Cultural Heritage and Human Rights in France

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Table of Contents

Introduction
About France
Human Rights
Artifacts
Multimedia Artifacts
Discussion of Artifact
Essential Questions / Research Findings
Get Involved
Conclusion and Reflection

Introduction

It is no secret that French culture, customs, traditions, history, and art are a subject for imitation and a standard of beauty. For example, the imagination of the inhabitants of this region manifested itself vividly in many ways during the development and construction of the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. It still dominates over other monuments, serves as a historical symbol, and is perceived by people as one of the highest embodiments of the French artistic genius. This exhibit aims to appeal to its semantic and aesthetic components as part of the French cultural heritage and symbol of unity and equality.

About France

As part of Europe since 1992, France is one of the most beautiful and exciting places, with a rich history and a magnificent cultural heritage. This country is most famous for its picturesque nature, cozy old towns, modern megacities, fashionable resorts, renowned museums, and fine cuisine. Once France was called Gaul, which Gauls and Iberians mainly inhabited. In 843, the West Frankish Kingdom was founded on this territory, and only in the 10th century it becomes known as France. From this moment, such significant events as the Crusades and Revolution of 1789, religious wars, and the seizure of territories begin. World-famous figures of French history – Clovis, Charles the Bald, Joan of Arc, Napoleon Bonaparte, and others. The official language in the country is French. In Alsace and Lorraine, a German dialect is also spoken, Alsatian. The population of France is about 65 million people (France Population). In fact, France is an indivisible, secular, democratic, and social state with a republican form of government. In terms of the total volume of the economy, the country ranks second in the European Union. In addition, France values equality, equity, and unity in its culture while appreciating the motherland’s style, sophistication, and beauty (Ensign).

Human Rights

France is an active participant in the struggle for human rights, attracting the international community’s attention to several critical situations. For instance, this country strives to make special efforts to address issues related to the abolition of the death penalty, the fight against impunity, arbitrary detention, and enforced disappearances (France and the institutions). Moreover, France also focuses on respect for women’s rights, the fight against the recruitment of child soldiers, and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. As a rule, the concepts of human rights have a particular historical significance for the French people, which has quite deep roots, dating back to the Enlightenment era. One should emphasize that France was the only country that in 1789 proclaimed rights through the “Declaration of Human and Civil Rights.” Since then, this country has continued and continues to participate in the development of fundamental principles and international human rights instruments.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 outbreak has exposed and strengthened inequality in French society to some extent. Hence, the problems of non-indigenous residents have become even more urgent in a certain period (COVID-19: Standing Up For The Human Rights). Moreover, the pandemic situation has put some citizens in a very vulnerable position.

Artifacts

First of all, the Crown of Thorns is the most valuable relic of the cathedral, a wreath of prickly plants fastened with gold wire. Its importance and significance lie in the fact that it symbolizes moments of the past – the image of the crucifixion of Christ. The Crown testified to the humility of Christ when he exchanged the “heavenly diadem” for the “crown of shame.” Secondly, the Tunic of Saint Louis presents a piece of clothing whose importance also lies in referring a viewer to one of the historical events. It is believed that in this tunic (and barefoot), Louis met the Crown of Thorns 40 kilometers from Paris and brought it barefoot in his arms to the specially built church of Sainte-Chapelle. Thirdly, the “Mays” paintings are a series of artworks commissioned by the best artists of Paris from 1630 to 1707. The importance of the paintings correlates with such a meaningful event as the veneration of the memory of the Virgin Mary. These artifacts allow viewers to feel the accuracy and realism of the religious scenes presented.

Multimedia Artifacts

This video shows one of the surviving artifacts from the fire in the Cathedral in Paris. The Crown of Thorns reminds the terrible events that Jesus had to go through. It means the sins and torments that humanity has deserved and the trials that God has prepared for us, which we must overcome (Danzey). This event is nothing but a representation of the humiliation and violation of human freedom, dignity, and rights. The problem that exists today can only be solved together, and France, in this context, is doing everything possible to achieve equality and unity.

Discussion of Artifact

The Crown of Thorns is one of the most significant artifacts in the history of humankind, which is currently located in the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris. This “antique” is made of woven reed and gold wire and is relatively tiny (Rea). The Crown of Jesus Christ is the greatest shrine of the Christian religion, a symbol of suffering and abuse experienced by the Savior humbly and with dignity. According to Bible, the three Gospels describe how Roman soldiers mockingly put a “royal” robe on Jesus and placed a “buffoonish crown” of thorns on his head. They mocked, beat, and humiliated Christ: “… and knelt down before Him to mock Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” (Matthew 27:29). The Crown of thorns has become a wonderful symbol of who Jesus was and what He did.

This context can be considered as a reference to human rights. In this case, the Crown reminds no one has the right to mock others, regardless of people’s position, status, role, and other criteria. Jesus was ready to endure pain, insults, and shame for us, and we should not repeat such terrible phenomena so that there would be peace in the whole world.

Essential Questions / Research Findings

Referring to the story of the Crown of Thorns, many people are encouraged to ask themselves the question of what “crown of thorns” really means? What are its purpose, message, and meaning for humanity? How can we perceive the experience of Jesus, and what will it give us? Were Christ’s sufferings justified? Are there similar events to date, and if so, why? These are just a few questions to which, unfortunately, there is no single answer. Accordingly, everyone should independently find the answer to the questions by reading the Bible and striving for good through God in unity and equality.

Get Involved

UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OCHCR), Human Rights Council (CDH), 3rd Committee of the General Assembly of the United Nations, Convention committees or treaty bodies, and Council of Europe are organizations that promote projects for the protection of human rights (France and the Institutions). The organizations work together with the European state to benefit society by preventing privileges violations and ensuring that all rights of people are respected (France and the Institutions). My audience can protect human rights through various donations, preventing conflicts based on inequality, and special events that help focus attention on the problem.

Conclusion and Reflection

Therefore, the official position of France concerning human rights has a unique, historical significance. French diplomacy directs its activities within multilateral organizations and bilateral relations to combat human rights violations. For example, the country takes an active part in developing new norms in human rights protection. Furthermore, during this course, I gained in-depth knowledge and expanded my ideas about France, its culture, history, and attitude to human rights, as one of the values of the state. Notre-Dame de Paris is a jewel of French Gothic architecture and a country symbol. Like the pyramids of Egypt, the Parthenon in Athens, or the Sofia of Constantinople, Notre Dame is worthy for centuries and millennia to bear witness to the ideals and centuries-old artistic culture of the people who created it. The cathedral keeps a lot of artifacts, each of which is endowed with a special meaning, content, and symbolic component. For example, the Crown of Thorns symbolizes the oppression of human rights. Thus, looking at the artifact as an “edification,” humanity must by all means and means eradicate the manifestation of injustice as one of human evils and sins. This is what France is currently doing together with other organizations and countries.

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