Perth Cemeteries - revisited and new

I travelled to Perth to see my family in October this year. My Dad kindly took me along to Karrakatta Cemetery after we were foiled at the gates of the East Perth Cemetery (which was only open on Sundays) which we had planned on exploring. I have been to Karrakatta Cemetery  before but it is a huge cemetery and found much to engage us again on this return trip. It is a huge place and there was lots to see. I have included some of the best pictures from this cemetery below and more will go into My Photographic Collection.  I have include a few highlights below. We duly went back on Sunday to visit the East Perth Cemetery and found some interesting headstones and visited the little chapel within.

I have used some references material from "Stories in Stone: A Field Guide to Cemetery Symbolism and Iconography" by Douglas Keister in this blog. Fantastic book.

Ferns - symbols of humility, frankness and sincerity.

Urn - reverential accessory or symbol of the veil between earth and the heavens

Ivy - because it is always green, even in harsh conditions, it is normally associated with immortality and fidelity.  It can also indicate attachment, friendship and undying affection  because it clings for support. The three pointed leaves may also represented the Holy Trinity. 

Hourglass - symbolic of time passing rapidly or as the hourglass can be inverted over and over again, it could suggest the cyclical nature of life and death. 

Folded Acanthus?

Acanthus - the leaves of this plant are thorny and are often used to symbolise the 'prickly' journey from life to death and then to eternal life.

Celtic cross with clover and harp

Clover - symbol of the trinity. Legend says that St Patrick brought back the clover to Ireland to be an enduring symbol of the trinity. The clover, renamed  the shamrock henceforth  became the symbol of Ireland. It is also a symbol of vitality because of its abundant growth.  Harp - source of divine music and associated with heavenly aspirations. Celtic Cross - the four arms can represented the four elements, or the  four provinces of Ireland. The circle joining the four arms is referred to as the 'nimbus'.  IHS - represents Christ's name in the greek alphabet:  Iota, Eta, Sigma

Man and Child

Decaying figure with child

Laid down angel

Mary adored

Stigmata Jesus

Winged soldier

Tiny Mary