Name and Country |
Do you tell your friends and audience about the cultural background of the didj? |
What do you tell people about the cultural background of the didj? |
| Al from Australia |
Sometimes |
Whalianat it's made from and who played it (northern Aborigines). An instrument for men only traditionally |
| Anonymous |
Always |
I tell them ancient tribes from australia plays it. Ancient tribes from Australia are highly connected to organic cycles of nature and they understood them selves really as a part of it. The instrument is a deep connection to this feeling. |
| Alexander Lavrishchev from Russia |
Sometimes |
I tell that didgeridoo is the oldest musical instrument in the Earth and it was born in Australia. |
| Amy from USA |
Always |
Tell them about the aboriginal tribes and the reason they make didgeridoos. |
| Anandini from USA |
Only if asked |
Playing is still a very private thing for me. Very few people outside my family even know that I play. Playing is sacred and it links you with an ancient culture and way of being. I am not interested in showing people how "good" I am. Playing is a meditation and healing for me. |
| Andrew King from Australia |
Mostly |
I always end up getting into a lengthy discussion about the stolen generation and European settlers and government tactics etc.etc its quite fun really when the topics arise |
| Andrew from United Kingdom |
Always |
The myth / legend about taking a stick and blowing the ants out |
| Andrew from Australia |
Only if asked |
That it is traditionally only played men and was the main sound coming from a Caribberie. |
| Anonymous |
Only if asked |
Aboriginal |
| Andy from United Kingdom |
Sometimes |
The sound effects tell a story of mother nature that has surrounded the aboriginals for thousands of years. |
| Angela from USA |
Only if asked |
Made by aboriginals in Australia |
| Anonymous |
Only if asked |
Where it originates, what it means |
| Angie from USA |
Always |
It's an instrument that the aborigines used to connect to Earth, to dreamtime, and to the the Universe. |
| Anonymous from USA |
Only if asked |
That it's an Australian aboriginal instrument/art form. |
| Antonio Mara from Italy |
Always |
It's a sacred instrument |
| Anonymous from Australia |
Never |
I still need to learn |
| Audrey from USA |
Always |
Your site is a mine of correct information so I send them there. |
| Anonymous |
Always |
The didgeridoo is a wooden wind instrument that was and continues to be used for aboriginal celebrations. |
| Barbara McCrea from USA |
Sometimes |
The didgeridoo is used in many facets of Aboriginal life, healing, meditational as well as being the very genesis of everyday life |
| Bas from Netherlands |
Only if asked |
I tell them about the dreamtime songs and ceremonial use of the instrument, as well as the use of other instruments. |
| Anonymous |
Sometimes |
Its used in ceremonies of the aboriginal people of Australia for thousands of years |
| Billy from Brazil |
Always |
Didgeridoo is very Psychedelic sound!!!! |
| Brad Cole from USA |
Always |
I tell them about the great dream,aka dream time and how the aborigines are the oldest constant cultural group known in the world.also how I hold their wisdom in a very high regard! |
| Brendan Moloney from Spain |
Sometimes |
Well there seems to be a few different stories of how it all started and they are all impressive but I explain to them that it was founded by the Aborigines and I explain the spiritual side to it. |
| Brenton Roberts from Australia |
Sometimes |
The story about the birth of the didgeridoos |
| Candy from USA |
Always |
Authentic Didj's only come from certain Aboriginal people and I reference our American Indians who played a much smaller but similar instrument called the Reed flute. |
| Anonymous |
Only if asked |
So far I've not been asked |
| Carolyn from Australia |
Always |
I try to talk about the history.. starting in Arnhem land, and its diaspora south and east in Australia then throughout the world. And about the sometimes confusing/conflicting story of women and the didj |
| Cheri from USA |
Mostly |
Check out the website because it has all the history info for you! |
| Anonymous |
Always |
Australian, aboriginals, breathing techniques, healing, |
| Anonymous from USA |
Only if asked |
That he history goes way back and Its been used for a long time. I also mention the artwork used and why |
| Christian Hens from Germany |
Always |
I am telling, that the didgeridoo is used by the Aboriginals as an spiritual instrument |
| Anonymous from Austria |
Mostly |
About different styles and that the place in aboriginal culture etc. |
| Cindy Roma from Australia |
Always |
As much as I can, and be honest about the use and reason why the didj is such an important and deadly instrument to have |
| Anonymous |
Only if asked |
The didj is a traditional music instrument of the australian aboriginal people which they make from eucalyptus trees. |
| Anonymous |
Always |
Its an Australian instrument traditionally played by the aborigines and that they used them to tell stories such as ones about the animals they encounter. |
| Dana Bleitz from USA |
Always |
While archaeological evidence places the use of Didgeridoos to at least 2000 ybp, its use is probably much older. I talk about the traditional hunting/gathering economy and the rich cultural lore that mirrors that of the early California Indians. I also share the animal stories recorded by the different aboriginal groups and play recordings of their music. |
| Dana from USA |
Sometimes |
I wish I knew more to tell. |
| Anonymous from USA |
Only if asked |
It is a cultural instrument that is hand carved and painted or naturally carved by termites in Australia. It is the most interesting instrument I have ever come upon. |
| Dave from Canada |
Mostly |
They are a traditional instrument of Australian Aborigines, used in meditation, spiritual rituals, and ceremonies. |
| Dave Feetam from Australia |
Mostly |
Originated in the top end, played by men at ceremonies |
| David from Canada |
Mostly |
It's the oldest musical instrument, it's native to northern Australia, it's used in ceremonies, and every one is different. |
| David Veal from USA |
Never |
Only that is of aboriginal origin. |
| Denny Simpson from USA |
Always |
I start with Arnhem Land and work my way down. I have a nice collection and I show the differences between tribal totems and regions. I also tell some dreamtime stories at the local children's museum. |
| Anonymous |
Never |
I am native and I do not know. |
| Anonymous |
Rarely |
Comes from Australia |
| Eddie Daughton from United Kingdom |
Always |
About the sun rising in the desert and the song of the didge causing the world to move.... About the history of a people that goes back 50,000 years and more... About the place of the didj in dreaming the world..... I go on for HOURS!!! |
| Eddie Govender from USA |
Always |
That the didj originated by australian aborigines and that they are the authentic players of this fine art of the didj |
| Eduardo from Ecuador |
Mostly |
It is an instrument that australian aboriginals consider special and they respect it a lot. |
| Francisco from Chile |
Always |
Es un instrumento que los aborigenes australianos usan para seremonias |
| Anonymous from France |
Sometimes |
The way didj are used to tell stories |
| Frank from USA |
Mostly |
I talk about the australian aboriginals and the ceremonial use of the didge. |
| Frans Essers from Netherlands |
Sometimes |
In touch with nature and roots |
| Anonymous from Canada |
Mostly |
That it originates with the aborigines of northern australia and is ancient. It is used by them in spiritual and cultural ceremonies. |
| Garry from Australia |
Never |
I don't know much about the cultural background of the Didj. Used for ceremonies and relaxation. I do know where the Didj came from and who made it. |
| Gary Phillips from USA |
Rarely |
Developed by Aboriginal spiritual leaders, and that it is the original primordial sound and can have intense healing and meditative powers, in the right hands (mouth). |
| Anonymous from USA |
Sometimes |
Aussie aboriginal instrument |
| Gerard School from Netherlands |
Always |
I tell about the Aboriginals who carefully select the right branches with respect for nature. |
| Gerard Tegenbosch from Netherlands |
Only if asked |
It's one of the oldest air-instruments in the world It is used by the aboriginals in their story-telling tradition of essential knowledge transfer |
| Graham from New Zealand |
Mostly |
Aboriginal |
| Greg Furbish from USA |
Only if asked |
I tell them that didj's originated from the various indigenous groups in Australia since the beginning.....they are used musically, ceremonially and for shamanic purposes. I also tell them they were used to tell stories |
| Gregoire from France |
Sometimes |
With the didj you find a history, a culture, It's not just bamboo commerce, and no, the didj come no from bali!! |
| Hannah Wenger from USA |
Never |
If I had to tell people about the cultural background of the didgeridoo I would say that it originated in Australia and was designed by the Aborigines. |
| Anonymous |
Mostly |
It's an instrument played by the Australian aboriginal people. |
| Howard from USA |
Always |
I tell them that the Aborigines have a story about how the stars were created when one picked up a hollow branch and blew on it the white termites came out the other end and became the stars. |
| Isabel from Canada |
Sometimes |
That it is the most beautiful Sound that has ever come from such a wonderful country Australia! So rich, so powerful, so soothing...so magical |
| Jack from USA |
Sometimes |
I don't know very much, but I tell them it's a very old Aboriginal instrument. and direct them to the Didjshop site to learn more |
| Anonymous from United Kingdom |
Mostly |
The traditional significance of it and the scope of its history |
| James Parker Iii from USA |
Sometimes |
That it dates back before the time of Christ. |
| Anonymous from USA |
Mostly |
Outline the aborigine cultural use of the instrument. |
| Jan Stanek from Czech Republic |
Always |
I invite them to meditation and concerts. And often playing with them in the tea room and learn from each other. |
| Jan from Netherlands |
Mostly |
The didgeridoo is a integral part of ceremonial life as it accompanies singers and dancers in religious rituals. The rhythm of the didgeridoo and the beat of the clapsticks are precise and these patterns have been gone over for many generations. |
| Jan Vlach from Czech Republic |
Mostly |
Didgeridoo is an intonational wind instrument used by aborigines to ritual purposes such as stem Celebrations (corroboree), etc. It's about 40,000 years old (under the rock wall paintings) and is probably the oldest musical instruments. |
| Anonymous from USA |
Sometimes |
Its an Aboriginal instrument. |
| Anonymous from USA |
Mostly |
Yidaki, construction, Arnhemland, age |
| Jared from USA |
Always |
Most all people have the attention span to hear that it's from Australia's indigenous population and that it is hollowed out by termites. |
| Jason Aken from USA |
Always |
It has been played by Australian Aborigines for thousands of years, and is part of their rich cultural and spiritual heritage. It is featured on ancient cave paintings in Northern Australia and has only recently been embraced by Westerners. |
| Anonymous from Canada |
Sometimes |
Comes from Northern Australia, women not permitted to play it for ceremonial purposes, oldest instrument known. |
| Jean-pierre Gay from France |
Mostly |
It is used during ceremonies, corroborees |
| Anonymous |
Always |
They are authentic |
| Jeff from USA |
Always |
Termite hollowing, ancient roots of the instrument |
| Anonymous from USA |
Always |
It is one of the oldest wind instruments in the world and unique part of Australian culture. |
| Jeremy Iparraguirre from France |
Sometimes |
Je ne connais pas, donc je n'en parle pas |
| Jeremy from USA |
Sometimes |
Usually just that its an instrument of the Australian natives, the Aborigines, and they can find out more information on google since I personally am not very good with long conversations... |
| Anonymous from USA |
Mostly |
Aboriginal, the oldest wind instrument, used in ceremony. That's usually as far as I can get. |
| Jesse from Finland |
Mostly |
It's an Australian aboriginal wind instrument, actually, it's said to be the oldest wind instrument. |
| Jesus from USA |
Sometimes |
Aboriginal,very old |
| Jim Wafer from New Zealand |
Always |
The yidaki or didgeridoo is the sacred Wind instrument of a lot of Aboriginal tribes but not all. It was originally used both for healing purposes and also as a consciousness altering tool. |
| Johan Thaens from Belgium |
Sometimes |
Why the aboriginals used it to come in contact with spirits, etc |
| John from USA |
Always |
It's a very important part of aboriginal culture. Used in ceremonies. Women are not allowed to play. Thought to possibly be world's oldest instrument. |
| Anonymous from Canada |
Mostly |
It's Australian Aboriginal. It's ancient, probably 30 thousand years. It's used in religious ceremony, to recount ancient journeys called walkabouts...but each tribe might have its own take on it. |
| John from USA |
Mostly |
I tell the mythical story of creation. I talk about how the didges are hollowed by termites. I talk about the how the right to decorate them is handed down. |
| Jonathan Coote from Canada |
Sometimes |
I am still learning but I know the didj has a deep spiritual as well as cultural connection and place within the aboriginal tribal heritage. |
| Anonymous |
Always |
Some variation of the following: It was night in the Dreamtime, and cold, and no stars, so an Ancestor started a warm crackling fire. Before tossing one last log on the blazing fire, he noticed that the log was hollow and inside it were many termites. He did not want to harm the termites, so he put the hollow log to his lips and blew with all his might. The termites were scattered all across the heavens and became stars, and the didgeridoo was heard for the first time. Traditional aboriginal myth and legend says the didjeridu has been around since the beginning, when the Dreamtime Creators sung the world into being. The Australian aboriginal culture is thought to have begun in Australia about 40,000 to 50,000 years ago, and though some believe the didjeridu has been around for this long, the general consensus is that the didjeridu has been a part of aboriginal Australian culture for 1,500 years or more. |
| Joseph from USA |
Only if asked |
Where it's from and who were the first players and it's sacredness |
| Anonymous |
Mostly |
From the Australian aboriginals |
| Anonymous |
Mostly |
1st wind instrument. Who and what reasons they where played. |
| Anonymous |
Only if asked |
Originated in Australia, in Aboriginal tribes. |
| Anonymous from USA |
Mostly |
That it is an Australian spiritual instrument of the aborigines and that it is used in healing. |
| Kyle from Canada |
Always |
That its from australia originally made from eucalyptus carved out by ants until just the right thickness and in ceremonial events it is usually burned after |
| Anonymous from USA |
Always |
It's an Aboriginal instrument. |
| Laura from New Zealand |
Always |
I've honestly only begun to learn about it and the aboriginal people, but what I do tell them is that the didj is a sacred instrument that can be used for healing purposes. |
| Liam Skeates-udy from Australia |
Mostly |
Its been around since the dreaming and has brought many hundreds of thousands of indigenous people together over great distances, the sharing of individual communities styles and ways of life are integral in the didj's history |
| Anonymous from Brazil |
Mostly |
That it's a very old instrument played in rituals by aboriginal people |
| Anonymous from USA |
Mostly |
It's an aboriginal instrument, originally made from eucalyptus wood. (Mine is actually made from a hollowed out agave flower stalk--local plants, local didj...) |
| Anonymous |
Always |
I tell people that the didge is used primarily traditionally for cultural rituals and is primarily played only by men according to ritual rites. |
| Anonymous |
Mostly |
The little I know about it's tribal and religious value |
| Anonymous |
Only if asked |
It comes from the Australian Aboriginal people. |
| Luis Antonio from Mexico |
Always |
I speak the history that I have read on the instrument and how the men of those lands use it to speak with the Earth. The magic about the pictures over their skins and the story that tells that pictures. |
| Anonymous |
Mostly |
That is is one of the most ancient instrument of the earth, played by the aboriginals of australia. |
| M from USA |
Always |
It is a wind instrument of the Indigenous Australians of northern Australia. It is claimed to be the world's oldest wind instrument. Aboriginal people have been using the didj for about 1500 years based on the dating of paintings on cave walls. |
| Marc from USA |
Always |
It's one of the oldest known instruments and was discovered by Aboriginal Australians |
| Marc Thomas from United Kingdom |
Always |
That it originates from Arnhemland Northern Territories. |
| Anonymous from Germany |
Always |
Dass die Aboriginees es seit vielen Jahrhunderten zu rituellen und musikalischen Zeremonien verwenden. |
| Mark Dunne from Ireland |
Mostly |
It originated from the aborigines thousands of years ago |
| Mark Leipfert from USA |
Mostly |
It is used in ceremonies and to tell stories about dreams. |
| Markus from Germany |
Sometimes |
That the primary intended use is for ceremonial rituals and not for fun. And it is often part of story-telling. |
| Matt Chacey from USA |
Mostly |
I explain what it is used for, how it is made by nature, and how it is played differently for different things like story telling or ceremonies. |
| Matt Salvage from United Kingdom |
Mostly |
How it is played to tell stories about dreamtime. The way there made. How the dot painting is used and how each one is individual to the artist painting it. |
| Matti Virtanen from Finland |
Always |
I tell its traditional use in ceremonies and its meaning in aboriginal life. However, I spend more time telling about aboriginal culture and lifestyle -- Dreamtime, Songlines, History and the white impact, than I do telling about the instrument itself. |
| Anonymous |
Never |
Just the association with aborigines of Australia |
| Michael from United Kingdom |
Never |
At its spiritual |
| Anonymous from Spain |
Always |
The most beautiful combination between people and nature |
| Anonymous from Finland |
Always |
It's from Australia and it's a aboriginal traditional music instrument. |
| Nathan from USA |
Always |
Its the oldest musical instrument in the world and it came from australia |
| Neil from Canada |
Only if asked |
Only what I know, which is almost nothing. It's an Aussie instrument of ancient origin |
| Nicolas from United Kingdom |
Always |
That it is the best instrument in the world and the true voice of mother nature. the voice of the Didgeridoo is the most peaceful sound to me when listening to the true Aborigines playing them on your website. Sometime when I have sleepless nights it helps to relax me and get to sleep. |
| Anonymous from Norway |
Rarely |
Just that it is an ancient aboriginal instrument from Australia. |
| Anonymous from Norway |
Rarely |
I only tell them it is a aboriginal music instrument |
| Anonymous from USA |
Only if asked |
Not much |
| Patrick Bodine from USA |
Always |
The didgeridoo has been used for thousands of years as a musical instrument and as a healing tool |
| Anonymous from USA |
Only if asked |
I have done some study of the Aboriginal peoples and the processes involved in the making of such an ancient instrument. |
| Anonymous |
Sometimes |
It is one of the oldest instruments in the world. |
| Paul from United Kingdom |
Always |
That the didgeridoo originated in the Northern territories and is a very sacred instrument to the Yolgnu people |
| Pavel from Russia |
Mostly |
I tell them that didj have 40,000 years history and it's the most elder brass instrument |
| Penny O'brien from USA |
Mostly |
That are originally from the outback of Australia |
| Peter Richards from USA |
Always |
It's from the cultural heritage of the aboriginals, often played with click sticks and a dancer. |
| Phil Kotofskie from USA |
Always |
First I share how ancient the instrument seems to be. I explain how it is used in ceremony with song, sticks and dancing to tell stories and for sacred reasons. If they are interested I tell them the little I know about different areas and the people who live there. |
| Anonymous |
Only if asked |
That it is an instrument the australian Aborigines used to play during religious ceremonies or whatever |
| Raymond from USA |
Mostly |
The true beauty of a didj is not just it's musical capability but it's ability to seemingly transcend the didj player while playing. |
| Renaud from China (pr) |
Always |
That is an aborigine traditional instrument that is use with traditional dances and singings. One of the first instrument in the history of mankind. Finally give explanation about aborigines. |
| Rex Womack from USA |
Mostly |
I do NOT speak for the Aborigines but about them. I speak of some of the legends of how the Didge was invented. Its use in ceremonies and how I play "western style". |
| Anonymous |
Sometimes |
The story about the first didge being created around the fire, the aborigine blowing the ants out so they didn't get burned. and a little bit about the dream time. Also the oldest instrument known! |
| Richard Elms from Australia |
Sometimes |
Originated in Northern Australia, has since spread to some south eastern areas, seen as a men only instrument by some aboriginal people... |
| Anonymous from USA |
Mostly |
That is is Australian Aboriginal in origin and is regarded very highly in that culture. That it is made with great care and pride and represents a great honor when it is given to you. |
| Robert Quintarelli from Australia |
Mostly |
How I think It first existed - around 20 to 40 thousand years ago an aboriginal was making a fire with his family and while putting the wood in the fire he saw in a branch termites and not wanting to kill them he blew though the now called mouth piece and that's how the drown appeared while the termites were flying in the stars |
| Robin from USA |
Always |
Very old instrument hold very special meaning to the people. |
| Roger from USA |
Always |
That it was an important tool in the life of the people of Australia |
| Roxy from USA |
Always |
It is from the Australian Aboriginal people's heritage. They play it during ceremonies. |
| Ruslans Rubcena from Ireland |
Mostly |
I tell them about didgeridoo's exact age, though it is commonly claimed to be the world's oldest wind instrument, & Aboriginal people of the Kakadu region of the Northern Territory have been using the didgeridoo for about 1500 years! |
| Ryan Deirmendjian from USA |
Only if asked |
I don't get too deep into it because most people don't REALLY care...They are all just enamoured by the awesome sound. However I at least throw in that it is Australian and that the instruments themselves originated from the Aboriginal tribes native to Australia. |
| Scott Hazen from USA |
Always |
It is a method on meditation and communication with the religious type beliefs and followings of the aboriginal people. A method of coming together. |
| Scott Stewart from United Kingdom |
Sometimes |
That it is an indigenous instrument of the original inhabitants of Australia |
| Scott from USA |
Mostly |
That the didj is used in many ceremonies of the Aboriginal people, and that it plays a significant role in their creation stories, including how the stars were made. |
| Sean Lake from USA |
Always |
That the Australians played it and its manly for men because it is believed that if women touch it they get pregnant and that they found it by blowing termites out of a log and it mad a sound and the people danced to it and the termites turned into stars |
| Severin Bisewski from Switzerland |
Sometimes |
That it was used as instrument by ceremonies. |
| Sid from USA |
Always |
I tell them that it is a very important cultural symbol to the aborigines, and that now the sale of Didjes to the rest of the world is helping them to find themselves again. |
| Stephen from USA |
Mostly |
As much as I know and feel apt to sharing at the time. |
| Steve from USA |
Sometimes |
I tell them all that I know (honestly not too much,but reading more info) how it is believed that it was discovered by an aborigine blowing termites out of a hollowed out eucalyptus branch, and how this relates to their culture and the love of the land. |
| Anonymous from USA |
Mostly |
Its art, music, used for ceremonies, tells stories with the depicted imagery |
| Susan Levy from United Kingdom |
Always |
I tell them that the Australian aborigines have been playing it for at least 2000 years that we know of from cave paintings and maybe the didj goes back as much as 40,000 years,which is incredible |
| Anonymous |
Never |
They are goobers for not knowing the cultural significance of the didj |
| Tanner from USA |
Sometimes |
Its from australia and is used to mimick the sound of animals. |
| Anonymous from Canada |
Sometimes |
I usually tell that it is used a lot in ceremony. That the sounds are meant to reflect nature and meaningful aspects of life. I usually tell how the didj gets made and painted and that the paintings again reflect the nature and the meaningful aspects of everyday life. I tell them that the signs and symbols are often region specific. |
| Anonymous |
Only if asked |
It is used in ceremonies and celebrations |
| Terry from USA |
Rarely |
I usually have to refer to something Americans are familiar with, like the Crocodile Dundee movies (Paul Hogan) |
| Anonymous |
Always |
That is is an instrument of Eucalyptus branch or tree eaten hollow by termites and cut to length for the notes that are desired and then finished with animal symbols that can travel to the after life and back. |
| Thiago from Brazil |
Always |
I explain to them where the didj is from, who is the people who invented it, and sometimes I enter in cultural aspects and social history of the Native Australian peoples. |
| Anonymous |
Sometimes |
That real ones are made from white ants and other insects eating the middle and hollowing a tree out for natives to play during ceremonies. |
| Tony from Australia |
Always |
I recently ran an Indigenous Reconciliation Day for over 300 students. I used 17 Indigenous leaders as presenters including Alice Rigney - whom we flew in from SA. One activity discussed the cultural background of the Didge and Totems. |
| Troy from USA |
Always |
If I played... I would always talk about the cultural background of the didj... history and origin are important and need to be respected, represented, taught. |
| Veronique from France |
Rarely |
It is a good thing because to play a didj is like open the door on our origins |
| Wayne Cook from Australia |
Never |
I don't really know a lot my friends Merritt and chalky Sumner do. |
| Will from USA |
Never |
It's aboriginal history -a very unique instrument. |
| William from USA |
Only if asked |
That it is from australia |
| Anonymous from Canada |
Only if asked |
I talk about the aboriginal culture, the use of didgeridoos, the current situation of the aboriginals and the necessity to buy authentic products. |
| Zach from USA |
Always |
I tell of how they first came to be, and about the aboriginal people who make them |
| Zack from Australia |
Always |
Three men were camped on a cold night in the outback. One of the men told another to put another log on the fire, because the fire was getting low and it was so cold. So, the other man turned around and grabbed a log, which was awfully light to the touch, for it was hollow. As he turned to drop it into the fire, he noticed the entire length was covered with termites. He didn't know what to do, for he could not throw the branch into the fire, because it would kill the termites, and his friends were telling him to do so because it was cold. So he carefully removed all the termites from the outside of the log by scooping them into his hand, and he deposited them inside the branch. Then he raised the branch to his lips and blew the termites into the air, and the termites blown into the air became the stars, and the first didjeridu was created. |
