| 释义 |
Definition of witarna in English: witarnanounwɪˈtɑːnə Australian A wooden object which makes a loud noise when whirled around, used in Aboriginal rituals and considered to be sacred. two men come towards them, stamping, biting their beards, and swinging the witarna Example sentencesExamples - When the cutting is over, two men take the witarnas, and swing them rapidly round their heads, advancing all the time towards the young men.
- The women and children were not allowed to see the witarna; when the instrument sounded no women were to approach.
- As they reach the lads, each man puts the string of the witarna over the neck of every lad in succession.
- All these ceremonies are carefully kept from the sight of the women and the children; who, when they hear the sound of the witarna, hide their heads and exhibit every outward sign of terror.
- The witarna is kept by the old men of the tribe, and is invested with sundry and somewhat contradictory attributes.
Origin Mid 19th century: from Banggala (an Aboriginal language) widarna. |