Latvian Symbols

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LATVIAN SYMBOLS AUSTRA'S KOKS (TREE) Symbolises world order, linking past, present, and future. Guardian of the beautiful and valuable. Believed to bring luck, blessings, success. AUSEKLIS (MORNING STAR) Auseklis is subordinate to Mēness (moon) while also his rival for Saule's (the sun's) daughter. Victory of light over dark. Protector of men. DIEVS (GOD) In ancient Latvian mythology, Dievs was not just the father of the Gods, he was the essence of them. This symbol represents the sky, as a roof over the earth. Dievs, is also called Debestēvs, which means sky father JUMIS (PAGAN GOD) Jumis is an agricultural deity representing fertility and a good harvest. He appears dressed in clothes made from field crops, such as wheat and barley. The symbol of Jumis has a symmetrical form somewhat like crossed grain flails or (if you use your imagination), a shock of wheat. LAIMA (FATE) Laima is Fate in Latvian mythology. Each individual has their own Laima, The needle, or herringbone, pattern of Laima's sign mimics the needle pattern of pine tree branches. Fate, life. The rhythm of life and the seasons. Divine fortune. MARA (MOTHER EARTH) Māra is the highest divinity of Motherhood. Resolution, completeness. The active, dynamic world. Protector against misfortune, bringer of godliness SAULE (THE SUN) Saulė is one of the most powerful deities, the goddess of life and fertility, warmth and health. She is patroness of the unfortunate, especially orphans. UGUNSKRUSTS (FIRECROSS) Ugunskrusts is a traditional motif from Latvian folklore. It was used as a symbol of its armed forces before the country was occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940. Facing "left", counter-clockwise—material realization of divine thought. Facing "right", clockwise—spiritual life, strengthens awareness and the soul. ZALKTIS (SNAKE) She is one of the ancient symbols of a deity in Latvia. Like all serpent goddesses, she is associated with wisdom, which makes her an elder or grandmother goddess. She is significantly connected with healing, especially the healing of the soul. DZĪVĪBA (ALSO KNOWN AS USINS) Signifies the guardian of Life. Provides strength and success to the traveller. Heals and nourishes, protects and provides strength to the weak. .

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University of Latvia Baltic Studies: Courses (Bachelor Level)
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