Massive fish

A massive fish symbolizes God’s presence and the reliance on beauty to see through sorrow. While fishing with Jozef, Father Rovnavaha considers that beauty can see a man like the recently widowed Jozef through sorrow. At that moment, Jozef caught a giant fish. There is a Biblical reference here as well, to how a handful of fish fed thousands because of Jesus. Fish, as a part of nature, are a part of beauty and sustaining of life. Therein, Jozef catching the fish is proof of God’s presence and the importance of beauty in handling sorrow.

Vines

Vines represent the taking root and growing life of family. The last name of Jozef, “Vinich,” is translated into English as “vine.” As patriarch and progenitor of his family, such a name is highly meaningful given the family which emerges as a result of Jozef himself.

Jozef's will