Taphophile Tragcs # 44

Andrew Marvell wrote 'To His Coy Mistress' during which he was trying to convince her to get into the sack with him! He included these lines which resonate even today: But at my back I always hear Time's winged chariot hurrying near; And yonder all before us lie Deserts of vast eternity.

Fossicked for in the Presbyterian Section, Rookwood Necropolis, Sydney, New South Wales

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Welcome to the 44th week of Taphophile Tragics. Your contribution is most welcome. Please ensure that you include some details of the cemetery in which you took your photographs, and link directly to your post, rather than simply to your blog in general. This week, Mr Linky opens at Twelve Noon, Sunday, Sydney time (GMT+11), and closes at Twelve Noon on the Friday. I apologise for my lack of activity at the moment, and my failing to visit you all. If you are a member of the City Daily Photo community you will understand, I hope, what is occupying my time.

Funerary Objet d'Art - Christ the King

This post is participating in the ABC Wednesday meme.

This is the memorial stone for Jeremiah Kiley, his two year old daughter, Margaret, and his mother, Norah. It is located in Rookwood Necropolis, which is its own suburb in Sydney, New South Wales. Jeremiah was born in Caldaly, County Limerick, Ireland. He died in the suburb of Glebe on 28th December 1888, aged 45 years.

Isn't the crown fabulous? It has a large stone placed within, to ward off damaging blows. Look at the pleated 'silk' as the background. So sumptuous. There are two things here to note in way of symbolism: the crown; and the pointing finger. I have read so many variations upon the significance of the crown, but think they all point toward an individual's acknowledgement that Christ is the paramount ruler, that he is King and the individual accepts Him as 'ruler'. The hand with the single finger pointing upwards symbolises the individuals ascension into heaven. I will always be on the lookout for a hand with a single finger pointing downwards.

Funerary Objet d'Art - Manly

A with so many of these symbols, I can read and read, but it still comes down to a guess. The combination of these two symbols lead me to think they are of masonic import. The Masons have an 'Order of the Eastern Star' to which both males and females can belong (with qualification). The OES does have a five-pointed star, but it is inverted which this one isn't. Each star point represents a different heroine of the Bible and degree of the Order, and each one represents a different virtue. 'Worthy Matrons' in the order are permitted to wear a crown symbol. The crown is a symbol of sovereignty, honour, glory, victory (especially over death) and the crown of Christ's righteousness. The symbolism could come from Paul's comment about winning the crown of life. However, I am open to a different interpretation.

To be found in Manly Cemetery, New South Wales, Australia

Taphophile Tragics # 23

The Trustee of the Catholic Section of Rookwood Necropolis, has erected self-tour signage throughout the Old Catholic area. I would have totally missed this otherwise!

This statue of Mary is standing on a globe of the world, and around her feet is entwined a snake eating an apple. Pretty simple symbolism to understand, but not to SEE! The serpent represents Satan, a very subtle enemy. The apple is the 'forbidden fruit' symbolising Sin. The figure of Mary represents the dignity of the human body, that gives hope, faith, and love to the people of the world.

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Welcome to the 23rd week of Taphophile Tragics.

Your contribution is most welcome. Please ensure that you include some details of the cemetery in which you took your photographs, and link directly to your post, rather than simply to your blog in general. This week, Mr Linky opens at 10pm Monday, Sydney time (GMT+10), and closes at 10pm on the Friday. When you can, please visit the other contributing bloggers to show your appreciation of their endeavours. Due to time zone variations and overcrowded schedules, some contributions are made later than Tuesday/Wednesday. As per usual, we are working with the Linky with thumbnails, and displaying the oldest entry first, with no randomising.

Taphophile Tragics # 17

Last week I showed you a pair of Kohanin Hands from Rookwood. This week I am still in Rookwood but over on the Lidcombe side were the very first interments were made in 1867. I am a beginner at this funerary symbolism lark, but I am going from lists of symbols freely available via Google.

The wreath is a symbol of eternal life, with no beginning and with no end. The crown indicates victory, that is, triumph over death. But why angels? Do angels escort us on our journey to the Promised Land? And why two of them? And why are their eyes closed? And are their fingers pointing upward to the one true God in Heaven?

Any ideas?

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Welcome to the 17th week of Taphophile Tragics.

Your contribution is most welcome. Please ensure that you include some details of the cemetery in which you took your photographs, and link directly to your post, rather than simply to your blog in general. Mr Linky opens at 10pm Monday, Sydney time (GMT+10). When you can, please visit the other contributing bloggers to show your appreciation of their endeavours. Due to time zone variations and overcrowded schedules, some contributions are made later than Tuesday/Wednesday.

We are working with the Linky with thumbnails, and displaying the oldest entry first, with no randomising.