Crosses In addition to its formal use in churches, the cross in Lithuania long ago became a frequent subject of folk art.
Lietuviškas kryžius is a stylized folk art cross put up at crossroads, in cemeteries, near houses, and as votive offerings in churches. The crosses combine elements of architecture, sculpture, blacksmith art, and painting. They often feature organic flourishes, motifs of the sun, birds, and represent the
World Tree. To plead for grace or to express gratitude, the crosses are built as memorials to the dead or as the signs of spiritual protection at certain places. The art of
Lithuanian cross crafting was acknowledged as one of the
Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001 by
UNESCO. A distinctive
two-barred cross – the Vytis Cross – appears on the shield held by the knight in Lithuania's coat of arms. Adopted by Grand Duke
Jogaila as his personal insignia, it is usually associated with the
Jogaila dynasty. This cross is displayed on Lithuanian aircraft. The
Order of the Cross of Vytis is a Lithuanian Presidential Award conferred on those who have defended Lithuania's freedom and independence. The
Lithuanian Air Force adopted this cross in its
roundel and the
Special Investigation Service and
Lithuanian Riflemen's Union adopted it in the logo. The
Hill of Crosses, containing thousands of crosses of all sizes, is the best known
pilgrimage site in Lithuania. Image:Zemaiciu koplytstulpiai.jpg |Crosses in Žemaitija, by
M.K. Čiurlionis Image:Lithuania Hill of Crosses 4.jpg |Detail of the Hill of Crosses Image:Cross of Vytis.jpg |Order of the Cross of Vytis
Jesus and saints Wooden carvings of
Rūpintojėlis, "The Jesus who cares for us," are often seen at crossroads and in cemeteries. He always rests his head on his right arm, his left hand rests on his knee, a crown of thorns on his head shows drops of blood, and his face is full of solicitude and sorrow. The pose may represent Jesus' anticipation of his
crucifixion, after his scourging and
crowning with thorns. It is also said to depict Jesus after his
resurrection and before his
ascension. One legend has it that Jesus traveled throughout the world wearing his crown of thorns; during his journeys, he sometimes sat on stones near the road and wept. The
patron saint of Lithuania and
Poland is
Saint Casimir, who is held to have a special affinity for young people; he died in his twenties. His image often appears in
stained glass in Lithuanian churches, often holding a
lily. Saint Casimir's Day is celebrated on March 4. He was said to have appeared as an
apparition in 1518 at the
Daugava River during the
Muscovite-Lithuanian Wars, encouraging the Lithuanians. After his death, his
relics in Vilnius became a frequent destination of
pilgrims;
St. Casimir's Fair developed around these pilgrimages, became an annual event, and is still held today. Other saints who may be seen in coats of arms and elsewhere include
Saint George and
Saint Christopher. Image:Šventasis Kazimieras, 1594.jpg|Saint Casimir Image:Coat_of_Arms_of_Vilnius.svg|
Vilnius COA, with Saint Christopher Image:Marijampole COA.svg|
Marijampolė COA, with Saint George ==National dress==