Nestled between Lithuania and Estonia is a small, flat country commonly called the “get-away-from-it-all” destination - Latvia. Latvians find joy in giving gifts to their friends and relatives. Their country lays claim to one of the world’s most enduring holiday symbol.
Christmas
When one hears of gifts and gift-giving, one immediately thinks of reindeers and sleighs, Santa Clause and his elves, and shiny gift wrappers. Christmas is automatically in one’s mind with images of Christmas Trees undoubtedly not far behind.
Latvia is traditionally called the birthplace of Christmas Trees hence making Christmas one of Latvia's very important festivities. At the start f the advent season, advent wreaths are hung inside houses.
Christmas is considered a part of family celebration which includes Christmas tree decorating and gift-giving on Christmas Eve. Families also attend the midnight mass on the eve of Christmas. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals are made of potatoes, sauerkraut and pork, small pies, and lentils with bacon. One can expect 12 gifts from Father Christmas, one for each of the 12 days of Christmas. Poetry reading is a popular activity before gifts are opened.
Celebrations last for 12 days after Christmas with some Latvians dressing in Christmas trees with artificial roses. Gingerbread can be found everywhere during this season. December 26 is reserved for the celebration of the Boxing Day.
Meteni
Meteni is a traditional Latvian festival held during the 23rd February of every year as part of the country's ancient calendar of events. Latvians serve dishes made from parts of a pig, bread, barley and beer. Sledding is one of the popular activities during this festival. The degree to which one celebrated Meteni was believed to be proportional to the success of one's crops.
Summer Solstice
Latvians also celebrate Ligo Diena (Midsummer’s Eve) Jāņi (Midsummer’s Day, St. John’s Day) in commemoration of the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. This usually falls on the 23rd and 24th of June of every year and involves going out into the countryside for festivities. A Latvian legend tells of a fern that will flower only on this night. Couples would usually go off into the woods to search for this 'flowering' fern with the men wearing crown made of oak leaves and the women adorned with wreaths made of wild flowers. It is also a time to get together with families and enjoy sumptuous meal. Popular activities include bonfires and maypole dancing.
Autumn Equinox
Every September 23, Latvians celebrate the Autumn Equinox. This festival marks the start of the threshing season at the Autumn equinox, the same season meant for the souls of the dead. The traditional activities include chasing and welcoming Jumis, the spirits of the dead. Latvians serve their guests with bread, rooster, pork or mutton.
Latvians also celebrate other occasions like New Year’s Eve where Latvians go out into the streets and watch fireworks, New Year’s Day, Labor Day, Latvian National Day and Proclamation of the Republic but with lesser fanfare. Since most of Latvians are Catholics, celebration of Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday is also encouraged.
Latvians are also known to indulge in gift-giving with family and friends during birthdays, baptisms and weddings. However, one must be guided by the following when presenting Latvians with gifts.
- The thought that goes with the gift is more appreciated than the price of the gift
- When invited to their house, it is best that you bring along for the hostess a box of chocolates, a bottle of imported liquor, fruit or flowers.
- Flowers should be given in odd numbers as even numbers suggest mourning
- Red roses are a no-no unless you are going to a funeral.
- Open your gifts as soon as your receive them as this shows appreciation.
In Latvia, traditions are instilled even to children belonging to the new generation. Their celebrations are not just tourist come-ons but are evidence of how much they hold their traditions important.
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