Southern Cross

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

n.


The constellation of theSouthern Cross is of course visible in places farther norththan Australia, but it has come to be regarded as theastronomical emblem of Australasia; e.g. the phrase «beneaththe Southern Cross» is common for «in Australia or NewZealand.»

1863. S. Butler, `First Year in Canterbury Settlement,' p. 13:

«The southern cross is a very great delusion. It isn't across. It is a kite, a kite upside down, an irregular kiteupside down, with only three respectable stars and one verypoor and very much out of place. Near it, however, is a trulymysterious and interesting object called the coal sack: it isa black patch in the sky distinctly darker than all the rest ofthe heavens. No star shines through it. The proper name for itis the black Magellan cloud.»

1868. Mrs. Riddell, `Lay of Far South,' p. 4:

«Yet do I not regret the loss,

Thou hast thy gleaming Southern Cross.»

1887. R. M. Praed, `Longleat of Kooralbyn,' c. iv. p. 35:

«The Southern Cross rose gem-like above the horizon.»

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