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Description
What You're Getting
A Thick Olive Wood Tau Cross, Hand-Carved in Bethlehem
This Tau Cross is hand-carved from olive wood in Bethlehem. What distinguishes it from a standard cross piece is its thickness: the olive wood is cut deep rather than flat, giving it a substantial presence on a wall that thin plaques and pressed pieces cannot match.
The Tau Cross Tradition: St. Francis and St. Anthony
St. Francis adopted it as his personal symbol and signed his letters with it. A Tau Cross from Bethlehem olive wood connects that Franciscan tradition directly to the wood and land of the Holy Land.
Ready to Hang with Certificate and Prayer Card
A hook is built into the piece for immediate wall display. The certificate of authenticity confirms the olive wood origin, and the Our Father prayer card accompanies the cross as a gift-ready addition. For more wall-ready Holy Land pieces, browse our holy-land-gifts collection.
Using Your Olive Wood Tau Cross
As a Wall Cross in a Home, Chapel, or Office
The 4-inch scale and the hook hanging make this Tau Cross easy to place on any wall. It suits a bedroom, a prayer corner, a church office, or a chapel wall. The thickness of the olive wood gives it a tactile solidity that reads well at close range.
As a Gift for Franciscan or Capuchin Devotees
For anyone with a devotion to St. Francis or St. Anthony, a hand-carved olive wood Tau Cross from Bethlehem is a gift of both symbolic and material value. The Franciscan connection to Jerusalem and the Holy Land makes the Bethlehem origin especially appropriate.
For Pilgrims and Holy Land Travelers
A Tau Cross from Bethlehem olive wood is among the most historically resonant souvenirs a pilgrim can carry home. The cross form, the material, and the place of making all connect to the land of the Gospels. For more pilgrim-appropriate Holy Land pieces, browse our holy-land-gifts collection.
What's in the Box
One olive wood Tau Cross, hand-carved (10 cm / 4 inches), with built-in hanging hook
Certificate of authenticity
Our Father prayer card
For more olive wood crosses and Holy Land wall pieces, browse our olive wood collection.
Who This Is For
Franciscan and Capuchin Faithful
The Tau Cross is the emblem of the Franciscan family. For members of any Franciscan or Capuchin community, a hand-carved olive wood Tau from Bethlehem carries the full weight of that tradition.
Collectors of Bethlehem Olive Wood Craft
The thick-cut hand carving of this piece distinguishes it from mass-produced laser-cut crosses. For buyers who value the craft of hand carving in olive wood, this Tau Cross represents a careful piece of work. For more hand-carved pieces, browse our olive wood collection.
Gift Buyers for Religious Occasions
A Tau Cross with a certificate of authenticity and a prayer card is a complete gift at any religious occasion: a First Communion, a confirmation, an ordination, or a home blessing. For more occasion-appropriate Holy Land gifts, browse our holy-land-gifts collection.
Storage and Care
Displaying Your Olive Wood Tau Cross
Hang on any standard wall hook using the built-in hanging hook on the cross. Keep away from prolonged direct sunlight and high humidity environments. The hook placement ensures the cross hangs level without additional fittings.
Caring for Your Olive Wood Tau Cross
Dust with a soft dry cloth. The natural oils in olive wood help preserve it over time. If the wood looks dry after extended display, a very light application of olive oil on a cloth will nourish the surface. To learn more about Holy Land Market visit the about Holy Land Market page.
Shipping and Guarantee
30-day returns accepted on most orders. Personalized, customized, and made-to-order items are excluded.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Tau Cross?
The Tau is a cross shaped like the Greek letter T. It is most closely associated with St. Francis of Assisi, who used it as his personal symbol and blessing sign. It is also venerated in relation to St. Anthony of Padua.
Is this cross suitable for outdoor display?
This cross is designed for indoor wall display. Olive wood is a durable natural material, but prolonged outdoor exposure to rain and direct sun will shorten its life. For indoor-appropriate display, browse our olive wood collection.
How does the cross hang on the wall?
A hook is carved or fitted into the back of the cross. A standard wall nail or hook is all that is needed to hang it. No additional hardware is required. For more wall-ready pieces, browse our holy-land-gifts collection.
Is the olive wood the same as the olive trees in Gethsemane?
The olive wood used by Bethlehem craftsmen comes from the same species of tree that grows in and around Jerusalem and Gethsemane. The wood is sourced from prunings of these trees, which are cut every two years to encourage fruit bearing.
Are bulk or wholesale orders available?
Yes, Holy Land Market accepts wholesale and bulk orders. Visit our wholesale orders page for details on minimum quantities and pricing.