Explore the symbolism of the Tau Cross, its significance to Franciscans, its roots in ancient Egypt and the Bible, and its connection to the crucifixion of Jesus.
What does Tau Cross symbolize?
As a Franciscan symbol, the TAU, resembling the Cross, is a sign of conversion. Because of his affection and devotion to the cross of Christ, St. Francis used this sign as his personal signature. For Francis, conversion implies a turning toward God and turning to one’s brothers and sisters.
Why wear a Tau Cross?
Many Franciscans wear such a cross on a piece of leather, and Franciscan pilgrimage programs often begin by giving each participant such a cross. It represents a journey never completed this side of heaven. The Tau reminds us of St. Francis’ saying, “Let us begin again.”
What does Tau Cross mean in eternal life?
Another interesting form of the cross is the Tau-cross, so called because shaped like the Greek letter tau (T). The figure found in the tau-cross was the symbol of eternal life with the ancient Egyptians.
What is the Tau Cross in the Bible?
(Ez. 9:4). The Tau was the sign placed upon the foreheads of the poor of Israel, as a sign they were to be saved. This was adopted early on by the first generations of Christians who were Jewish.
Can anyone wear a Tau Cross?
Followers of St Francis today, both lay and religious, often wear this Tau Cross as an exterior sign of their loyalty to the way of Jesus. The Tau Cross shape is probably the actual shape of cross on which Jesus was crucified.
Was Jesus crucified on a Tau Cross?
The most common form used in our Lord’s day, however, was the Tau cross, shaped like our T. In this cross the patibulum was placed in a notch at the top of the stipes. There is archeological evidence that it was on this type of cross that Jesus was crucified.