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Tao/Tau Cross Olive Wood Pendant
| Product Code: HJWTC-1 | | Description: |
This is a lovely pendant/necklace with a Tau (Tao) cross design, that is carved from genuine olive wood (see below for information on olive wood.) It is 2.5 x 3.5 cm and come with a certificate of authenticity that it is from genuine olive wood from the Holy Land.
What is a Tau (Tao) Cross?
The Tau /Tao cross is named after the Greek letter "tao", or the English letter "T" that it resembles. The symbol has been attributed to many pre-Christian cultures including the ancient Romans and Greeks, and is one of the most established of ancient symbols. The Tao has also been connected to the Pagan Druids, who fashioned crosses in this shape from oak trees to represent the god Thau.
Nowadays it is associated with St. Francis of Assisi, who explained to his fellow friars that their monastic habit symbolized the Tau Cross. When the arms of the one wearing the habit are outstretched to the sides, it roughly creates an image of the Tau Cross. If one then includes the body of the one wearing it in the imagery, the wearer becomes a living, walking crucifix. According to St. Francis this imagery is to remind them of their lifelong devotion to God and their pledge to serve both God and man.
St. Francis of Assisi had a colourful life. The son of a wealthy merchant, he spent his youth drinking and partying and all that that entails. However, after a serious illness he renounced sin, and began to live in abject poverty, and was no longer interested in material things. He founded the order of the Dominican Friars, and the symbol he adopted for them was the Tau Cross.
Due to his work of administering the gospel to the lepers, the Tau Cross became known for its protection against the plague and other diseases. Saint Francis died aged 44 years old, after being almost blind and very ill for the last years of his life. Two years before his death, he is said to have received the stigmata, the real and painful wounds of Christ in his hands, feet and side.
It comes with a certificate of authenticity that it is from genuine olive wood from the Holy Land.
''The wood from the Tree of Life, those who grasp it will experience eternal Happiness...'' Proverbs 3:18
Background - Olive trees are indigenous to the Holy Land and are treasured because the oil from their fruit has been used for religious rites since biblical times. The olive wood used in these beautiful products is of the highest quality and is distinctive for its dark lines. It comes only from olive wood trees that are grown in the area between Shechem and Hebron that are not irrigated. The olive tree is a protected species in Israel and cannot be cut down. Once every two years the olive trees are pruned so that they bear fruit and it is from these prunings that these handcrafted pieces are made. The prunings are stored for almost 5 years, before they are used by the craftsmen for these exquisite pieces.
Olive wood items make perfect gifts. Not only are they imbued with spirituality, they also do not require much care since olive oil is naturally protecting them from corrosion and changes of color. |
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| Other Information: | Product Manufacturer : Bethlehem
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Schools - place your orders now for the end of school year - Crosses, Crucifixes, Pendants, etc....
***Free Gift with Every Purchase Over $25.
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