Lithuanian Cross-crafting and its symbolism

Lithuanian Cross-crafting is a phenomenon in which craft, art and faith meet. The tradition of erecting crosses goes back to the arrival of Christianity in Lithuania at the end of the 14th century and also includes elements of pre-Christian culture. The concept of cross-crafting accommodates the history of a traditional wooden monument from its beginning to the end the idea, location and craftsman selection, creative process erection and concecration of the monument, visiting it, burning down of the old cross and replacement. Wooden or metal crosses and pillar shrines acquire life through people’s beliefs, ceremonies and customs. Lithuania is unique in its vitality of the Cross-crafting tradition even today, after surviving the harsh times of prohibition, demolition and occupation. Lithuanian Cross-crafting and its symbolism was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008.