COMENIUS MULTILATERAL PARTNERSHIPS Prepared by A.Anina,
A,Savarina Slide 2 Christianity spread through Latvia during the
ninth through twelfth centuries, with Russian Otthodoxy dominant in
the east and Roman Catholism in the west. Most people in the cities
are Lutheran. There are also small communities of other faiths,
such as Baptist, Old Believers, Pentecostal, Adventist and Jewish.
During the last centuries, there have been no serious social
confilcts in Latvia based on ethnic or religious differentation.
Religious life in Latvia has been unique for its centuries old
variety of religious beliefs with many branches functioning
peacefully alongside one another. Latvias own oldest relegion is
based in a belief of natural deities. These ancient traditions are
marks the summer solstice and is still a national holiday. Slide 3
Summer Solstice or Ji celebrations date back centuries, when
Europeans actively practiced the cult of the Sun. Catholic Church,
striving to strengthen its influence among latvians, had declared
June 24 as the birthday of John the Baptist (Jnis Kristtjs in
Latvian) and thats how mass celebration of summer solstice shifted
to the night of June 23. Ligo festival is held at night from 23rd
to 24th of June the shortest night and longest day of the year.
These days officially are holiday days in Latvia. Slide 4 Everyone
collects wild flowers in nearby fields and meadows. They are called
Ju zles. Women then make wreaths out of them. Men called Jnis
(John) wear oak leaf wreaths, celebrating their name day. Wreaths
are often kept until next year's Ji, and then ceremonially burnt on
the bonfire to bring good luck. Slide 5 A Midsummer bonfire is
lighted. Tradition is to jump over it. The ritual seemingly brings
good luck to whoever successfully avoids the flame, and brings
prosperity. Traditional Jani songs (Ju dziesmas) are sung all
through the night sitting by the bonfire. Dancing and fun till the
sunrise. When taking part in a Jani celebration it's important to
stay awake until dawn it is said to bring lots of good luck. If you
do fall asleep, not only bad luck may come upon you, but you will
be mocked by those who managed to stay awake Slide 6 A full table
is very important for a successful Jani celebration. Special sort
of cheese, that is traditionally made only for Ji (Ju siers), is
obligatory. It is homemade caraway seed cheese. Grilled meat and
sausages fresh off the fire, salads, cold soup and other country
goods are welcome on the table. Beer, preferably homemade, is the
main beverage. Slide 7 Today the festival is Latvias favourite
holiday. Latvians, those who are living in Latvia and those who are
living abroad, are waiting for Ligo for the whole year. Folk
dancers, local pop singers and other musicians will perform on an
outdoor stage and anyone can join the fun. Slide 8 A Crafts Fair is
held on Cathedral Square (Doma laukums) every June 22. You can buy
plenty of food and drink as well as Latvian souvenirs and mandatory
Midsummer supplies such as flower wreaths for women and oak-leaf
wreaths for men. Ethnographic song and dance concerts with plenty
of locals in national costume are also a mainstay of the fair.
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