Trivia Tuesday

 

Good Tuesday Morning Ladies,  

I have always been curious about the Churches and crosses that we see on the highest mountain peaks as we are driving through the Pyrenees and other mountains through France.  So I thought I would look it up and share the reason with you.

Crosses on mountain peaks—often called summit crosses—are primarily expressions of Christian faith, especially in regions like the European Alps. They mark the highest point of elevation and also serve as borders, memorials and historical symbols of gratitude for safe return from dangerous climbs. 

The reasons for placing Crosses on top of mountains spans centuries....

Religious Significance: They act as declarations of Christian faith. Because mountains are high up, people historically felt they were physically closer to heaven.

Safe Returns & Thanksgiving: After major conflicts like the World Wars, or following daring mountaineering expeditions, many communities erected crosses as symbols of gratitude for surviving the mountains and making it home safely. 

Boundary & Property Markers: By the 16th century, simple crosses were erected to mark the borders of mountain pastures or local municipalities.

"Weather Crosses": Dating back to the Middle Ages, people placed "weather crosses" on peaks to ward off violent thunderstorms, hail, and storms that threatened alpine farming.

Scientific Utility: In the late 18th and 19th centuries, early explorers and scientists erected crosses that doubled as lightning conductors and anchor points for meteorological instruments like barometers.

Today, while the meaning varies from a deeply spiritual emblem to a simple marker signaling that a hiker has conquered the summit, they remain a prominent part of alpine culture. You will also often find logbooks locked in small metal boxes near these crosses, allowing climbers to record their achievement. 

*****************

Quite interesting answers,  I pretty much guessed correctly when Paul and I were discussing it in the car.  

I hope you found it interesting 😊 

Very, very important reminder my lovely friends ❤️

Now I got the date of the 'St Joan' Festival wrong (or I was wrongly informed by our reps)!  It is today,  so the big fireworks party on the beach is tonight,  we have heard a few going off this past couple of nights as people have their own celebrations.  We are pretty sure that Wednesday will be a Spanish holiday as the celebrations go on into the wee small hours, the DJ doesn't start until 1.30am!!!   I think we will go and have a look at the fireworks on the beach.   

Have a lovely Tuesday,  

Love and hugs to all, 

Sandra xxx