churinga

[ choo-ring-guh ]

noun

, plural chu·rin·ga, chu·rin·gas.

1. an object carved from wood or stone by Aboriginal tribes in central Australia and held by them to be sacred.

churinga

/ tʃəˈrɪŋɡə /

noun

1. a sacred amulet of the native Australians

Word History and Origins

Origin of churinga¹

First recorded in 1895–1900, churinga is from the Aranda word jwerreŋe

Word History and Origins

Origin of churinga¹

from a native Australian language

Example Sentences

"Churinga" in Australia are greased with the natural moisture of the palm of the hand, and rubbed with red ochre.

From Project Gutenberg

Again, they inform us that the churinga belief, and the existence of stone churinga, are things isolated.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Lang knew nothing of the Arunta churinga till I drew his attention to the subject.

From Project Gutenberg

Again we read, "Many of the churinga were placed in the ground, some natural object again marking the spot."

From Project Gutenberg

Can the Churinga nanja and reincarnation beliefs have set up nescience of obvious facts among the Arunta?

From Project Gutenberg