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Sapanta is a small village a mere 4 km south of the border with Ukraine with a devout Orthodox population. The churchyard, known locally as Cimitirul Vesel - the Merry Cemetery has a fine array of painted wooden crosses. The local woodcarver Ioan Stan Patras started the fashion in 1935. Each one is painted blue - the traditional color of hope and freedom. On each there is a witty epitaph. He carved and painted his own cross prior to his death in 1977. The tradition has been carried on by his apprentice Dumitru Pop.
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