Personal Work - Places

The "Hill of Crosses" in Lithuania. This started out as a pagan worshipping ground for people that lost loved ones in battles and wars. People came from all over to pay their respects and each visitor brought a cross with them. These crosses are mostly hand-made and written on the cross is a saying of what the person wants to ask of or say to God in honor of the lost loved one. When the Soviet Union took reign over Lithuania, they tore down and burned all of the crosses. But this didn't hamper the Lithuanians. Slowly, crosses started appearing until it has become the place it is today.

Two hills and the grounds surrounding them are completely surrounded with crosses of all shapes and sizes almost as far as the eye can see. I must admit that this is one of the most chilling places I have ever experienced. As you walk up the hills, all of the crosses clang against each other like wind-chimes and you can feel what a truly eerie and religious place this is. Although it is more sacred if you make a cross, you can purchase a cross here. I purchased one for my father who was Lithuanian. It was an experience I will never forget.