FW: Symbols Greek T or Tau

[GC Fraser]

The Greek letter ? (tau) is a more accurate representation of the historical
Roman cross (crux) used for crucifixion.*  Its introduction to the west is
usually attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, who saw it in Palestine both
when fighting as a crusader and when he returned as a pilgrim.  He was so
moved by his pilgrimage that he asked the Vatican for the privilege of
protecting the many pilgrimage sites there.  His request was granted and
there is to this day a special Province of the Franciscan Order called
"Custodia Terra Sancta".  They adopted as their symbol the ? cross, and is
widely used by all Franciscans as one of their major logos.  Its use as a
cross, or curcifix is widespread in the Eastern Church and is occasionally
used in the West.  No one has a patent on it and anyone can use it at any
time as a cross or crucifix.

Fr. Gerry Fraser

*The Roman cross was most often made of a tall tree stump with a groove in
the top to fit the crossbeam, which was often a smaller tree stump or stout
branch.  Is was a very rough affair, knocked together from whatever was at
hand and almost always had the ? shape.  It was nothing like the images we
use today.

-----Original Message-----
From: Jen Seeler [mailto:jeandaveaMINDSPRING.COM]
Sent: Monday, November 03, 2003 10:59 PM
Subject: Re: Symbols Greek T or Tau


In Ponferrada the Tau (Greek T) is said to be a symbol on the Knights
Templar who built the fortress there and protected pilgrims.  It can be seen
on the large church and in a floral display on the slope below the entrance
to the castle.
      jean seeler
     jeandaveamindspring.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Lindsay & David <lobstertrapaMIDMAINE.COM>
To: GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU <GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU>
Date: Monday, October 27, 2003 10:13 AM
Subject: Symbols


>Dear all,
>
>I recently returned from the Camino Frances, walking with friends from
>Sahagun to Santiago. Observations will follow, but in sum we had a
marvelous
>time together. One question, however, kept resurfacing: how did the
>Greek letter "T", or thau, become part of the symbolism of the
>pilgrimage? On the Camino we heard various stories attributing it to
>St. Anthony or St. Francis, but on our arrival at the Cathedral it was
>clearing carved atop a staff on a statue of St. James.
>
>Any thoughts?
>
>David