Brookwood Cemetery...a Study in Symbolism

It has been a short while since you've seen a cemetery we've visited. Today, I've got some photos from a place I'm pretty sure that you've never been...a Zoroastrian cemetery.

This is Brookwood Cemetery, the largest cemetery in the UK and one of the largest in Europe. Opened in 1852. I'm quite sure we'll make another visit here since there so much to see.

One of the first graves we saw was this one of a fellow who gave his life in the attempt to protect another person.

Some of the gravestone designs are suggestive of a scroll.

Others have decorations that could have been present on a graves from 2500 years ago.

Yet others seem to be variations on the usual christian themes.

The two symbols on the grave below seem to be two versions of the Faravahar, one of the important symbols in the religion.

A more usual representation of this symbol is shown below.

The Faravahar is the most common symbol of Zoroastrianism. This emblem is said to represent the way people on earth should live. There are many ways to look at the Faravahar. One example is that the figure depicts an old person, symbolizing the wisdom and experience a believer should have. The reaching hand also tells us that we should reach for what is higher and achieve great things by doing what is morally right. The three layers of feathers on the wings and tail contrasts each other: the three on the wings represents good thoughts, words, and deeds, while the the tail is the opposite (bad thoughts, words, and deeds). The two loops near the tail symbolizes Spenta Mainyu and Angra Mainyu. These two are seen as the sons of Ahura Mazda, but one represents what is good (Spenta Mainyu) and the other represents darkness (Angra Mainyu). We should turn away from the darkness and follow what is good. Lastly the circle in the middle of the symbol represents our spirit. Like how the line of the circle does not have an end, our spirit is immortal and not affected by time.

Also shown is fire, another of their potent symbols.

But, the photo below is unique. I have never seen a statement of such anger on a gravestone.

Nearby, there is a muslim section.

And in other parts of the cemetery we find Catholics.

And these graves are surrounded by the usual Christian symbols.

Angels everywhere.

Along with the occasional gravestone displaying a mosaic tile image.

This is a special place filled with special gravestones. Well worth a visit when you are in town.