As we are approaching Easter, I have been thinking of crucifixion (crosses), death of Jesus and his subsequent rise from the death.
The Hill of Crosses in Lithuania reminds me of the earthly sufferings and Easter gives us new hope.
Have been reviewing some information on the Hill of Crosses, the one from Wikipedia, which is quoted below seems to be the best:
The Hill of Crosses ( Kryžių kalnas )) is a site of pilgrimage about 12 km north of the city of Siauliai, in northern Lithuania. The precise origin of the practice of leaving crosses on the hill is uncertain, but it is believed that the first crosses were placed on the former Jurgaičiai or Domantai hill fort after the 1831 Uprising Over the centuries, not only crosses, but giant crucifixes, carvings of Lithuanian patriots, statues of the Virgin Mary and thousands of tiny effigies and rosaries have been brought here by Catholics pilgrims. The exact number of crosses is unknown, but estimates put it at about 55,000 in 1990 and 100,000 in 2006.
I was somewhat stunned by the number of crosses when I first visited the site and walked up the Hill. These are “monuments” which come to mind this Easter.
Happy Easter 🙂
retireediary 