The tradition of erecting shrines and crosses along roads or in open fields dates all the way back to Roman and Germanic times. The Roman crosses had a different meaning than the ones built later, but all had a Christian background. Until 460 B.C., the Romans believed demons gathered at road crossings to mislead and irritate travelers.
Calling upon the "roads gods," the locals made sacrifices and built crosses to chase away the demons. Other shrines built at the time marked people's property or served as a location for court trials. While most of the ancient crosses have disappeared over the years, there are still a large number of Christian shrines today that are a symbol of Christ's redemption. Some were built in memory of deceased friends and family members, while others mark accident locations.
Today, people still lay wreaths or flowers at the crosses in honor of the victims. Crosses with engraved skulls and crossbones were built as memorials for the dead, often in honor of a father or son who didn't return from war. Another type of cross was built for pilgrims and prayers. People would pray at such locations for a variety of reasons, such as a good harvest.
From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),
Paul J. Staso
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Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek
Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:
- United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
- Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
- Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
- Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
- The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
- Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
- Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
- Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
- Some Cycling Moments From The Past
