Cross Crafting and its Symbolism in Lithuania

　　Proclamation: 2001
Member State(s): Lithuania; supported by Latvia
Region: Europe-North America
Associated themes: Traditional knowledge and know-how

　　
For all Lithuanians, cross crafting evokes the tradition of the making of crosses and altars, which is common to the whole country, as well as the consecration of these crosses and the rituals associated with them. The crosses, which are carved out of oak, are linked to ceremonies of the Catholic religion and also to harvest celebrations and other more ancient festivities. They represent a culture that is more than 400 years old, whose roots are pre-Christian and are to be found in pagan traditions. Once the cross had been consecrated by a priest, it acquired an unalienable sacred significance. With incorporation into the orthodox Russian Empire in the 19thcentury, and even more under the Soviet regime, these crosses also became the symbol of Lithuanian national and religious identity. The crosses are between one and five meters high and are often adorned with a small roof and floral or geometric decorations, sometimes with small statues. They are placed on roadsides, at the entrance to villages, near other monuments and in cemeteries. The statues of the Virgin Mary and of different saints are often called upon to aid people in distress. Different offerings are made, especially items of food, rosaries, money or colored scarves (for a wedding, for example) or aprons (which symbolize fertility). The crosses are also an important meeting-place within a village and a symbol of the unity of the community.