It's
not even a proper hill -- more of a hillock, or a
knob. But the impact of this Lithuanian landmark is
felt nationwide. It's a sort of folk symbol; a place
where no one person can claim credit,but the efforts
of the collective have made it what it is today. The
Hill of Crosses has been adopted as something of a
national symbol, and even those who don't believe
in the power of the cross look upon it with fondness.
That power was demonstrated during the Soviet era
when the authoritarian rulers tried to erase this
piece of Lithuania's identity. But as before, more
crosses sprouted -- placed there by the nameless multitudes
that have tended it over the centuries. Some believe
the tradition started as early as the 1500's. It survived
the Soviet era and continues today.