National Symbols of Latvia 2007

NATIONAL SYMBOLS

Septem

ber2006,N

o.15

OF LATVIA

The Coat of ArmsThe Latvian national coat of arms was formed after the

proclamation of an independent Latvian Republic and wasspecially created for its independent statehood. The national coatof arms combines symbols of Latvian national statehood as wellas symbols of ancient historical districts. The sun in the upperpart of the coat of arms symbolises Latvian national statehood.A stylised depiction of the sun was used as a symbol of

FACT

SHEE

T ON

LATVIA

Text by PhD Raimonds Cerzis

The Republic of Latvia was founded in 1918. Its state symbols have survived

through a century of nation building, wars, occupations and liberations.

They embody the history, culture and values of those who have lived here

by the Baltic Sea for thousands of years.

The FlagWritten records of the red-white-red

Latvian flag have existed since the second half ofthe 13th century. Bearing a red flag with a whitestripe ancient Latvian tribes went to war againstancient Estonian tribes. This historical evidencewould place the Latvian flag among the oldestflags of the world.

The official state symbols are the flag, the coat of arms and the national anthem.

In addition, the oak tree, amber and the white wagtail are just some of the many

natural symbols that appear in Latvian designs and decorations.

Colourproportionsof the redcolour ofthe flag:Pantone1807C

At the end of the 1860s Latvian student, folklore researcherand later, professor Jkabs Lautenbahs-Jsmi found referenceto the use of a red-white-red flag in The Oldest Rhyming VerseChronicle of the Livonian Order. The Chronicle depicted events inLatvia in the second half of the 13th century (till 1290) and glo-rified the feats of the crusaders in converting the pagan inhabi-tants of the Latvian region to the Christian faith.

Based on the aforementioned historical record, the presentday flag design was adapted by artist Ansis Crulis in May 1917.The red colour of the Latvian flag is a particular dark red tonethat is referred to as Latvian red in the rest of the world.The flags colour proportions are 2:1:2 (the upper and lower redbands are always twice as wide as the white band in the middle),and the correlation of the width and length of the flag is fixedas 1:2. The Latvian national flag, together with the nationalcoat of arms was affirmed in this format by a specialparliamentary decree of the Republic of Latvia that was passedon June 15, 1921.

10

2

1

2

The LargeCoat ofArms

NATIO

NALSY

MBO

LSOFLA

TVIA

distinction and national identity by Latvian riflemen latvieustrlnieki recruited into the Russian imperial army during theFirst World War. During the First World War the sun figurewas fashioned with 17 rays that symbolised the 17 Latvian-inhabited districts. The three stars above the coat of armsembody the idea of the inclusion of historical districts(Vidzeme, Latgale and combined Kurzeme-Zemgale) into aunited Latvia.

Culturally historical regions are also characterised byolder heraldic figures, which already appeared in the 1600s.Kuzeme and Zemgale (Western Latvia) are symbolised by a redlion. The lion appears as early as 1569 in the coat of arms ofthe former Duke of Kurzeme. Vidzeme and Latgale (EasternLatvia) are symbolised by the legendary winged silver creaturewith an eagles head, a griffin. This symbol appeared in 1566,when the territories known today as Vidzeme and Latgale hadcome under Polish-Lithuanian control. The Latvian artistRihards Zari designed the Latvian national coat of arms.

The proper use of the Latvian coat of arms is firmlyregulated. Three types of symbols are used large, smallenhanced and small.

The large coat of arms, for example, can be used by theState President, Parliament, Prime Minister, Cabinet ofMinisters, government ministries, the Supreme Court andProsecutor General, as well as Latvias diplomatic and consularmissions.

The small enhanced coat of arms can be used by agenciesof the Parliament, Cabinet of Ministers and other institutionsunder direct or indirect supervision of the governmentministries.

The small coat of arms, for example, can be used by othergovernment institutions, municipal authorities andeducational institutions on official documents.

The National AnthemDievs, svt Latviju! (God bless

Latvia!) is the national anthem. Thewords and music were written by KrlisBaumanis (better known as BaumauKrlis). The anthem first appeared in thesecond half of the 19th century when theLatvian people were beginning to openlyexhibit a strong sense of national prideand identity. Krlis Baumanis was the firstLatvian composer to use the word Latviain a song lyric. The concept of Latvia hadonly began to take shape in the minds ofwriters and activists and was used todescribe all regions traditionally inhabitedby Latvians. Although most Latvians didnot yet dare to dream of a sovereign statetotally independent of the Tsarist RussianEmpire, the song Dievs, svt Latviju!served as a powerful catalyst for theemerging national consciousness. The useof the word Latvia in the song was anopen challenge to the Tsarist regime thathad little sympathy for nationalmovements.

Initially, Russian authorities forbidthe use of the word Latvia in the titleand text of the song and it was replacedby the word Baltics. It was performedpublicly in June of 1873 at the First SongFestival in Rga. It was first sung as anational anthem on November 18, 1918at the proclamation of Latviasindependence. On June 7, 1920 Dievs,svt Latviju! was officially proclaimed thenational anthem of the Republic of Latvia.

The SmallEnchancedCoat ofArms

The SmallCoat ofArms

The National BirdThe Latvian national bird is the

balt cielava or white wagtail (Motacillaalba). This slender and graceful bird isoften found in Latvia from April tillOctober. The white wagtail can usuallybe seen running briskly along theground, wagging its tail up and down.This bird usually nests in the rafters andeaves of buildings, woodpiles, stonepiles, and birdhouses. During the winterit migrates to Southern Europe andNorth Africa. The white wagtail wasaffirmed the national bird of Latvia in1960 by the International BirdProtection Council.

National TreesThe linden, or lime tree (Tilia cordata, Latvian: liepa) and the

oak (Quercus robur, Latvian: ozols) are considered the nationaltrees of Latvia. Oak and linden trees are characteristic elements of

the Latvian landscape. Both treesare still widely used for medicalpurposes. Medicinal infusions aremade of linden blossoms as wellas oak bark. Latvian dainas (folksongs) often reflect ethical andmoral concepts of earlier times.Amongst other trees, these folksongs most often mention the oakand linden tree.

In traditional Latvian folkbeliefs and folklore the linden tree is looked upon as a femalesymbol, but the oak a male symbol. The nations reverence forthese trees, which in earlier times were considered sacred, can bewitnessed, for example, in a landscape where, in the middle of acultivated field there still remains a lone large oak or linden tree.

AmberAmber has long been viewed as a precious stone associated

with the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea. Latvians themselveshave often referred to the Baltic Sea as the Amber Sea(Dzintarjra), reinforcing the symbolic importance of amber(dzintars) in Latvian culture and history. Unlike other preciousand semi-precious stones which are formed through inorganicchemical processes, Baltic amber (succinite) is formed fromorganic elements fossilised pine resin. For this reason, amber

absorbs body heat and is easy to shape.In ancient times Latvian territory

was known as a source for amber. Amberfrom the Baltic Sea coast was valued ascomponent for jewellery and was usedfor barter in Ancient Egypt, Assyria,Greece and the Roman Empire. At timesit was considered even more valuablethan gold. Just as in the past, ambertoday is most commonly used injewellery. Amber has traditionally been

used to create amulets, pendants, broaches, buttons, necklacesand intricate pieces of decorative jewellery. Amber has also beenused for pharmaceutical purposes, since it contains succinic acid,which is considered to have unique medicinal properties.

The National InsectThe Latvian national insect is the two-spot

ladybird (Adalia bipunctata). The two-spotladybird is familiar as a useful insectthat protects plants from parasites.Although rather slow by nature, it candefend itself well. Due to its appear-ance and behaviour it is widely knownand liked throughout Latvia. The insectsLatvian name mrte is a synonym for theancient Latvian goddess Mra, who embodies thepower of the earth. The two-spot ladybird wasdesignated the national insect of Latvia by theLatvian Entomologists Society.

The National FlowerThe Latvian national flower is

the ppene or daisy (Leucanthemumvulgare, earlier also known asChrysanthemum leucanthemum),which also grows here in the wild.In Latvian conditions the common orwild daisy blossoms from June tillSeptember. Daisies are a verypopular flower and are often used inflower arrangements or given asgifts.

Latvianpeasantsgatheredaround a tree,18th century,drawing byJ.C. Brotze

Symbol of Latvian Destiny the River Daugava

The Daugava is considered the Latvian national river. The Daugava is thelargest river that flows through Latvia (total length 1005 km, of these 352 kmflow through Latvian territory).

Known as the river of fate or motherof rivers, the Daugava has served as anancient trade route linking the Baltic Sea tothe Black Sea, profoundly influencing the flowof Latvian history. For centuries the Daugavahas served as an essential transport artery,means of livelihood, and source of energy.(Latvias hydroelectric stations are locatedalong the Daugava). Today, as in the past,the Daugava serves as a borderline betweendistinct Latvian cultural and historicalregions, separating Kurzeme and Zemgalefrom Vidzeme and Latgale.

For further information please contactthe Latvian Embassy or Consulate in your country or the Latvian Institute:

Latvijas institts, Kau iela 7, Rga, LV 1050, Latvia.Phone: (+371) 6750-3663, Fax: (+371) 6750-3669

E-mail: [email protected] http://www.li.lv, http://www.latvia.lv

This fact sheet can bee freely copied, distrubuted and cited,on condition that the Latvian Institute is acknowledged as source.

FACT SHEETON LATVIA

NATIO

NALSY

MBO

LSOFLA

TVIA

The Latvian Institute promotes knowledge about Latvia abroad.It produces publications in several languages on many aspects of Latvia.

ISSN

1407-8708

JiThe annual celebration of the summer solstice, known as

Ji is generally viewed as the most important Latvian holiday.Ji is celebrated on June 23 and 24. The traditions and ritualsassociated with the celebration of Ji are deeply rooted inancient Latvian folklore and continue to have deep symbolicmeaning for the celebrants. Participants gather flowers, grassesand oak leaves which are used for making wreaths and decora-tions. Ji night activities include the singing of special Ji

songs (Lgosongs) around aceremonialbonfire. Home-brewed beer anda special Jicaraway seedcheese are anessential part ofthis colourfulholiday ritual.Symbol of Independence

Freedom MonumentThe freedom monument, or Brvbas piemineklis,

in the capital city Rga has become an undisputedsymbol of independence. It was built from 1931 until1935 from donated funds. The monument isdesigned by Latvian sculptor Krlis Zle.

At the base of the monument sculptural reliefsillustrate different significant moments in Latviashistory, while the very top displays the symbol offreedom a woman who embodies the idea ofLatvias sovereignty. At the foot of the freedommonument there is never a lack of flowers, which areplaced here with deep respect for those, who haveformed this nation and who have sacrificed their livesin the fight for independence for the good of thenation and its people.