The first book for author / illustrator Jasmine
Seymour introduces us to the First Nations rituals that connect new born
children with Country. It’s a delightful and instructive journey into the
beginning of a Gurung - child’s life, joining it to the land, its roots and
family.
First the Aunties share the stories of their
smoking as is tradition. Women and children gather around. For the smoking,
paperbark and termite mud is needed. Green leaves are added protection from
sickness and to chase away bad spirits.
Smoke on the feet, chest, hands, and on the mouth.
Each has a symbolic reason. Smoke on the ears from the child’s totem which is
to be respected and cared for throughout the child’s life. These are beginner’s lessons on the
Indigenous laws.
Illustrated in simple bold-lined images in colours
of earth and nature, each one represents the unity between the people and their
surroundings; the earth beneath them and the sky above.
I loved the way Seymour created an ethereal presence
with the smoke to represent something deep and powerful. It’s a reference to
the soul that shouts its importance. The trees in the background appear misty
and floaty; the native plants bright against the dark earth alive. Kangaroos
watch the smoking through this transparent white fog. Crows fly on every page.
This traditional ceremony had been created with
heart. Children will learn many things from these publications which are now
frequently emerging after a long slumber.
Many countries in Europe and I’m sure in other
regions of the world, carry out baby rituals which are still practiced today.
Each tradition comes with symbolic rituals that are everlasting and are strings
that join the past to the present.
Jasmine Seymour is a Darug writer, illustrator and
a primary school teacher from the Hawkesbury River in New South Wales. Darug
words used are explained at the end.
Title:
Baby Business
Author/Illustrator:
Jasmine Seymour
Publisher:
Magabala Books, $24.99
Publication
Date: June 2019
Format:
Hardcover
ISBN:
9781925768671
For
ages: 5+
Type:
Picture Book