A Joyous Cross from Oaxaca

This cheery cross caught my eye, on a table full of unique crosses and other folk art at an art show. "It's so happy!" I said in Spanish, with some surprise, to the young woman sitting behind the table.

"That is what my people believe," she said to me.

She was from Oaxaca, a part of Mexico much in the news lately for the struggles of the teachers and others there. She radiated a similar joy to the cross, though.

Soon it was mine, and I am greatly enjoying it. Its colors are even more vibrant in real life. A friend of mine chatted with the people at the booth after I was there, and she had the symbolism of some other crosses explained to her. I didn't think to ask about that, but I like the fact that air, earth, water, and fire are all represented in various ways.