Winter solstice, summer solstice, autumn and spring equinox were identified under the guidance of "Support Measures for Persons Under International Protection" lecturer Ramona Liepina. Then the immigrants were also told about the winter and winter joys so important in Latvia, as well as Meteni – a holiday with which traditionally begins the year of Latvians, as well as – on a larger scale – of ancient Indo-European peoples. It was explained to the attendees that Meteni is celebrated by playing music and dancing. One of the main treats of Meteni is pies. There were also stories about mummery, maskers and the meaning of masks used in these customs. In the continuation of the evening, the immigrants were introduced to various modern holidays that are celebrated in Latvia. For example, with 8 March or Women’s Day, as well as with 21 March or spring equinox. It seemed interesting to all participants that Latvians tend to celebrate their holidays both in accordance with pre-Christian traditions and in accordance with the church interpretation.
The Easter tradition was discussed: painting eggs with onion skins, playing with eggs, rolling eggs, eating eggs with salt to avoid lying. Swing for avoiding biting of mosquitoes. And also the characteristics of the Easter Bunny: how the Bunny brings sweets and chocolate eggs to children.
The conversation then turned to the arrival of spring, along with the upcoming joint works, arranging the surroundings and celebrating the Labour Day. Information on 4 May, Latvian Independence Day, as well as 8 May – the remembrance of the end of the Second World War, followed. Then Ramona introduced the International Protection Persons to the summer solstice, which is so important for Latvians – the very middle of the ancient year, as well as the fact that Latvians’ favourite holidays are Ligo Eve and Jani. Latvian personal names related to the midsummer celebrations did not pass unnoticed, namely the ancient girls’ name – Liga, and the boys’ name Janis. Ramona explained that Latvians try to celebrate Ligo and Jani in nature. Fireplaces, dances and, of course, weaving wreaths – with flowers for girls and with oak leaves for boys – are an integral part of the holiday. A number of pagan activities are practiced with wreaths – they are thrown onto the branches of trees, thus predicting which girl or boy will soon marry. Traditional dish is round cheese with caraway seeds.
At the end of the lecture on Latvian view of the world, was discussed the autumn equinox or Mikelis Day, when the harvest must be garnered, and the time of ghosts, zemlikas or faithful begins. In connection with this mysterious time, Ramona introduced the attendees to the Latvians’ love of grave culture: burning candles and commemorating the dead. The end of the time of ghosts comes on 10 November – Martins Day, and it is soon followed by 11 November – Lacplesis Day important for Latvians, as well as 18 November – Proclamation of the State of Latvia.
After the lecture on Latvian view of the world and the most important historical stops, the evening continued with creative workshops, where everyone participating could creatively express their talents!
Support Actions for Persons Under International Protection III project is implemented with the support of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and is co-financed by the European Union. Grant agreement No. PMIF/9/2020/3/02/