Hill of Crosses

By: Justin Winslow

http://sacredsites.com/europe/lithuania/hillofcrosses.html

Landscape geography

Actual location of Hill of Crosses has a rural geography1

Very small: 60m long and 40-50m wide1

Surrounding area does not significantly impact the Hill’s sacred nature

Lithuania, itself, is located in Eastern Europe, close to the Western border of Russia

Hill of Crosses is positioned approximately 16Km north of an industrial town, called Šiauliai, in Lithuania1

http://taxidiaris.blogspot.com/2009/06/hill-of-crisses-lithuania.html

History The gesture of placing crosses in the

ground likely started in the 14th century2

At this time Teutonic Knights, a German Catholic Order, occupied the town of Šiauliai2

Lithuanian Pagans Lithuanian Catholics3

Cross placing tradition continued as a symbol of Lithuanian national and religious pride2

Hill of Crosses has recently influenced Franciscan Brothers to build a monastery near by1

http://history-world.org/teutonic_knights.htm

http://www.lcn.lt/en/bl/sventoves/kryziuk

The people of the Site Christians in general, especially

Catholics The cross an crucifix are among the

most important symbols of Christianity They hold the meaning of “Faith, Love

and Sacrifice1” Through death comes salvation Every cross and crucifix on the Hill

conveys this fundamental message in its own unique way

Christianity has the largest percentage of adherents4

It is not confined by ethnicity and its members actively seek converts; it is absolutely a universalizing religion4

http://www.lcn.lt/en/bl/sventoves/kryziuk

Conflict Most notable conflict during the Soviet

occupation of Lithuania from 1944 to 1991 2

Socialist ideals of the Soviets did not allow any form of religion to be expressed1

The Hill of Crosses was burned and demolished three times: 1961, 1973 and 1975 2

Each time it was rebuilt, piece by piece The Lithuanian people would not let the

Hill fall It stood as a symbol of their national

and religious culture as well as a beacon of hope1

Currently, there is no direct opposition to the Hill of Crosses

http://biega.com/history20.html

http://sacredsites.com/europe/lithuania/hillofcrosses.html

My thoughts on sacred space

The risks and sacrifices the Lithuanian people made are inspiring

I hope to join the travelers there in a pilgrimage and place my own cross

I have learned much about my heritage and faith

Lithuanians have a long history of war and occupation

I can appreciate that they have come to embrace Christianity during troubled times

http://englishrussia.com/2007/03/22/hill-of-crosses-in-lithuania/

http://www.flickriver.com/groups/84995969@N00/pool/interesting/

References 1. "Hill of Crosses." KATALIKAI.LT. Catholic Internet Service, Feb. 2001. Web. 12 Jan. 2012.

<http://www.lcn.lt/en/bl/sventoves/kryziuk>.

2. "Places of Peace and Power - Hill of Crosses." Places of Peace and Power - Sacred Sites: Places of Peace and Power. Magic Planet Productions. Web. 12 Jan. 2012. <http://sacredsites.com/europe/lithuania/hillofcrosses.html>.

3. Woodhouse, F. C. "Teutonic Knights: Their Organization And History." World History International: World History Essays From Prehistory To The Present. Web. 12 Jan. 2012. <http://history-world.org/teutonic_knights.htm>.

4. Fouberg, Erin Hogan., Alexander B. Murphy, and Blij Harm J. De. "Chapter 7: Religion." Human Geography: People, Place, and Culture. 9th ed. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2009. 199-200. Print.

Additional Websites Only Used for Pictures

Makuskiene, Dalia. "The Hill of Crosses, Lithuania." Travelling - Ταξίδια. Phivos Nicolaides, 13 June 2009. Web. 12 Jan. 2012.

<http://taxidiaris.blogspot.com/2009/06/hill-of-crisses-lithuania.html>.

Biega, Bill. "Central and Eastern Europe History - 19th and 20th Centuries." Information Treasure Chest (Biega Homepage). 2002. Web. 12 Jan. 2012. <http://biega.com/history20.html>.

"Hill of Crosses in Lithuania | English Russia." English Russia » Daily Entertainment News from Russia. In English! English Russia, 22 Mar. 2007. Web. 12 Jan. 2012. <http://englishrussia.com/2007/03/22/hill-of-crosses-in-lithuania/>.

“Hill of Crosses.” 56o00’55.05” N 23o24’58.40”E. Google Earth. July 9, 2010. January 12, 2012.

Roels, Rudi. "Flickriver: Most Interesting Photos from Pray Along Pool." Flickriver - A New Way to View Flickr Photos and More... Flickriver.com, 19 July 2006. Web. 12 Jan. 2012.

<http://www.flickriver.com/groups/84995969@N00/pool/interesting/>.