Penance Crosses in Poland

oksawa2

4 Jul 2006 / #1

I noticed there are quite a few stone crosses near the roads (especially in the Western Poland). I was told they were sort of penance for one's sins. It's interesting... Do you know the real story behind that?

Adamek

4 Jul 2006 / #2

Yes, there's even one in the area I was born (Pastuchow).

I'm not sure about the history though. I think when someone committed a crime, his/her penalty was to do a cross in the stone. I think it was self-penalty (similar to self-whipping in the times of the Middle Ages).

OP oksawa2

14 Jul 2006 / #3

Thanks -- I would appreciate more information if possible though. Why did they make these crosses?

mmm

14 Jul 2006 / #4

Penalty for sins.

anhksa_goyca

15 Jul 2006 / #5

In my culture, Those crosses on the side of the road show to people who drive by that someone has been killed or either murder at such side. One in a while family and friends of the victim(s) go and arrange the crosses with flowers and pray. Some time also light up candles as they play.

Sincerely,
Anshka

mgmg

15 Jul 2006 / #6

Oksawa2, if you know some Polish, this will be a real treat:

krzyze.pl/index.php

if not, just e-mail the webmaster in English

OP oksawa2

15 Jul 2006 / #7

Thank you so much!