The Sorry Rocks of Uluru
Every year, people post back rocks they took from Uluru, with letters blaming them for years of bad luck.
What was reported
Uluru, the great sandstone monolith in Australia's Northern Territory, is sacred to its traditional owners, the Anangu, who ask visitors not to take anything from it. Climbing it was banned in 2019.
For decades, park staff have received parcels of rocks and sand taken by tourists, sent back with letters apologising and describing illnesses, accidents and misfortunes the senders blame on taking them. The returned stones are known as 'sorry rocks'.
Explanations offered
There's no evidence that taking rocks causes bad luck; the letters show how guilt and coincidence can feed a belief. The Anangu have said they don't curse anyone; they simply ask that the land be respected. Returned rocks often can't be put back where they came from.
- When
- Returned for decades
- Where
- Uluru, Northern Territory, Australia
- Witnesses
- Park staff, and visitors who sent rocks back
- Status
- Legend
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