Archive for the ‘Traditions’ Category
Lāčplēsis Day: Songs, candles, and remembrance
November 11 is Lāčplēsis Day in Latvia. This day marks the end of WWI in 1918 as well as the victory of Latvia over the West Russia Volunteer Army at Riga the following year. On this day, like Veterans Day in the States (also November 11), Latvians honor those who have died in the service of their country. Personally, I think experiencing the Latvian patriotism exhibited on this night helped me to reflect on my own country, and realize that this is a day of remembrance around the world, and that world is so much bigger than the USA alone. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that.
Tracing my roots
If you’ve been following along, you probably remember reading that I have family connections to Riga. My great grandfather owned an apartment complex here, and my grandmother, Oma, grew up here.
On my first weekend here back in August, I went out in search of her old address and made a little video of the experience. Hope you like it.
Locks of Love
The weather, for the most part, has been truly beautiful in this late summer season. As I went for a walk on a lovely, sunny Saturday afternoon one week after arrival, I couldn’t help but notice that love is in the air here in Riga.
love is in the air
On a single day, I saw no less than maybe 5 or 6 different weddings taking place in various stages. Some were bride and groom photo shoots in the park, some were cars decorated in procession, and some were just outside of churches.
I’ve also noticed that it’s a quite common site to see a lock clasped to a bridge. These things are related, here’s how… Read the rest of this entry »
