The Advertiser Building 1960

The Advertiser Building

Corner Waymouth & King William Sts, Adelaide, SA. May 1960

Architect: Woods Bagot Laybourne-Smith & Irwin.

Builder: Wilckens & Burnside

The Advertiser newspaper was associated with the corner of Waymouth Street and King William Street for decades. The original building was erected between 1868 and 1869. It was demolished in 1867, while a new building was erected between 1958 and 1960. This later building was demolished in 2006. Today The Advertiser is situated at 31 Waymouth Street, Adelaide. 

 Sacred Heart Cathedral  - Bendigo

We recently spent a couple of days in Bendigo, Victoria. One place we visited was the amazing Sacred Heart Cathedral - watch the video to see inside this amazing building!

Standing proudly above Bendigo, Sacred Heart Cathedral is one of Australia's most impressive churches and a symbol of faith, perseverance, and community spirit. Begun in 1896 during Victoria's economic hardships, the cathedral took more than 80 years to complete, with its soaring Gothic architecture, magnificent stained glass, grand pipe organ, and iconic 86-metre spire becoming landmarks of the city.
This video explores the remarkable history of the cathedral, the people who brought the vision to life, and its connection to Australia's first saint, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Featured is the striking memorial sculpture by Jenny Steiner, a powerful tribute to Mary's faith, resilience, and lasting legacy in Australian education and community life.
Join us as we uncover the stories, symbolism, architecture, and history behind one of Bendigo's greatest treasures.

https://youtu.be/JUZDlG22nJw?si=1Fe_toBqaI8glsUp

#bendigo #SacredHeartCathedral #allentiller #karentiller

Shamrock Hotel - Bendigo

 While in Bendigo, we popped into the historic and allegedly haunted Shamrock Hotel.

The Hotel Shamrock in Bendigo began as the Exchange Hotel in 1854 during the Victorian gold rush and was renamed the Shamrock the following year. Rebuilt several times, the magnificent Second Empire-style building that stands today dates from 1897 and remains one of regional Victoria's grandest historic hotels.

The hotel is also reputed to be haunted. Guests and staff have reported unexplained footsteps, voices, shadowy figures, and other strange occurrences, particularly on the largely untouched upper floors. One of the most famous stories centres on housemaid Jane O'Brien, who reportedly leapt from an upper-storey window in 1884 after claiming she was being pursued by frightening supernatural forces. #hauntings #trueghoststory #history

 

Cemetery Symbolism Part 5: Plants

Plants have long held a special place in both life and death. Flowers beautify our homes, mark important occasions, and express emotions that words often cannot. In cemeteries, these same plants become powerful symbols of remembrance, grief, love, hope, faith and immortality. Their meanings often reflect centuries of religious tradition, folklore and cultural custom.

Trees, shrubs, vines and even agricultural crops appear frequently in cemetery art. In rural Australia, wheat sheaves and wreaths are common motifs, reflecting both Christian beliefs and the importance of farming communities. Each plant carries its own message, allowing the monument itself to tell part of the story of the person it commemorates.

Flowers and Their Meanings

The language of flowers reached its height during the Victorian era, when almost every known bloom was assigned a symbolic meaning. Many of these associations found their way onto headstones and memorials.

Acacia represents the immortality of the soul.

Acanthus, one of the oldest cemetery motifs, symbolises the heavenly garden and eternal life. Its association dates back to ancient Greek burial traditions, and it remains one of the most common decorative carvings found on gravestones.

Bamboo serves as an emblem of Buddha. In Japanese funerary symbolism, it represents devotion and truthfulness, while the seven-knotted bamboo signifies seven stages of spiritual initiation.

Buttercups convey cheerfulness.

Calla lilies are symbols of marriage and devotion.

Cinquefoil represents maternal affection and the memory of a beloved daughter.

Corn sheaves often served as occupational symbols for farmers and may reflect traditional customs of sending a sheaf to the family upon a farmer's death.

Crocuses symbolise youthful happiness.

Daffodils are associated with youth, beauty, grace and deep affection, but also with lives cut short before their full potential was realised.

Daisies represent innocence, purity and childhood. They are commonly found on the graves of children.

Dogwood symbolises Christianity, sacrifice, resurrection and eternal life.

Ferns signify sincerity and sorrow.

Forget-me-nots are enduring symbols of remembrance.

Hawthorn represents hope and the renewal of spring.

Holly symbolises foresight and protection.

Honeysuckle expresses devoted affection and the enduring bonds of love.

Laurel leaves indicate achievement, distinction and honour, often marking a life of accomplishment.

Lilies are among the most common cemetery flowers and symbolise innocence, purity and resurrection. Strongly associated with the Virgin Mary, they also signify the soul restored to innocence through death.

Lily of the Valley represents humility and the return of happiness.

Morning Glory serves as a reminder of resurrection, departure and the fleeting nature of earthly life.

Pansies symbolise remembrance and humility.

Poppies represent peaceful rest and eternal sleep.

Roses

No flower appears more frequently on Victorian gravestones than the rose. It symbolises love, beauty, hope and devotion. In Christian tradition, the rose is often associated with the Virgin Mary, sometimes called the "Rose Without Thorns."

The style of the rose may reveal the age of the deceased:

• A rosebud commonly marks the grave of a child.
• A partially opened bloom often signifies a teenager.
• A fully opened rose represents a young adult in the prime of life.
• A broken rosebud symbolises a life cut tragically short.
• Joined rosebuds may indicate a close bond between two individuals, such as a mother and child who died together.
• Multiple rosebuds on a single stem can signify secrecy.
• A wreath of roses represents beauty and virtue rewarded in the afterlife.

A red rose may denote martyrdom, while a white rose symbolises purity and innocence.

Trees, Vines and Foliage

Trees frequently appear on headstones as symbols of life itself.

The Cypress Tree signifies hope and immortality.

The Oak Tree represents strength, endurance, honour and eternity. Pre-Christian cultures revered the oak as the Tree of Life, while Christian traditions sometimes associated it with the Cross. Oak leaves and acorns commonly appear on military memorials, signifying courage, authority and victory.

The Weeping Willow is perhaps the most recognisable symbol of mourning, representing nature's sorrow and grief for the departed.

The Yew Tree, long associated with churchyards, represents both sadness and eternal life.

Ivy symbolises fidelity, friendship, memory and everlasting affection. Its ability to remain green year-round made it a powerful emblem of immortality.

A severed branch represents mortality and a life brought to an end, while a sprouting branch symbolises resurrection and everlasting life.

Vines often symbolise Christ, the sacraments, and the promise of spiritual renewal.

Fruit and Agricultural Symbols

Fruit and harvest imagery frequently carry Christian symbolism.

Grapes represent Christ and the Christian faith.

Figs and pineapples may signify prosperity and eternal life, while the pineapple alone can also represent hospitality and kindness.

Wheat symbolises resurrection, fertility and the bread of Christian communion. Wheat sheaves often appear on the graves of elderly people, representing the divine harvest and a life brought to completion.

Wreaths and Garlands

The wreath is among the oldest funerary symbols, dating back to Ancient Greece and Rome. Early Christians adopted it as a symbol of victory over death through redemption.

Different materials carried different meanings. A laurel wreath denotes distinction and achievement in literature, the arts, athletics or military service. An ivy wreath symbolises friendship and conviviality. Together, wreaths, garlands and festoons express remembrance and the passage from earthly life to eternal existence.

A bridal wreath may indicate the grave of a young bride or groom, while the Maiden's Garland was a traditional funeral decoration for an unmarried woman of exemplary reputation. These garlands were often suspended in the local church before eventually being buried alongside the deceased.

Through flowers, trees and harvest symbols, cemetery monuments reveal messages that words alone cannot convey. They preserve the beliefs, hopes and affections of the living while providing a symbolic language through which the dead continue to be remembered.

 Cemetery Symbolism Part 4: Objects

Everyday objects, the tools we use to earn a living, the items we use to entertain ourselves and others, and the things that reflect our passions, often find a place on headstones and grave markers. Guitars, pianos, doorways, arches, arrows, and anchors can all be found in cemetery art. Whether personal, occupational, or religious, each carries symbolic meaning connected to the life of the deceased.

OBJECTS

Anchor

Early Christians used the anchor as a disguised cross and as a marker to guide believers to secret meeting places. A Christian symbol of hope, it is commonly found in the funerary art of the catacombs and is often depicted among rocks. It may also serve as an occupational symbol in seafaring communities or as an attribute of Saint Nicholas, patron saint of sailors. The anchor symbolises hope and steadfastness. An anchor with a broken chain represents the end of life.

Arch

Symbolises victory in life or victory over death.

Arrow

Denotes mortality.

Angels

Angels are agents of God, often depicted pointing toward Heaven or standing as guardians of the dead. They symbolise spirituality and divine guidance. Angels appear in a variety of poses, each carrying its own meaning.

Two commonly identifiable angels are:

• Michael, who bears a sword.
• Gabriel, who is portrayed with a horn or trumpet.

Angel Blowing a Trumpet

Represents the Day of Judgement and the call to the Resurrection.

Angel Carrying a Child

Represents the departed soul and God's protection, often symbolising innocence.

Guardian Angel

Often shown embracing the deceased or escorting them to Heaven as a messenger of God.

Flying Angel

Symbolises rebirth and the soul's ascent.

Many Angels Gathered in the Clouds

Represents Heaven.

Weeping Angel

Symbolises grief, mourning, or an untimely death.

Baby's Chair

An empty child's chair symbolises a life cut short and the loss of a young child. When accompanied by a pair of shoes, it emphasises childhood interrupted before adulthood could be reached.

Bible

Denotes a religious layperson, clergy member, or a life devoted to faith.

Book

Symbolises faith, learning, scholarship, knowledge, prayer, or memory. A book with a dog-eared page may represent remembrance. It may also symbolise the Book of Life. Open books carved as two-page spreads are particularly common.

Candle

A burning candle symbolises life.

Chalice

Represents the sacraments and Christian faith.

Cherubs

Often found on the graves of children.

Cherub's Head

Represents the soul.

Children

Usually symbolise innocence and the untimely death of the young. Children may also be depicted mourning a parent. If shown holding a skull, the figure represents a deceased child.

Sleeping Child

Sleep symbolises the transition between life and death. The child represents purity, innocence, and artlessness.

Chi-Rho (Chrisma)

A Christian symbol formed from the Greek letters Chi (Χ) and Rho (Ρ), the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ. It is one of Christianity's earliest symbols.

Circle

Represents perfection, eternity, and everlasting life.

Coffin, Sarcophagus, or Tomb Monument

A symbol of mortality.

Broken Column

Represents grief, sorrow, and a life cut short. It often symbolises the death of the head of a household. Broken columns are sometimes adorned with flowers and signify the decay of earthly life.

Columns with an Archway

Represent the entrance to Heaven.

Cross and Anchor

An early Christian symbol referring to Christ as "the hope we have as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" (Hebrews 6:19).

Crown

Symbolises immortality, righteousness, victory, triumph, resurrection, honour, and glory. Crowns are sometimes shown being offered by angels to the faithful.

Crown on a Cross

Represents the sovereignty of Christ.

Doors and Gates

Symbolise passage into the afterlife and entrance into Heaven.

Drapery Over an Object

Represents sorrow and mourning.

Flame

A symbol of eternity and the immortal soul.

Grim Reaper

Death personified.

Harp

Associated with King David in the Old Testament and Saint Cecilia, patron saint of musicians. It symbolises worship in Heaven and hope.

Hourglass

Represents the passage of time, mortality, and the brevity of life.

Hourglass on Its Side

Indicates that time has stopped for the deceased.

Winged Hourglass

Represents the swift passage of time.

Keys

Symbolise spiritual knowledge. When held by an angel or saint, they may represent the keys to Heaven.

Knot

The interlaced Celtic knot symbolises resurrection and eternal life.

Labyrinth

Represents life's journey and spiritual pilgrimage.

Lamp

Symbolises knowledge, learning, wisdom, and the immortality of the spirit.

Pall, Pick, and Spade

Symbols of mortality and burial.

Pitcher or Ewer

A Jewish symbol associated with the Levites, representing their traditional role of washing the hands of the priests before sacred duties.

Rod or Staff

Represents comfort, guidance, and protection.

Scroll

A symbol of life and the passage of time. Scrolls with both ends rolled up represent a life still unfolding, with the past and future partially hidden. They may also signify honour, commemoration, and the recording of one's deeds by heavenly messengers.

Scythe

Represents death and the divine harvest.

Shell

The use of shells in burial symbolism predates Christianity and even Egyptian funerary customs. Shells represent fertility, resurrection, and pilgrimage.
Shells, coins, and stones are among the traditional items left at gravesites. This practice may recall the ancient custom of protecting graves with cairns of stones or simply serve as a sign that the deceased has not been forgotten.

Scallop Shell

A symbol of pilgrimage, resurrection, everlasting life, and life's journey. It is associated with pilgrims, the Crusades, and the Puritans.

Ship

Marks the grave of a sailor or seafarer.

Sickle

Represents death as the final harvest.

Skull or Skeleton

A reminder of mortality and death.

Star

Represents the spirit piercing the darkness and triumphing over oblivion. Five-pointed stars are often interpreted as symbols of the soul rising to Heaven.

Setting Sun

Represents death.

Rising Sun

Represents renewed life, resurrection, and rebirth.

Sword

Often indicates a military career or service.

Crossed Swords

Usually signify death in battle.

Torch

A lit or upright torch symbolises life, while an inverted or extinguished torch symbolises death.

Trumpets

Represent victory and resurrection.

Urn

A classical Greek symbol of mourning. Originally used to hold cremated remains, the urn came to symbolise the body as a vessel for the soul and became a popular funerary motif throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Urns are often shown draped with cloth, decorated with garlands, or surmounted by flames. Some memorials even depict angels peering into an urn.
Draped Urn

A traditional symbol of death and mourning, often associated with an elderly person's passing.

Vessel with Flame

Represents the eternal flame and the immortal spirit of humanity.

Winged Face

An effigy of the soul of the deceased.

Winged Globe

Originally associated with the Egyptian sun god Ra, the winged globe later became a Victorian symbol of divine power and creation.

Winged Skull

Represents the soul's flight from mortal existence.

Winged Wheel

Symbolises the Holy Spirit and swift spiritual movement.

Woman with or without a Bible Pointing Upward

Represents faith.

Woman Clinging to a Cross

A symbol of faith, inspired in part by illustrations accompanying Augustus Toplady's hymn Rock of Ages. Similar depictions may show a woman clinging to a pillar or anchor. This motif was particularly popular on white bronze monuments and Masonic memorials.

Cemetery Symbolism Part 3: Geometric Symbolism

So far, we have examined how animals and human figures represent positive human attributes, religious beliefs, and aspects of life's journey. However, symbolism in cemeteries extends well beyond living forms. Geometric shapes such as circles, triangles, squares, stars, and crosses also carry significant meaning, often conveying religious beliefs, concepts of eternity, and spiritual ideals. 

GEOMETRIC SYMBOLISM

Geometric forms are among the most common symbols found on grave memorials.

 
Circle.
The circle predates Christianity, although its original symbolic meaning was later adopted by the Christian faith. Universally recognised as a symbol of eternity and never-ending existence, the circle is extremely common in cemetery art.

One of its most frequent representations is a cross enclosed within a circle. Two circles, one above the other, symbolise earth and sky, while three interconnected circles represent the Holy Trinity.

 
Latin Cross Surrounded by a Circle or Oval
Represents eternity and everlasting existence.

 
Cross

The connection between religion and symbolism has always been strong. For Christians, one of the most powerful symbols is the crucifix or cross. The cross can convey many meanings, including love, faith, salvation, sacrifice, and goodness. Throughout history, however, it has also been appropriated for darker purposes, such as the burning cross employed by the Ku Klux Klan.

There are many different forms of Christian crosses found throughout the world, although only a handful are commonly encountered in Australian and North American cemeteries.

 
Botonee Cross
Named for its modified trefoil, or three-lobed ends, the Botonee Cross symbolises the Holy Trinity.

 
Calvary Cross
A Latin cross standing upon three steps or blocks. These steps traditionally represent faith, hope, and love, although love is sometimes interpreted as charity.

 
Celtic Cross
The circle surrounding the crosspiece symbolises eternity. Its origins can be traced to the Celtic cultures of the British Isles.

According to legend, St Patrick was shown a sacred standing stone marked with a circle representing the moon goddess while preaching to a group of pagan converts. He made the sign of the cross through the circle and blessed the stone, thereby creating the first Celtic Cross.

 
Eastern Cross
Used in Orthodox Christian traditions, particularly Russian and Greek Orthodoxy. The upper horizontal beam represents the inscription placed above the head of Jesus, while the lower slanted beam represents the footrest of the crucified Christ.

 
Fleurie Cross (Gothic Cross)
This flowered cross symbolises the mature Christian life through its flared, petal-like ends.

 
Greek Cross
Featuring four arms of equal length, the Greek Cross is one of Christianity's most enduring symbols.

The equal-armed cross predates Christianity and was used in pagan traditions to represent the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water.

 
Ionic Cross
Similar to the Celtic Cross, the Ionic Cross features arms that flare outward. It symbolises everlasting salvation, love, and glory. The surrounding circle represents eternity.

 
Latin Cross
One of the oldest and most widely recognised symbols of Christianity, the Latin Cross is also among the simplest in design. In early times, it was sometimes referred to as God's Mark.

 
Triangle, Trefoil, and Triquetra
In Christianity, the equilateral triangle is a symbol of the Holy Trinity. Other geometric representations of the Trinity include the trefoil, the triquetra, the circle within a triangle, the triangle within a circle, and the triquetra enclosed within a circle.

To the ancient Egyptians, the triangle was an emblem of divinity, while the followers of Pythagoras viewed it as a symbol of wisdom.

The triangle is also commonly associated with the Eye of God motif.

 
Square
The square represents the earth and earthly existence.

Some monuments feature a cube or square balanced on one corner. This arrangement symbolises earthly existence while also illustrating the connection between heaven above and earth below.

 
Eye of God Surrounded by a Triangle and Circle
Symbolises the eternal nature of the Holy Trinity and the omniscience of God.

 
Pentagram
The pentagram is a five-pointed star formed by extending the sides of a regular pentagon until they intersect.

This symbol predates Christianity and is known to have been used by the Greek philosopher Pythagoras. During the Middle Ages, it was adopted by practitioners of ceremonial magic and was believed to offer protection against evil.

Christian symbolism later associated the pentagram with the five wounds suffered by Christ during the Crucifixion.

It is notable that the pentagram has been employed by both Christian and Wiccan traditions, albeit with different interpretations.

 
Pyramid
A symbol of eternity.

According to folklore, pyramid-shaped tombstones prevented the devil from reclining upon a grave.

 
Star
A five-pointed star may symbolise the life of Christ and can also represent the five wounds of the Crucifixion.

 
Five-Pointed Pentagram Star
Drawn with a single continuous line, the pentagram's meaning has evolved considerably over time.

Pre-Christian Celtic priests reportedly referred to it as the Witch's Foot. It has also been known as Solomon's Seal and, during the Middle Ages, as the Goblin's Cross.

The symbol has long been associated with protection. Ancient Babylonians used it as a magical charm, while in Wiccan belief it serves as a protective emblem against evil forces. It has also been interpreted as representing the five senses, the five Books of Moses in Judaism, and has been adopted by several fraternal organisations, including the Order of the Eastern Star.

 
Star of David


A six-pointed star composed of two interlocking triangles, the Star of David, or Magen David ("Shield of David"), is one of Judaism's best-known symbols.

It signifies divine protection and is often associated with the symbolic union of fire and water, represented by upward- and downward-pointing triangles.

Although the symbol is ancient and was used by a variety of cultures throughout the Mediterranean and Near East, it became widely associated with Judaism during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

 
Menorah

The seven-branched candelabrum is a traditional Jewish symbol representing the divine presence of God.

Its seven branches correspond to the seven days of Creation described in the Book of Genesis. 

Swastika
The exact origin of the swastika remains uncertain, although it is regarded as one of humanity's oldest and most widespread symbols.

It is commonly found in Buddhist symbolism, where it may represent the seal of Buddha's heart, the teachings of Buddhism, or the cycle of existence.

In Chinese culture, both clockwise and anticlockwise forms have been used to represent complementary male and female principles.

The symbol was also employed by the Romans and numerous other ancient cultures before being appropriated by the Nazi Party in Germany during the Second World War, a usage that has forever altered its perception in the Western world.

 Cemetery Symbolism Part 2: Body Parts

It's not just animals that are used to represent the positive aspects of humanity, but human body parts too; some represent the bond between lovers, others represent the place one holds in the family line, and others represent the Angels and God himself.

BODY PARTS:

Arms outstretched - the plea for mercy.

Eye of God/All-Seeing Eye - The Eye of God or the All-Seeing Eye symbolises the all-knowing and ever-present God. During the Renaissance period in Europe, it was common to illustrate the Eye of God surrounded by a triangle (the Holy Trinity). The eye within the triangle, surrounded by a circle and radiating rays of light, is used to symbolise the holiness of the true God.

Hands -  The use of hands in some form is very common on grave memorials.
Symbol of leaving.

Hands, clasped - At first glance, these hands all seem to be in the same fashion, but a number of interesting characteristics stand out. First, most of the hands illustrate the right hand in a grasp with fingers overlapping the other hand while the left hand is open. This could be the depiction of a man holding a woman's hand and indicate marriage or a close bond between individuals, unity and affection even after death.

Clasped hands are also symbolic of a farewell or last good-bye. Look at the cuff to distinguish between a man's or woman's hand (the woman would have a frilly cuff.) The person who died first holds the other's hand, guiding the spouse to heaven.

Hand of God plucking a link of a chain represents God bringing a soul unto himself.

Hands holding:

•   A chain with a broken link symbolises the death of a family member.
•   A heart - symbolic of charity and is common on 19th-century memorials. It is typically seen on memorials of members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Charity
•  An open book - the embodiment of Faith

Hand pointing:

• Downward - mortality or sudden death. (Possibly a depiction of a secret Masonic handshake.)
• Upward - the reward of the righteous, confirmation of life after death. Heavenly reward, ascension to heaven.
• Hands praying can connote devotion.
• Two hands touching at thumbs - The hands are making the "Live long and prosper" gesture that Mr Spock used on Star Trek (Leonard Nimoy is Jewish, and that's where he got it). The Cohen was the priestly caste. They perform a few specific functions in Orthodox Judaism and have a few unique restrictions: they are not supposed to remarry or touch a dead body, for example. People who are Cohen often have Cohen as their last name. This is the hand gesture made by Cohen at the end of services in Orthodox synagogues; it's a benediction and had come to universally represent Cohens.

Heart - Love, mortality, love of God, courage and intelligence.

Bleeding - Christ's suffering for our sins.

Encircled with thorns - the suffering of Christ.

Flaming - signifies extreme religious fervour

Pierced by a sword - the Virgin Mary, hearkening to Simeon's prophecy to Mary at the birth of Christ, "Yea, a sword shall pierce through thine own soul." It can also be used to represent charity.

First published 03/02/2015 on the Eidolon Paranormal blog - Allen Tiller​‌