Placenta Burial Ritual

   Australian Aboriginal cultures are incredibly diverse, so there isn’t a single universal set of birth or placenta practices.     However,   across many groups, birth and placenta burial are deeply spiritual and tied to identity, land, and ancestry. 

Placenta burial practicesPlacenta practices are especially significant and vary by community, but some common themes include:
1. Connection to CountryThe placenta is often buried in a meaningful place on ancestral land. This act symbolizes the child’s lifelong connection to that specific place.

• The burial site may be chosen carefully—near a tree, water source, or significant landmark.
• In some traditions, the location helps define the child’s identity and belonging.

2. Spiritual significanceThe placenta is not seen as waste but as a sacred part of the person.

• It may be considered a “spirit companion” or linked to the child’s soul.
• Proper burial ensures spiritual balance and protection.

3. Totemic and kinship linksIn some groups, the burial site can influence the child’s totemic identity or strengthen kinship ties.

• The place where the placenta rests may become spiritually important throughout the person’s life.

4. Ongoing relationshipThe burial site may be revisited or remembered in ceremonies, reinforcing connection to land, ancestors, and community.



Today
Many Aboriginal families continue these traditions where possible, sometimes adapting them within modern hospital settings (e.g., requesting the placenta for burial afterward). Practices vary widely depending on community, location, and personal choice.
Our women on country can now experience the placenta Burial Ritual with a
smoking ceremony for mothers, their child and placenta to Country

• The placenta is buried in the earth, often on ancestral land.
• This act symbolised that the child belongs to that place.

The Spiritual meaning 
The placenta was not treated as waste—it was part of the person.

• Placenta is returned it to the land and ancestors, helping maintain spiritual balance.

Identity and belonging 

• The burial site could:
  • Anchor the child’s identity to a specific place
  • Reinforce kinship ties
  • Mark a lifelong connection to Country

Trees and growth symbolism

• In some communities, the placenta might be buried near or under a tree. As the tree grows,
  
• it symbolises the child’s growth and life journey. 

Available to mothers who would like to have ceremony on country here on Bundjalung land
for their placenta to be buried with ritual and ceremony, groups are welcome 


Contact Lois on:
+61405654280
Email: [email protected]