Paper short abstract:

The paper presents specific Lithuanian sacred places - hills of crosses. The research focuses on impressions and emotions of visitors of sacred places as well as the contemporary rituals and their differences from traditional rituals there.

Paper long abstract:

The paper presents specific Lithuanian sacred places - so called hills of crosses or places of vows. Some of these places are rather old, related to pre-Christian sacred places, others emerge today. In Lithuania such places are marked by particular symbols connected with Christian faith - crosses. Crosses in such places usually are offerings in the hope of God's grace or thanks-offerings.

One sacred place in northern Lithuania - Hill of Crosses - is well-known in Lithuania and abroad as well. But most of sacred places are known only within Lithuania.

This paper is based on historical sources and ethnographic fieldwork. People having various intentions visit these places. Among them there are religious persons hoping for God's grace, inquisitive ones, who look for exotica and eccentric experience, and tourists visiting famous places of Lithuania. The research focuses on impressions, emotions and interpretations of stories and legends which arise in person's mind visiting sacred places. What they expected before visiting such place and what they experience there? The contemporary rituals in the sacred places, their differences from traditional rituals as well as sacrificial objects are highlighted in the paper too. Also the impact of entering such places into the sightseeing points is examined. Therefore the influence of media, popular culture, consumerism and globalization on visitors' intentions and selection of sacred objects and on the evolution of the place itself is discussed as well.