Blacksmith's Traditions in Lithuania

Crosses are erected in places of tragic deaths, according to the traditional belief that the soul of the deceased will then rest in peace and frighten passersby.

Centuries ago Lithuanian blacksmiths hammered weapons, armor, crosses, gates, household object, and ornaments. They shod horses and would nail a horseshoe to their door post as a symbol of prosperity and luck. Lithuanian folk tales refer to the blacksmith as a man with special powers who is able to deal with the devil and evil spirits.

Today blacksmiths create flower stands, candlesticks, ashtrays, fireplace tools, fences, gates and decorative window grates. Some blacksmiths continue to work in the traditional style, while others search for their own original styles. Blacksmiths demonstrate their creative artistry at many folk art fairs. They twist, pull and braid metal as if it were wax.

Lithuanian symbols can be found on small iron crosses . The symbols include moon crescents, sun rays, hearts, serpents, other motifs and geometrical forms. Traditionally, blacksmiths set so many symbols into fancy compositions that the Christian symbol of the cross was no longer the focal point.

The blacksmith's pavilion at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.