Lithuania is sometimes called “The Land of Crosses.” Crosses made of wood or iron have been an integral part of the Lithuanian landscape for centuries. Today they can still be found in cemeteries, outside churches, along roadsides, next to farmsteads, at the entrances to villages, and even in the forest. Most of these crosses are 1 to 5 meter-high structures with elements of architecture, sculpture, blacksmithing, and even painting.   

Pagan traditions were strong in Lithuania prior to the official national conversion in the 1400s, but it wasn’t until the 17th century that Jesuit monks won villagers over to the new faith by imparting Christian meanings to pagan symbols. The sun and the moon were treated as symbols of the Virgin birth of Jesus. Slowly wooden shrines and wooden cross sculptures were erected around the country as an extension of an existing tradition, and iron crosses began to be used to decorate the pinnacles of churches.