Djomi and Bábbarra, two unique mermaid-like spirits
The ancient Dreaming stories of Australia's Aboriginal people connect communities to their ancestors, lands, and spiritual guides. One such story is the tale of Djomi and Bábbarra that hold great significance for the people near Maningrida
Djomi Fabric Print by Joy Garlbin - Bábbarra Women’s Centre
The Djomi is a freshwater spirit with a fish tail that resides in the streams flowing into the sea near Maningrida. This ethereal being is a powerful fertility symbol, known for its ability to give others babies. The Djomi's influence is so strong that women believe they can easily conceive after visiting the Djomi's stream. The spirit's power is not limited to women, as it is said that even men might get pregnant if they venture too close to the Djomi's domain. The design of the Djomi story also reflects its connection to the natural world, depicting freshwater lily leaves and seaweed from the base of the sea floor, symbolising the interconnectedness between land, water, and the Djomi spirit.
The story of Bábbarra intertwines with the Djomi, as they are considered sisters, one a freshwater mermaid and the other a saltwater one. Bábbarra resides in the Bábbarra billabong, a sacred women's site, where her presence and that of the Djomi imbue the place with spiritual power. Bábbarra's mother is said to be a crocodile living in the billabong, and both spirits can grant children through the drinking water. Men tend to avoid Bábbarra's waters, fearing its power.
The Dreaming also explains that when storms or cyclones come, it is the spirits going underground to hide in the rivers, emphasising their connection to nature. In this way, the stories of the Djomi and Bábbarra connect the Maningrida community to its heritage, intertwining spiritual beliefs with everyday life, ensuring these traditions endure for generations to come.