In almost all municipalities of Témiscamingue, at least one wayside cross is displayed. In addition to these wayside crosses, others are erected either on a mountain or in public places, such as Fort Témiscamingue or in the yards of private properties. Crosses surmounted by a niche are quite common. Other crosses have a base and are surrounded by a wooden fence, which is usually white.

Behind each wayside cross is an intention:

Memorial cross: Located at specific sites to mark or commemorate events that happened there.

Croix de fondation (foundation cross): Marks man’s possession of new land.

The cross for public devotions: The traditional wayside cross found in places of worship.

Votive cross: This type of cross is erected to obtain a favour or, more often, in fulfillment of a favour.

There are three types of wayside crosses:

The simple cross: A post and crossbeam, occasionally adorned of a few decorative elements at the ends.

The cross featuring instruments of the Passion: Varying symbolic objects are usually found on the crossbeam (e.g. the Holy Lance, the Holy Sponge, the Holy Chalice, nails, the Crown of Thorns).

The calvary: Represents the scene of the Crucifixion and is sometimes surmounted by an edicule. In some models, Mary and the Apostle John are at the foot of the cross. This type of cross is primarily found in cemeteries.

DID YOU KNOW ? 

Eight crosses, which are all very different from each other, have been inventoried on the Temiscamingue territory. Discover them all.