Fair Trade Franciscan Tau Cross

Our Fair Trade wooden Tau cross, featuring a 26-inch knotted cord, is a great way to show your Christian and Franciscan spirit or to gift someone special. The Tau symbol has roots in ancient Egypt and was later embraced by Coptic Christians. As Christianity spread, it became a symbol of faith, used by Saint Anthony of Egypt around 300 A.D., and was made famous by Saint Francis of Assisi, who signed his letters with it. Some say that Christ's crucifixion cross might have been T-shaped, adding even more meaning to the Tau. The Franciscan Habit, with its three-knotted cord represents poverty, chastity, and obedience, transforms a friar into a living Tau when he extends his arms.

Made from ethically sourced pine wood by survivors of human trafficking, this cross is part of our Franciscana Collection. It's a powerful spiritual keepsake that not only carries rich historical and religious significance but also makes a meaningful impact as it is made by survivor artisans and is sustainably crafted.

About the Product

• Each Wooden Tau cross measures approximately 1.38 inches wide x 1.5 inches in length.
• Rope cord is 26 inches in length, made of wax rope with three knots representing the Franciscan corded belts for the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
• Packaged in a 12x10 cm gunny bag handprinted with our Franciscana Collection logo. This material was selected as it closely resembles sackcloth, similar to what St. Francis’s habit would have been made of.
• Fair trade product handmade by survivors of human trafficking, created in partnership with Starfish Project, an organization verified by the Fair Trade Federation.
• Includes a 7 cm round backing card printed on eco-friendly paper, with the name of a female survivor who made the cross.
• Includes a small pamphlet with a story of how Starfish Project has impacted the life of a survivor. Pamphlets are printed on recycled paper.
• The cross is ethically made in China from sustainably sourced local pine wood. Each product is handcrafted by skilled artisans rather than being mass-produced by machines. This ensures that every piece is unique, with slight imperfections and variations that enhance its character and artistic value.