[1] The words alka(-s) and elks probably derive from the Proto-Indo-European *alku/*elku ("bend, an elbow, turn-like and lift") and may be directly connected with words such as Lithuanian auk(u)oti ("to lift a child") and Latvian auklēt ("to carry the baby on arms and to rock").
[1] French historical Jean Cabaret d'Orville mentions that Christians would respect the sanctity of the holy groves.
[4] There is evidence to suggest that the holiness of the scared grove extended beyond the confines of a forest into surrounding rivers and a geographical area.
According to oral folklore, alkos are the gateway to other worlds and souls of the dead trapped in purgatory can live in the trees.
Small groves of trees, especially in Samogitia, can be found surrounded by wooden chapels, crosses, and idols.