Cross-building
Before the Soviet occupation, essentially all the crosses at the Hill of Crosses had been erected by residents of the immediate area. During the Soviet era, crosses were brought here from as far away as Latvia, Estonia, Belarus and Siberia. In the years since independence was regained, pilgrims have come from all parts of the world to set up crosses. Inscriptions on or attached to the crosses often explain the motives for which they have been placed. These contain words of thanksgiving, prayers and petitions, promises, names, dates and references to important events in the life of the Church and of the nation. The erection of crosses is no longer just a religious act, but also a cultural phenomenon and a sign of respect. Some of the crosses have been declared cultural monuments. Many people carry crosses here at least part of the way on their own shoulders, recollected in hymns or prayers. It has also become customary to place a cross at the Hill of Crosses after receiving the Sacraments of Marriage or Baptism.
