The Republic of Latvia was founded in 1918. The national symbols of Latvia 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 official national symbols of Latvia 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. | National Symbols of Latvia is one of the few articles that I am not taking any credit for, as I believe that this topic has to be written in perfectly academic and professional language with 100% historical accuracy. The original source of this information remains the Latvian Institute. |
Flag of Latvia
Written records of the red-white-red Latvian flag have existed since the second half of the 13th century. Bearing a red flag with a white stripe ancient Latvian tribes went to war against ancient Estonian tribes. This historical evidence would place the Latvian flag among the oldest flags of the world. |
At the end of the 1860s Latvian student, folklore researcher and later, professor Jēkabs Lautenbahs-Jūsmiņš found reference to the use of a red-white-red flag in The Oldest Rhyming Verse Chronicle of the Livonian Order. The Chronicle depicted events in Latvia in the second half of the 13th century (till 1290) and glorified the feats of the crusaders in converting the pagan inhabitants of the Latvian region to the Christian faith.
Based on the aforementioned historical record, the present day flag design was adapted by artist Ansis Cīrulis in May 1917. The red colour of the Latvian flag is a particular dark red tone that is referred to as ‘Latvian red’ in the rest of the world. The flag’s colour proportions are 2:1:2 (the upper and lower red bands are always twice as wide as the white band in the middle), and the correlation of the width and length of the flag is fixed as 1:2. National symbols of Latvia - The Latvian national flag, together with the national coat of arms were affirmed in this format by a special parliamentary decree of the Republic of Latvia that was passed on June 15, 1921.
Latvian Coat of Arms
The Latvian national coat of arms was formed after the proclamation of an independent Latvian Republic and was specially created for its independent statehood. Latvian coat of arms combines national symbols of Latvian statehood as well as symbols of ancient historical districts. The sun in the upper part of the coat of arms symbolises Latvian national statehood. A stylised depiction of the sun was used as a symbol of distinction and national identity by Latvian riflemen – latviešu strēlnieki – recruited into the Russian imperial army during the First World War. During the First World War the sun figure was fashioned with 17 rays that symbolised the 17 Latvian inhabited districts. The three stars above the coat of arms embody the idea of the inclusion of historical districts (Vidzeme, Latgale and combined Kurzeme-Zemgale) into a united Latvia. |
Culturally historical regions are also characterised by older heraldic figures, which already appeared in the 1600s. Kuzeme and Zemgale (Western Latvia) are symbolised by a red lion. The lion appears as early as 1569 in the coat of arms of the former Duke of Kurzeme. Vidzeme and Latgale (Eastern Latvia) are symbolised by the legendary winged silver creature with an eagle’s head, a griffin. This symbol appeared in 1566, when the territories known today as Vidzeme and Latgale had come under Polish-Lithuanian control. The Latvian artist Rihards Zariņš designed the Latvian national coat of arms.
Latvian National Anthem
‘Dievs, svētī Latviju!’ (‘God bless Latvia!’) is one of the national symbols of Latvia - the national anthem. The words and music were written by Kārlis Baumanis (better known as Baumaņu Kārlis). The anthem first appeared in the second half of the 19th century when the Latvian people were beginning to openly exhibit a strong sense of national pride and identity. Kārlis Baumanis was the first Latvian composer to use the word ‘Latvia’ in a song lyric. The concept of ‘Latvia’ had only began to take shape in the minds of writers and activists and was used to describe all regions traditionally inhabited by Latvians. |
Although most Latvians did not yet dare to dream of a sovereign state totally independent of the Tsarist Russian Empire, the song ‘Dievs, svētī Latviju!’ served as a powerful catalyst for the emerging national consciousness. The use of the word ‘Latvia’ in the song was an open challenge to the Tsarist regime that had little sympathy for national movements.
Initially, Russian authorities forbid the use of the word ‘Latvia’ in the title and text of the song and it was replaced by the word ‘Baltics’. It was performed publicly in June of 1873 at the First Song Festival in Rīga. It was first sung as a national anthem on November 18, 1918 at the proclamation of Latvia’s independence. On June 7, 1920 ‘Dievs, svētī Latviju!’ was officially proclaimed the national anthem of the Republic of Latvia.
Symbol of Independence – Freedom Monument
The freedom monument, or Brīvības piemineklis, in the capital city Rīga has become an undisputed symbol of independence. It was built from 1931 until 1935 from donated funds. The monument is designed by Latvian sculptor Kārlis Zāle and is considered to be one of the most recognised National symbols of Latvia. At the base of the monument sculptural reliefs illustrate different significant moments in Latvia’s history, while the very top displays the symbol of freedom – a woman who embodies the idea of Latvia’s sovereignty. At the foot of the freedom monument there is never a lack of flowers, which are placed here with deep respect for those, who have formed this nation and who have sacrificed their lives in the fight for independence for the good of the nation and its people. |
National Trees
The linden, or lime tree (Tilia cordata, Latvian: liepa) and the oak (Quercus robur, Latvian: ozols) are considered to be one of the National symbols of Latvia - National trees. Oak and linden trees are characteristic elements of the Latvian landscape. Both trees are still widely used for medical purposes. Medicinal infusions are made of linden blossoms as well as oak bark. Latvian dainas (folk songs) often reflect ethical and moral concepts of earlier times. Amongst other trees, these folk songs most often mention the oak and linden tree. In traditional Latvian folk beliefs and folklore the linden tree is looked upon as a female symbol, but the oak – a male symbol. The nation’s reverence for these trees, which in earlier times were considered sacred, can be witnessed, for example, in a landscape where, in the middle of a cultivated field there still remains a lone large oak or linden tree. |
The National Bird
This slender and graceful bird is often found in Latvia from April till October.he white wagtail can usually be seen running briskly along the ground, wagging its tail up and down. This bird usually nests in the rafters and eaves of buildings, woodpiles, stone piles, and birdhouses. During the winter it migrates to Southern Europe and North Africa. The white wagtail was affirmed the national bird of Latvia in 1960 by the International Bird Protection Council. | The National Insect
The two-spot ladybird is familiar as a useful insect that protects plants from parasites. Although rather slow by nature, it can defend itself well. Due to its appearance and behaviour it is widely known and liked throughout Latvia. The insect’s Latvian name – mārīte – is a synonym for the ancient Latvian goddess Māra, who embodies the power of the earth. The two-spot ladybird was designated the national insect of Latvia by the Latvian Entomologists’ Society. |
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