Roadside cross - on the outskirts of Jóka
The role of the roadside cross
Such crosses served several purposes in Central European villages:
They were religious places of worship where people could pray,
They were erected as monuments to commemorate an important event, epidemic or accident,
They were often made as votive crosses when someone had them erected out of gratitude (for example, for healing or a safe return home).
Characteristics of the Jóka cross
The roadside cross found on the outskirts of Jóka usually:
stands on a pedestal made of stone or concrete,
has a metal or stone statue of Christ on it,
is often surrounded by a small fence or flowers.
Such crosses are important elements of the village landscape and are connected to local religious life. In the past, people also stopped to pray next to them during processions or farewells.