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Archiver > Huguenot > 2001-09 > 1000647681


From: "Elizabeth DuBois Russo" <>
Subject: Huguenot Cross as a moving symbol even now
Date: Sun, 16 Sep 2001 09:41:21 -0400


I went to a country fair yesterday in search of a symbol that would sum it up for me. I had a vague notion of what I wanted. I wanted to express hope, love, charity, love, faith, peace; also, I wanted a sense of unity with fallen comrades and with my friends, neighbors, and relatives, including my ancestors. Last night I once again read the Sermon on the Mount, seeking comfort and understanding, and paying particular attention to loving my enemies.

I wanted a symbol with a dove, and one that would remind me of the beatitudes.

I didn't need to go to the fair.

I have this symbol already, and it is hanging from a silver chain around my neck. I bought it at the Huguenot Museum in New Paltz, NY.

For an explanation of the symbol, go here:

http://www.geocities.com/hugenoteblad/x-eng.htm or here:

http://www.hhs-newpaltz.org/libraryandarchives/hugcross.htm

The dove is doing double-duty in its symbolism for me today.

Symbols, by their very nature, can be fluid, depending on the eyes of the beholder as well as the wearer. Past wearers of the Huguenot Cross may have been perhaps not very tolerant of a religion they saw as having oppressed them in France. Perhaps they were wearing it to honor the martyrs. Or perhaps, like me, they wanted to be reminded of a solidarity, and of the Beatitudes.

For those wondering how to obtain the Huguenot Cross who have not seen the links for where to buy them, here is the link for where I bought mine:

http://www.hhs-newpaltz.org/

(I purchased the one pictured on the right. I love the sterling silver dove earrings that they sell as well.)

Several other places sell them as well. All a matter of personal taste. I appreciate the craftsmanship and design of the ones I have.

EDR

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