Halloween

Here is some information about words which may be used during preparation for Halloween.

We have also included words for spirits and ghosts in Gamilaraay GR Yuwaalaraay YR Yuwaalayaay YY languages (GYY). Please note that this is a discussion about language only. Traditional GYY attitudes towards ghosts and spirits were very different from that of the settlers. Please consult Elders for cultural information and appropriate use of these words.

For more information about the words in different GYY languages, please see the list at the back of the dictionary.

Gurra (spider) GYY

This is the huntsman spider, but also the general word for any spider.
Here is a colouring-in sheet, based on one of the illustrations in Tracey Sharpley's book 'Let's count by two' See the link for more information on her book, downloads, or to purchase.

Ngarraadhaan (bat) YR YY

This is the name for any small bat. Known as ‘man’s friend’. Possibly from ngarra-li ('see' in YR) and the suffix -Dhaan ('good at').
This little bat is from Yuluwiiri Kids Preschool in Coonabarabran, made from a small yogurt pot, black paint, and plenty of imagination:







Download the pdf file: ngarraadhaan.pdf

Here is a colouring-in sheet:


Download the pdf file: ngarraadhaan_microbat.pdf

Wanda (ghost, spirit) GYY

Wanda also means 'white man' (Note: wadjiin is 'white woman').
Wandobah comes from wanda with the suffix -Baa, 'place of'. 

Download a pdf file of this poster here: wanda_ghost.pdf
See the TikTok from Gindjurra Yibaay here.

Four Gamilaraay spirits GR

Download a pdf file of this poster here: Four-Gamilaraay-spirits.pdf

You can hear these words pronounced on the video: