In Arnhem Land, the Yolngu people have a powerful connection to the brightest planet of all, the morning star, Venus.
The Bunumbirr ceremony (morning star ceremony) is an important ceremony for the Yolngu people, particularly the Dhuwa people from the Yirritja nation, who are the only group in Arnhem land who can perform the ceremony of Bunumbirr.
They are the owners of the morning star (Venus).
But all Yolngu people can dance and take part in performance.
From the east to the west of Arnhem land, Dhuwa people sing the Bunumbirr song.
It is said, Bunumbirr (Venus), comes from a realm called Barralku, which during creation time, helped guide the two creator sisters Djan'kawu across Arnhem Land from the east, creating and naming all creatures, lands and waterways in its path.
Just before dawn, Djankawu - lets out the morning star from a bag she has been keeping it in, attached by a long string, that flies over Arnhem Land.
Bunumbirr rises into the sky as Venus, bringing light across Arnhem Land.
As the sun rises, she pulls Bunumbirr back in and hides it again until the next morning.
The Bunumbirr ceremony is held when Venus first rises after transitioning from the evening star to the morning star.
Bunumbirr is also performed during various other special occasions, including when two people exchange or trade something — for example deals or gifts — to make their relationship stronger.
Sometimes, it’s also performed at burials when someone has passed away.