AustLit

'Breen argues that the Rainbow-Serpent is a symbol of great significance in various spheres of Aboriginal cosmology such as religious art galleries, magic and sorcery, and ceremonial ritual. In varying degrees in the different situations, the Rainbow-Serpent symbol performs a number of vital functions. It has an organizing function, uniting individuals through shared goals and values; a mobilizing function, as it tends to produce action in both ritual and non-ritual contexts; and a synthesizing function, as it combines a variety of meanings and powers. It is a tangible expression of values and ideas. The complexity of the RainbowSerpent as a symbol suggests the complex nature of symbolism in Aboriginal religion as a whole.' (Thesis abstract)