Sunday, April 1, 2012

HILL OF CROSSES

             Located in Lithuania........................







The Hill of Crosses is located in northern Lithuania
and over the years has become a National Pilgrimage center.
The tradition of placing crosses here dates back to the 14th century originally,
(I came across a few different dates while researching)
and probably arose as a symbol of Lithuanian defiance of foreign invaders.
In more recent times when Soviet Russia controlled it, the hill was leveled by
bulldozers three times...1961, 1973, and 1975.
The crosses were burned or turned to scrap metal and the area covered with waste and sewage.
Each time the Hill arose again when local inhabitants and pilgrims from
all over Lithuania rapidly replaced crosses on the hill.

Finally left in peace the sacred hill is now visited each year
by thousands of pilgrims, a good many of them leaving crosses,
some in memory of loved ones.
Pope John Paul II visited the Hill of Crosses in September of 1993.

On windy days breezes blow through the crosses and hanging rosaries
producing their own unique music.

There are several videos on the internet that people
have posted of their visit to The Hill of Crosses,
and all have merit.
I have picked THIS ONE as my favorite because of the history
and the interviews with the local people.

I don't have a "bucket list" of places to visit,
but if I did....The Hill of Crosses would be on the list. 




                                                                    

16 comments:

  1. That is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen!!!Thank you so much for sharing it with us:)
    ~Debra xxx
    Capers of the vintage vixens

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  2. Never heard of it and how fascinating trhat it has been raised so many times...the power of faith!

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  3. I read about this a few years ago, but did not see as many photos... thanks for sharing! :)

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  4. Wow. What an extraordinary place! Speaking of pilgrimage, have you seen the movie, "The Way"? I thought it was wonderful.

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  5. So amazing! I just came across your blog, love it! you def have a new follower!

    door251.com

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  6. I've watched the video and intend to research a bit more this week. What an amazing site. Thanks for bringing it to our (my) attention....and blessed Easter to YOU!

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  7. Wow this is amazing... I wonder how old the oldest cross is...what an amazing piece of history... Thanks for sharing... I have never seen this...

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  8. I don't know what to think about this. I guess people get something out of it, the pilgrimage that is but religion always puzzles me.
    Regardless, it's terribly interesting.

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  10. What an extraordinary place! I have never heard of it. Thanks for sharing these gorgeous photos with us!
    Happy Easter to you, Gayle! Hope your Easter is filled with joy, happiness and love!

    Hugs,
    Gaby

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  11. Wow, never saw that before!

    Can you share the names of any great shops in Portland?

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  12. oh be still my heart! having just returned from semana santa your mountain of crosses touches my heart. i can see why this would be on your must do list....maybe there is also room for dia de los muertos???
    how sweet that would be!

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  13. I have never seen anything like this...and imagine what it would look like if it had been undisturbed for hundreds of years!?! It just goes to show the power of human determination and devotion. I'm so glad that you chose to share this today!

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  14. Thank you for the discovery, I like very much the stories bound to this incredible place as the music of the wind blowing through crosses and rosaries, improbable!

    Beautiful day

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  15. I have never heard about this before, but now I want to go there!

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  16. I visited the Hill in 1997 and had my faith restored it is a sacred place and very special

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