1 Latvia Latvia – the pearl of the Baltic. The history of this mysterious, adventurous and charming country dates back to 9th century BC. Latvia lies in the north-eastern part of European map, on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. The Republic of Latvia encompasses practically the whole area historically populated by the Latvians, and is divided into four cultural regions: Kurzeme, Vidzeme, Zemgale and Latgale. The first people arrived here already in 9 th millennium BC, and the Balts – ancestors of the Latvians and Lithuanians – migrated to this area in the 2 nd millennium BC. The first official documents about Latvia were mentioned in late 12 th century when German traders increasingly met and traded with the Livs inhabiting the lower course of the river Daugava. Thus, the Germans came to call this area Livland or Livonia. Founded in 1201, the town of Riga became the main base for the German conquest of the Baltic Lands. As the time passed by, the city became more inhabited, more developed and eventually it became a thriving commercial centre, being in a very advantageous location, and in 1282 it joined the Hanseatic League. Riga was the largest town in Livonia and in 16 th century it became an important centre for trade between Russia and Western Europe. With the spread of Reformation, Livonia became divided and weak. In the early 16 th century this was exploited by the developing state of Russia, which wanted to gain control of the lands on the Baltic coast. As a result of Livonian War, the area of president-day Latvia came
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Latvia
Latvia – the pearl of the Baltic.
The history of this mysterious, adventurous
and charming country dates back to 9th
century BC. Latvia lies in the north-eastern
part of European map, on the eastern shore of
the Baltic Sea. The Republic of Latvia
encompasses practically the whole area
historically populated by the Latvians, and is
divided into four cultural regions: Kurzeme,
Vidzeme, Zemgale and Latgale.
The first people arrived here already in 9th millennium BC, and the Balts – ancestors of
the Latvians and Lithuanians – migrated to this area in the 2nd millennium BC. The first official
documents about Latvia were mentioned in late 12th century when German traders increasingly
met and traded with the Livs inhabiting the lower course of the river Daugava. Thus, the
Germans came to call this area Livland or Livonia. Founded in 1201, the town of Riga became
the main base for the German conquest of the Baltic Lands. As the time passed by, the city
became more inhabited, more developed and eventually it became a thriving commercial centre,
being in a very advantageous location, and in 1282 it joined the Hanseatic League. Riga was the
largest town in Livonia and in 16th century it became an important centre for trade between
Russia and Western Europe.
With the spread of Reformation, Livonia became divided and weak. In the early 16th
century this was exploited by the developing state of Russia, which wanted to gain control of the
lands on the Baltic coast. As a result of Livonian War, the area of president-day Latvia came
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under the rule of Poland-Lithuania. Few years later Latvia was divided for 300 years between
Poland and Sweden. In 18th century following the Northern War, the whole of the Latvian-
populated area came under the rule of a single state: it was all annexed by Russia.
From the early 19th century major changes began in agriculture, marked by the gradual
abolition of serfdom. Independent stratum of Latvian farmers emerged – which later played an
important role in the National Awakening. Soon the nationalist ideas popular in Western Europe
reached Latvia. An intellectual movement emerged (So called “Young Latvians”), promoting the
development of society based on ethnic affiliation. The Revolution of 1905 prompted the
Russian government to introduce changes: greater rights were granted for the Latvian language
in schools.
In the First World War Latvia again became a scene of conflict. Factory equipment was
evacuated to Russia and 760 000 people fled as refugees. In order to defend Riga, in July 1915
the Latvian deputies in the Tsarist Duma compelled the Russian military to permit the formation
of Latvian rifle battalions, who fought major battles just outside Riga. The war led to the collapse
of the Tsarist regime in Russia. The Republic of Latvia was proclaimed shortly after the end of
the First World War – on 18 November 1918. After the War of Liberation, in 1920, Soviet Russia
recognized independent Latvia and relinquished all the claims of Tsarist Russia to the territory of
Latvia.
The Republic of Latvia enjoyed only a brief period of peaceful development, from 1920
to 1940, but in the mind of Latvians this remains a period of great economic achievement, when
the standard of living was comparable to that of the developed Western European countries of
that time. In Moscow on 23 August 1939, Germany and USSR concluded an agreement (The so-
called Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact), dividing among themselves some of the countries in Europe.
In accordance with the pact, Latvia was occupied by the USSR on 17 June 1940. In July 1941,
the Soviet occupation was followed by an equally ruthless German occupation. In the Second
World War, the land and population of Latvia suffered even more than in the First World War:
out of approximately 2 million people living in Latvia before the war, only 1.3 million, or 70%
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remained after the war.
After the war, a planned economy was introduced and agriculture was collectivized.
From an agrarian country, Latvia was turned into an industrialized area of the USSR. Between
1946 and the late 1980s, around 250 large factories were built in Latvia, employing a labor force
of migrant workers from other parts of the USSR. The proportion of Latvians fell
catastrophically: by the late 1980s, ethnic Latvians constituted only slightly more than 50% of
the total population.
The 1980s brought the perestroika
(“restructuring”) movement in the USSR,
which led to the democratization of the
society, the Third National Awakening and
the re-establishment of the Latvian state. On
4 May 1990, the newly-elected Supreme
Soviet of the Latvian SSE passed a
declaration on the restoration of
independence of the Republic of Latvia, and
in September 1991 Latvia’s independence
was also recognized by the USSR.
After the restoration of independence, many things in Latvia had to start from scratch:
Latvia changed from a planned economy to free market economy and joined international
organizations, taking care to safeguard its national identity. Latvia has achieved a great deal in
these years and is proud of having attained its major aims of joining NATO and the European
Union, thus laying the foundations for future development. Latvia has become a tourist attraction
due to its diversity of traditions, extensive beaches of the Baltic coastline, lovely small towns and
mostly intact nature providing peace and tranquility.
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More about Latvia…
Culture
Located in the crossroads of western and eastern cultures and due to its diverse history
during which many nations, ideas and thoughts that came to Latvia, it has imprints of different
cultures. This effect can be seen and admired in magnificent architectural monuments, religious
places and national museums. Latvian culture is unique and is based on the ancestral traditions.
Inhabitants of the country are very proud of Latvia’s rich folklore heritage that has been
preserved until today. Although most of Latvians are Christians, the traditions of ancient pagans
are still alive nowadays and we are celebrating festivals as our ancestors did many centuries ago.
The course of Latvian life was determined by the road of the Sun. the length of the day
marked the time for sowing, and harvesting and when the souls of the dead should be
remembered. Most common Latvian holidays are Ziemassvētki (Christmas), Lieldienas (Easter),
Jāņi (Midsummer) and Miķeļi (Michaelmas). At Christmas the longest night of the year, usually
21st December, the Sun was honored. The dark calls for light, so there must be merriment,
involving log-pulling, putting past sins to fire and candle-burning.
At Lieldienas (Easter), around 21st March, the Sun is near, and day and night are of equal
length. According to an ancient belief, on Eastern morning the Sun would rise above the horizon
and swing three times to and fro. Since then Latvians have a tradition to put up swings on this
day and swing. Lads used to swing maidens high and were remunerated with beautifully colored
eggs which then were used for “egg fights”, symbol sing fertility. People believe that swinging
on Easter will protect them from mosquito bites and secure tall flax.
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The most spectacular festival is Jāņi (Midsummer). In the evening of 23rd June everybody
goes to the suburb. Bonfires are lift to secure light throughout the brief night, songs are sung and
dances danced. Married women and maidens wear vaiņags (wreaths of flowers) while men get
oak wreaths. Beer and cheese symbolize wealth, and decorations of birch-boughs and flowers
secure the link with the ancient elements of nature and fertility.
In autumn, around Miķeļi (Michaelmas), on 29th September, day and night are of equal
length again and the harvest has been brought in. Fairs are held, and each farmer boasts of their
achievements.
An unique value of the Latvian nation has survived till nowadays – folk stories and folk
songs from our ancestors. They are intensive quatrains, which cannot be accurately transferred
into other languages. Folk songs are diverse – both lyrical and philosophical. Latvian folklorist
Krišjānis Barons in the late 19th century contributed a tremendous job in collecting folk songs
and systematizing them. He collected more than two million folk songs which remains today’s
treasure of Latvia and which are as well included in UNESCO Oral and Intangible Cultural
Heritage.
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Latvian folklore, the rich non-
material heritage, is something
that Latvians are very proud of.
And there is a reason why we are
called a Nation that Sings. We
sing during our free time, at work,
in parks, on streets and in
professional studios as well.
Latvian Song and Dance festival (Vispārējie latviešu Dziesmu un Deju svētki) is one of the
largest amateur choral events in the world and an important event in Latvian culture and social
life. It is the Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
The history of Song and Dance festival
dates back to 1873 when the first festival was
organized. Nowadays every five years singers and
dancers from all over Latvia assemble in Riga for a
joint performance, with the united choir of about
20 000 singers sing polyphonic repertoire while
15000 dancers at the stadium create patterns of
folk dance. Even the Soviet authorities couldn’t break the tradition of Song festival, although the
idea of the festival was ruthlessly manipulated with. The song was a manifestation of protest
against spiritual oppression. The 20th Song Festival (1990), with 35 438 participants, was held at
the peak of the Third Awakening (Atmoda) movement and the transition to independence, while
the XXI and XXII festivals (1993, 1998) were already celebrated in an independent state. Song
festivals of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are included in the UNESCO Memory of the World
Register.
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Latvian folk dances are an ancient and lively form of cultural tradition. In the 19th
century, along with the Song festivals, dancing became a mass folk-dance event. In 1937 the
Latvian Home Guard organized the first folk dance and gymnastics festival in Riga, which was
attended by 20 folk dance groups with 720 dancers. Since then dancing competitions have taken
place. Dance festivals are mass events, culminating with an all-participants concert in the
Stadium. As a rule, approximately 10 000 dancers participate at the festival. The last festival
gathered 15 000 dancers. The participants of the dance festival are people at all age – it involves
young people and elderly as well. The next Song and Dance Celebration will take place in 2018.
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Symbols and heroes
The flag of Latvia is of a
distinctive dark red color with a
white horizontal stripe through the
middle. The flag was used for the
first time in 1279. Ancient Latvian
tribes used it when they fought
with the Estonian tribes. This
historical evidence places the
Latvian flag among the oldest in
the world. These national colors
were used on November 18, 1918 when the independence of the Republic of Latvia was
proclaimed. It was used on state occasions and national holidays until 1940. During the soviet
occupation the use of flag was banned and people were deported for keeping or hiding one or for
singing the national anthem. Instead of Latvian red-white-red flag the Latvian SSR flag was
imposed. After re-establishing its independence Latvia proudly uses the red-white-red flag in
different state occasions, national holidays and on days of special occasion.
The Latvian national coat of arms was designed after
the proclamation of independent Latvia. It combines symbols
of ancient historical districts and Latvian national statehood,
symbolized by the sun in the upper part of the shied. The three
stars above of the coat of arms embody the districts –
Vidzeme, Latgale and combined Zemgale and Kurzeme – into
a united Latvia. On the left side of the bottom part is a red lion
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on a silver background and on the right side a silver griffin on a red background. These are older
heraldic figures, which first appeared in 1600s.
“God Bless Latvia” is the national anthem. It was written during the national awakening
of the Latvian people in the 19th century. The anthem was composed by Kārlis Blaumanis, who
used the word Latvia in a song for the first time.
The national bird of Latvia is the white wagtail, national insect is the two-spot ladybird,
national flower is the daisy and the national trees are lime-tree and oak. In Latvian folklore the
lime-tree is looked upon as a female symbol, but the oak as a male symbol. In earlier times these
trees were considered as sacred. Amber and the river Daugava
are important symbols of Latvia as well. In ancient times
Latvian amber was valued as a component for jewelers and was
used for barter in ancient Egypt, Greece and Roman Empire.
Sometimes it was considered to be more valuable than gold.
The Daugava is the Latvian national river. It is the largest river
and Latvians call it their mother of fate.
The Freedom Monument in Riga has become the
symbol of independence and freedom for every citizen of
Latvia. The monument has the inscription “To Fatherland and
Freedom” and it was designed by Latvian sculptor Kārlis Zāle
and architect E. Štālbergs. It was built in 1931-1935 with voluntary donations. The composition
consist of thirteen sculptures and reliefs that illustrate individual certain events in Latvia’s
history. At the top of the monument stands the 9 m tall image of Freedom – a woman
symbolizing the idea of Latvia’s sovereignty.
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Most popular and well known Latvia’s hero is The Bear Slayer (Lāčplēsis). He is
described in the literature and movies. One of the most well-known works is an epic poem
written by Latvian poet Andrejs Pumpurs. It was based on local legends. The tale is about half-
bear-half-man fighting witches. The Bear Slayer (Lāčplēsis) symbolizes the greatness of people
and his valor symbolizes human courage in defending their homeland from invaders. Within the
framework of the Second World War on 11th November 1918 the defenders of Riga defeated the
pro-German Voluntary Western Russia army or simply the army of Bermont. Latvian soldiers
were just as brave, heroic and motivated to protect the homeland as The Bear Slayer. Therefore
the day of victory is celebrated as the Bear Slayer day.
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Cuisine
Latvian cuisine is based on agricultural products and meat also features prominently in
the Latvian diet. People living along the coastline are often involved in fishing and they have
been used to eat more seafood than meat. Fish are also caught inland (lakes and rivers) but these
freshwater species are considered more of a delicacy. Latvian cuisine has been influenced by
neighboring countries in the Baltic and Nordic region. The country has more than 1 million
hectares of agricultural land and during the spring and summer the soil is suitable for growing
vegetables, fruits and cereals. Therefore common ingredients in Latvian recopies are found
locally, e.g. potatoes, wheat, barley, cabbage, eggs, pork, and chickens.
Food in Latvia generally is quite fatty and Latvians don’t use lots of spices.
Some specialties
One of the most traditional Latvian dishes is „Grey peas with bacon” which
is more popular for the cold season.
If you want to experience and reveal the taste formula of Latvian cuisine,
try Potato with herring and curds. This dish is a combination of three typical Latvian cuisine
products. Recipe was introduced by our ancestors and even nowadays it is popular and is in quiet