Lithuanian cross crafting

[1] Lithuanian cross crafting has been included in the list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity of 2001 by UNESCO.

[3] Tradition, formed in the 15th century, is not only linked to craftsmanship itself, but includes the ritual of erecting the cross (searching for mercy or protection, in honor of the deceased, God or saints, etc.)

One to five meters high, they often feature floral or geometric symbols, motifs of the sun, birds and the tree of life; they are sometimes adorned with small statues.

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.

[citation needed] The sculptural appearance wary according to particular region, an alternative being a traditional chapel-pole (i. e. "koplytstulpis" – a pole with one or multiple roofed small chapels with a sacred statuettes usually arranged in different level one above the other, the smallest on the top).