoat

Ruokaruoat, also known as "rookarooka" or "rookarooka," is a traditional Aboriginal Australian dance performed by the Worimi people of the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. The dance is a significant part of the Worimi culture and is performed during ceremonies and social gatherings to celebrate important events such as the arrival of the first fruits of the season, the birth of a child, or the completion of a significant task.

The dance is characterized by its rhythmic movements and the use of specific hand gestures and body postures. Participants often wear traditional Worimi clothing, which includes a skirt made from kangaroo skin and a headband adorned with feathers and other decorative elements. The dance is accompanied by the traditional didgeridoo, a wind instrument made from a hollow tree trunk, and other percussion instruments.

Ruokaruoat is not only a form of entertainment but also a means of preserving and transmitting cultural knowledge and values. The dance teaches younger generations about the history, traditions, and beliefs of the Worimi people, ensuring that these elements are passed down through the generations. It is an important aspect of Aboriginal cultural heritage and is recognized as such by the Australian government and other organizations that support Indigenous cultures.