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The logo of this site was inspired by artwork found on the Hutterite faience - pottery from the “Golden Years” period. These intricately hand-painted floral designs, along with the calligraphy featured in traditional Hutterite codices and manuscripts, are some of the only tangible imagery we have from the historic Hutterites of Europe. For the longest time, imagery was discouraged amongst the “Plain people,” and Hutterites have gone without the use of a symbol or logo.

Artwork has a unique characteristic: It bypasses the rational mind and speaks directly to the heart. Is it possible that the Hutterite artists who decorated the pottery were inspired by their emotional domain, which was directly influenced by the potent and thriving spirituality of their time? I would argue yes; just as art speaks to the heart, we cannot create art without drawing from this very same heart-centered space. Therefore, it is probable that by viewing the original pottery designs, we can get a glimpse into the feelings, emotions, and composition of early Hutterites’ inner world. I believe that is partly why many people find this artwork to be so fascinating and intriguing.

The logo consists of four main components: 

1. Floral imagery
2. The double cross 
3. Stag
4. Staff

The double cross and stag are both commonly featured on Hutterite pottery. The fractal floral design is predominant to faience as well. And finally, the staff draws from the story of the “Stäbler” (staff-bearers), a group of Anabaptists who were forced to leave Nikolsburg because of their refusal to pick up a sword. Under the leadership of Jakob Wiedmann, they started the first community of goods which would eventually evolve into the Hutterites as we know them today.

Double cross / Patriarchal cross:

While a single meaning of the double cross is unclear, the interpretation that resonates most closely with Christianity is multifaceted. The first cross bar represents the historic death of Jesus, while the second bar represents his resurrection and victory. This cross speaks of the second coming of Christ within us all. It is his connection to us, and our connection to the Divine through him. In essence, it reminds us of Christ’s promise of our salvation. 

Stag: 

For Christians, the stag represented the conversion to Christianity, the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment, and a connection to God. In Arthurian legends, the stag perennially avoided capture, symbolizing an unending spiritual quest. In one story, a Roman general named Placidus was hunting in the woods. He came upon a white stag and paused to kill it. However, before he did, he saw an apparition of a cross in the stag’s antlers and he heard a voice that told him to follow Jesus Christ. In witnessing this miracle, Placidus immediately converted to Christianity. He then took the name of Eustace, eventually becoming Saint Eustace. The stag represents the cross manifest in nature. It is the physical and tangible aspects of the cross on this earth-in essence: our words, deeds, and actions.

Staff:

The story of the Stäbler gives us a concrete perspective of pacifism, and the fruits that are born out of nonresistance; In this case, the Stäbler’s stance produced Gütergemeinschaft and the Hutterite tradition. While the staff represents pacifism, it was also used for walking long distances by Hutterite missionaries. In modern times, the staff beckons us to get back in touch with the rhythm of walking. It represents the call for pilgrimage.

Combination:

The double cross speaks of our salvation through Christ’s resurrection and our connection with him through prayer. The stag speaks of the spiritual work and efforts we all must do on this earth to live in alignment with Jesus’ teachings through embodied action. Combined, they point towards balance; a “meeting in the middle” between Christ and man, prayer and action. The staff reminds us that whatever work we do must be done in a peaceful way, causing harm to no one. Altogether, this image is calling us to engage in prayer and “walk the talk” by representing Christ in our everyday actions.