What Is a Sorry Business?
- Lewis Cowham

- Oct 1, 2022
- 3 min read

The sorry business is a term used to describe the traditional customs and ceremonies practiced by some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia after the death of a person. It is a time for the community to come together and support the grieving family and help them prepare for the funeral.
What are the traditional customs and ceremonies involved in the sorry business process?
The sorry business is a time-honored tradition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures that helps families cope with the death of a loved one. The process typically involves ceremonies and rituals that allow the community to come together and support the grieving family. These customs vary from community to community but may include things like prayer, song, and dance. Participants may also offer words of comfort and support to the family and help them prepare for the funeral.
Here are some of the traditional customs and ceremonies involved:
Prayer
Song and Dance
Offering Words of Comfort and Support
Helping to Prepare for the Funeral
Prayer
Prayer is an important part of the sorry business, as it helps to connect the family with the spirit of their loved one.
Song and dance
Song and dance are often used as a way to express grief and sorrow. They can also be used to honor the memory of the deceased.
Offering words of comfort and support
Friends, family, and members of the community can offer words of comfort and support to the grieving family. This helps to ease their pain and sorrow.
Helping to prepare for the funeral
The community may help the family with the practicalities of preparing for the funeral, such as making arrangements and collecting belongings.
How can you get involved in the sorry business if you're not Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander?
If you're not Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, you can still get involved in the sorry business by showing your support for the grieving family. You can do this by attending the funeral, offering words of comfort and support, or helping to prepare for the funeral. You can also show your support by respecting the family's privacy during this time of mourning.
What are some of the benefits of participating in the sorry business process?
Participating in the sorry business can help to heal the wounds of grief and loss. It can also be a way to show your support for the grieving family and to connect with your community. The process can also help to strengthen the bond between family members. Finally, it can be a way to honor the memory of the deceased.
FAQ About Sorry Business
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the sorry business.
Can I join the sorry business if I am not Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander?
If you're not Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, you can still get involved in the sorry business by showing your support for the grieving family. You can do this by attending the funeral, offering words of comfort and support, or helping to prepare for the funeral. You can also show your support by respecting the family's privacy during this time of mourning.

Why is it called the sorry business?
The term "sorry business" is used to describe the traditional customs and ceremonies practiced by some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia after the death of a person. It is a time for the community to come together and support the grieving family and help them prepare for the funeral.
What are some of the benefits of participating in the sorry business?
Participating in the sorry business can help to heal the wounds of grief and loss. It can also be a way to show your support for the grieving family and to connect with your community. The process can also help to strengthen the bond between family members. Finally, it can be a way to honor the memory of the deceased.
Conclusion
The sorry business is a time-honored tradition among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia after the death of a loved one. It is a time for the community to come together and support the grieving family through prayer, song, and dance. Participants may also offer words of comfort and support to the family and help them prepare for the funeral.
If you're not Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander yourself, you can still show your support for the grieving family by attending the funeral, offering words of comfort and support, or helping to prepare for the funeral. You can also respect the family's privacy during this time.
Participating in the sorry business can have many benefits, including healing grief and loss, strengthening relationships within families, and honoring the memory of those who have passed away.
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