As I travel around your posts, it becomes clear that there are considerable cultural differences that become manifest in our burial practices. The differences between Tierra del Fuego, and Mexico, and Eastern Europe are massive. But there are also more subtle differences within cultures. Canada, the USA and Australia have a relatively similar culture. Relatively. But their cemeteries and graveyards have differences. Even within Australia, the cemeteries have their own character, their own persona, if that is an acceptable way of expressing it.
Some are bright and cheerful, some are airy and expansive, yet others are dreary and full of doom. This week I have selected shots from some of the cemeteries around Sydney which I have visited. I top and tail with my new graveyard this week, the burial ground attached to St Jude's, Randwick. It was established in 1865 and has quite a few graves from that year. It is still taking internments, but it is not a bright and cheery place.
The second and third (small) shots are from Botany Cemetery (what used to be known as Bunnerong Cemetery). It is the brightest cemetery I have every wandered. See those gardens where the people are walking, I will end up in there somewhere.
The middle large shot is from the South Head cemetery. It has an imposing site overlooking the Pacific Ocean, not as imposing as Waverley Cemetery, but not bad.
The fourth and fifth (small) shots are from Randwick and Gore Hill. I have deliberately shown the overgrown ragged area of Gore Hill to contrast with the dreary concrete and granite of Randwick. Gore Hill is a delight, whereas Randwick is plain sad. However, in its favour, Randwick has wonderful statues and adornments.
A bit like children, really. Each with its own quirky little nature.
| This is my contribution to the Taphophile Tragics community. |