Just before leaving Lithuania on the way to Riga, The Hill of Crosses, at Siauliai, was the last port of call before entering Latvia from the south.
The Hill of Crosses is a rather hauntingly moving tribute to lost loved ones and religion. The crosses come in all shapes and sizes. Some have been there for quite some time.
It’s not just a devotion to religion, but also a symbol of national unity in the face of the occupying forces. In the 1960’s, the Soviets tried to stamp out people's sentiments by repeatedly bulldozing the site, only for the locals to come back with more crosses.
The Hill become a point of resistance for the Lithuanians and symbolized their quest for nationalism. People would risk severe punishment but still they continued to place more and more crosses up to now.
It is hard to imagine so many crosses in one place. But all these crosses tell us about personal and public misfortunes and catastrophes. After the political change in 1988 the status of the Hill of Crosses changed completely – it became both a Lithuanian and a world phenomenon. It gained a world wide fame after the visit of the Pope John Paul II, in 1993. The Pope was extremely touched by the cross with the prayer for his health after the attempt upon his life in 1981.
When you’re walking around the area, you really get a feeling for the pride and sacrifice the people of Lithuania had to maintain during the dark times with the Nazis and then the Soviet Union, and the Hill of Crosses is a tribute to that. Walking around the area you can feel the sense of love and respect the Lithuanian people had for each other during those hard times. Walking around the area you can examine the variety of crosses, inscriptions, and pictures there: Crucifixes of all sizes, made of wood, metal, plastic, or other materials rest against one another, stand solid in the ground, or jingle against other crosses in the wind
The site is visited by thousands of people each year, and it’s no surprise why.... its not like anything I’ve ever seen before!
Since 1997, The Hill has become not only a Lithuanian symbol of spiritual tenacity but also an international site of devotion. It's the custom for every visitor to leave a cross of their own.
Although I didn't leave any cross, rosary or angel, I was fascinated by this small hill in the middle of the Lithuanian countryside where over one million crosses have been planted.
As you view the slideshow, perhaps one or more pictures will give the illusion you had also been over there, a place where so many others have shared their hopes, grief, love and faith...
Although I didn't leave any cross, rosary or angel, I was fascinated by this small hill in the middle of the Lithuanian countryside where over one million crosses have been planted.
As you view the slideshow, perhaps one or more pictures will give the illusion you had also been over there, a place where so many others have shared their hopes, grief, love and faith...
My word that was an experience and a half Belita. Beautiful photos and I loved the little faeries on the posts and baskets too.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shayna! Those were at a pathway that would lead to a motel...
DeleteEven to someone who is not religious, it is a quite remarkable place. Wonderful photos, Belita!!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, a place where one feels respect, above all...
DeleteThank you!
Thanks, Shers!
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine told me about this amazing place, it is really stunning! And your pics are great again :)
ReplyDelete(TechNote: the music of your site overlap with the one of the video)
Hi Edoardo! Thanks so very much for the visit, comment and note about the music overlap. Already fixed.
DeleteOh my, I am moved beyond words at these photos, and the history of such a place... it is overpowering.... I did not know about this place so thank you for including it!
ReplyDelete[I have a crucifix from my Oma that I would love to place here myself... ]