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BALTICA
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Look at this awesome knitting project!⠀ Lovely sweater made with traditional Lithuanian pattern from our BALTICA book.⠀ It always warms our hearts to see that tradition lives on through crafters who care!⠀ THANK YOU, crafters - BALTICA was made for you!⠀ *⠀ Made by @balticknits ❤️ ⠀ #knittingproject #knittingpattern https://www.instagram.com/p/BueMDdkhE98/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=12a3ok62qxirs
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In Latvian folklore, Sea Mother takes care of fishermen and treasures buried under the sea. She was offered gifts in hopes she'll remain calm and release fishermen back to the coast. She and Wind Mother were prayed upon during storms and windless times.⠀ Wave/Zigzag is one of the oldest graphic elements in the world and in Latvia associated with Māra. Thinking about signs associative value for Latvians and other cultures it is a symbolical depiction of water. In Latvian folklore, we can find examples of this symbolism for water movement and crashing waves. Interestingly enough in Slavic folk art ornamentation zigzag is positioned vertically symbolizing rain.⠀ Māras wave or zigzag in folk pottery has stayed unchanged since Stone Age. Wave was and still is knitted in mittens, socks and embroidered. It shows up as the main element as well as a divider, boarder or supplement to other designs.⠀ On the other hand, Māra's zigzag is not only a symbol of water. It is known to depict mountains and valleys, light and dark, active and passive. The symbol represents harmonious unity between Gods spiritual and Māra's earthy realms. When you look closer you'll notice the high and low peaks of the pattern: mountains and valleys. ("Ain't No Mountain High Enough" song is about that) That represents a mans life path. Swings of life will take you up (fulfillment and happiness) and will bring you down ( troubles and failures).⠀ Māras wave/ zigzag⠀ * Encourages evaluation of one's mistakes and investigation of underlying motives⠀ * Helps to strengthen the spirit⠀ * Promotes focusing on new direction and growth⠀ ⠀ This is the last article in #balticgodess series of The Great Mother. Hope you enjoyed learning history and mythology behind the symbols widely used in Baltic folk art. https://www.instagram.com/p/BuT-cjaBtyJ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1pejsljfoq2j4
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Since time immemorial, people have archived their knowledge through drawing or writing. Visual storytelling and symbolism are prominent in creative expressions throughout the ages. Symbols reflect the ancestral understanding of life and its values. They believed that harmony is the key component of a wholesome life. Inspiration and wisdom came from nature. Deepened understanding through observation and respect. Ancestors lived in accordance with the laws of nature and the lessons learned over time. These insights turned into values by creating the roots of cultural heritage. Which is most often seen in handicraft traditions; mirroring a story. The Baltic folk art embodies a unique sign language that only own kin can understand. The symbolism used in traditional handicraft traditions embodies the soul of the people. Its dreams, desires, higher values, tips, and insights. Thoughts, blessings, and intentions are encoded in traditional textiles. A language that existed a long time before me and you.⠀ In the ancestral household, handicraft knowledge was passed on by grandmothers and mothers archiving their techniques and designs in notebooks. This tradition, unfortunately, has stagnated with modern-day progress. Nowadays authentic - traditional knitting, embroidery, and other textile designs are mostly found in museums and books. The digital age has helped to highlight & gain recognition of traditional folk art. On the other hand, too often losing its true essence and roots in the ocean of information. Symbolic patterns in modern handicrafts are arbitrarily combined, generalized and altered, mostly due to ignorance. Authentic - traditional designs disappear due to a fact that original combinations are no longer made...⠀ BALTICA safeguards folk arts authenticity! It contains identical tracings from authentic Baltic handicrafts. Folk costume embroidery, knitted gloves, and socks, woven blankets - all live in BALTICA pages.⠀ It is our hope that BALTICA will serve as an inspiration for handicraft projects of knitters and embroiders nowadays as it did for those before us. Help us to spread the word and keep the Baltic legacy alive!⠀ Shop Amazon and save a tradition! https://www.instagram.com/p/BuMgg8EhWv7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ahyjhe4t1cxb
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The basic symbol of Māra is the inverted triangle, pointing to down to Earth which is the most tangible manifestation of Creation which is spiritually and physically indivisible. Māra takes care of the material world, gives it shape and health. God is the Father of Sky. Māra is Mother of Earth, from her lap, everything begins and returns. Pre-Christian worldview is well detailed in folklore, which indicates Māra as patron of earthly life. She appears in multiple manifestations as "Mothers".⠀ In Latvian folk songs, Forest Mother( Meža māte) is the hostess and a keeper of woods; protector of every living being and creature. There is evidence of offerings and sacrifices made in her honor. For example, a hunter before a hunt would bring her a sacrifice as well when cutting wood for babies cradle would leave a coin in the tree for her as payment. The oldest tree in the region was considered as an embodiment of Forest Mother. People would leave offerings there. It was believed that anyone who cuts down this tree will suffer a great misfortune even death.⠀ In Lithuania; Medeina or Medeinė, often treated as synonymous to Žvorūnė or Žvorūna, is one of the main deities in the Lithuanian mythology, and is similar to Latvian Meža Māte. She is a ruler of forests, trees, and animals. Her sacred animal is a hare. According to research by Algirdas Julius Greimas, Medeina is single, unwilling to get married, though voluptuous and beautiful huntress. She is depicted as a young woman and a she-wolf with an escort of wolves. Medeina can be described as a goddess with both divine and demonic traits. Her duty is not to help the hunters, but to protect the forest. Lithuanian archeologist - Vykintas Vaitkevičius identified 5 Hare Churches (sacred stones, hills, forests) and 10 Wolf-footprints (stones with hollows that resemble a footprint) in Eastern Lithuania that were related to her cult.⠀ ⠀ Approximately half of Latvia and Lithuania is covered in forests. No matter are you a "city rat or a country mouse" each finds themselves in the forest at some point. Is that going on a trail hike, picking berries and mushrooms, hunting or cutting down a Christmas tree. Forests feel like home. https://www.instagram.com/p/BuBn18RBB58/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=12csyrplycd1i
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Happy Valentine's day!⠀ Here are some good ole Latvian superstitions related to love life & marriage.⠀ *If you are kissed in a dream, you love them. When you kiss, they love you.⠀ *If you dream of a wedding there will be an argument.⠀ *If a woman wants to get married, she must sweep the floors while everyone is sleeping. Then take the dirt to crossroads and stand on it on one leg and listen. From that direction, rooster sings her husband will come.⠀ *If woman's fire burns well in the fireplace, she will have or has a hardworking husband, if the fire is bleak she has or will have a lousy husband.⠀ * The first man who greets you on a Tuesday at the beginning of the month will be your future husband.⠀ *Unmarried person shouldn't sit at the corner of the table or will be unwed for 7 years.⠀ *If the bride has soft breasts on the wedding day, her firstborn will be a girl, if hard a boy.⠀ *If a bride has a headache on the wedding day, her husband will be a drunk.⠀ *At the wedding bride should walk out and throw her shoes over the roof three times to have hardworking kids.⠀ *Groom shouldn't gift bride shoes or she will walk away from him. ⠀ *When in a sauna a woman would hold the bread in her armpit to dampen it with her sweat and then feed it to the chosen.⠀ *To keep a man one must wrap his shirt around the bed leg and watch it for 9 days and 9 nights.⠀ *To keep a man for life, one must have a needle made on Sunday and then pinch him or thread through his clothes with it.⠀ *If a man is looking for a wife, he must drive slowly over the bridge to see his future bride.⠀ *When two people have decided to get married and want to know will they be faithful. Each must pot a myrtle in a pot and observe. Whose myrtle dies will be unfaithful.⠀ *If the beloved person is seeing someone else and you want to break them up, pour some salt between them unnoticed.⠀ *If woman's apron falls off her husband or lover is cheating on her.⠀ *When a man has lost interest in his wife, she should take her skirt or pants and beat him with it thinking "Love me the way I love patching these clothes!"⠀ * If a man forces his tongue in woman's mouth while kissing, her teeth will break. 😆 https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt3ZZ4xh0rY/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1l2t2phaq01s5
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Love and respect for trees runs in Baltic peoples cultural DNA. Even with the departure of ancestral customs of nature worship, none of us can deny the strong bond. To understand fully, why we feel the way we feel, let me take you back in time. Our ancestors had an extremely intimate connection with trees due to a core belief in reincarnation and spirits. At the time of one’s birth, a specific tree was assigned to a person, and it grew imbued with the same life forces as its human counterpart. If the tree was cut down, the person died. Trees growing in the old cemeteries of Lithuania were never touched by a pruner’s hand, for there is an adage saying that to cut a cemetery tree is to do evil to the deceased. Nor is it permissible to mow the grass: “From cemetery grass our blood flows,” runs the old proverb. It was believed that when a person dies their soul would live on. The departure of the soul (vēle) does not mean the end of the physical ties of the dead with the living. It would leave the body as a breath, a vapor, and immediately find lodging in plants, animals or birds. Most frequently, however, it would be reincarnated in trees: men’s spirits, in oaks, birches and ash trees; women’s, in linden and spruce. Oak, linden, birch, maple, pine, and spruce were prominent among miraculous trees. Historic records since the 13th-century mention “sacred oaks,” consecrated to the god Perkūnas, or “sacred linden trees,” consecrated to Laima, the goddess of fate, to which offerings were brought. The written records from the 11th-15th centuries repeatedly mention profound respect for groves, trees, and springs, and the “ignorant ones” (i.e. the Christians) were forbidden access to the sacred forests or groves. No one was permitted to cut trees in sacred forests, to fish in sacred springs, or to plow in sacred fields, and were guarded by “taboo.” The sacred groves were particularly important because of the cremation rites. (The custom of cremation persisted long after the introduction of Christianity.) Forests had their own deities. Medeina was the Lithuanian forest goddess and Forest Mother (Meža māte) Latvian, but more on that in another post. * Photo by @valdisskudre https://www.instagram.com/p/BtwKDNhnkmM/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=y49exoa4803l
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What do you want us to bring from Latvia? Bread.⠀ What do you miss most about Latvia? Bread.⠀ What is traditional Latvian food? Bread.⠀ Any chance I get, when going to specialty stores in the USA, I look for Latvian or Lithuanian dark rye bread.⠀ Traditions of bread making go back for centuries. Nutritious, dense and delicious; dark rye bread -crafted perfection of Baltic people. Anyone who has tried it know what I am talking about, it's the best!⠀ When our Ancestors baked bread, they would mark each loaf with Māras cross, symbolically offering it to Māra as well asking to bless and look after it while it's baking. Such sign was drawn into ashes of the fireplace by the housewife to receive Māra's blessing which in turn will keep heat till the sunrise. This sign is extremely powerful and eminent for its protective qualities, its believed that it has double power to cast away bad fortune and evil eye, it protects the family, heals, contributes to fertility and good health.⠀ ⠀ Beliefs about making bread;⠀ *The dough must be kneaded and baked by a big healthy woman for it to be soft and hearty.⠀ *For dough to rise well, must call upon someone short-tempered and angry. When called responds, bread maker says "Rise in yeast!", then bread will rise fast.⠀ *When young maidens are kneading the dough, they must say "Bloat my dear bread, as my heart bloats for boys!"⠀ *When dough sticks a lot while kneading, will have an angry mother-in-law.⠀ *Before putting bread in the oven must draw a cross on it for it be tasty and blessed.⠀ *If after bread making 1 log in the oven burns for a long time there will be a guest.⠀ ⠀ Ancestors believed in prophetic power of dreams;⠀ If you dreamed of baking or touching the bread someone will die. If you dreamed of eating whitebread someone is gossiping about you. If you receive a slice of bread something good will happen. If eating rye bread, there is a task ahead of you.⠀ ⠀ Deep love and respect for bread is an inherited cultural trait for Balts. Even nowadays, when bread falls down, you pick it up and kiss it. (Not to anger or disrespect Māra and God)⠀ Photo by Elīna Kursīte https://www.instagram.com/p/BtoV7r2B8o2/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1i25742ulsypk
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Māra cross of crosses is the most popular of Māra symbols. Its dynamic/rotating version (opposed to the straight/still) embodies earthly activities, movement without obstacles, limited energy charge. Associated with fire. Widely used for protection and prosperity.⠀ Pre-Christian worldview is well detailed in folklore, which indicates Māra as patron of earthly life. In consequence most important survival ensuring items which women are responsible for like bread and fire in hearth fall under Māra responsibilities. Accordingly, her sign is closely related to fire, home, prosperity, and well-being of people. An item that has a Māra cross on it symbolically serves as offering to her in return receiving her blessings and care.⠀ Fire Mother (Uguns māte) is one of Māra's manifestations. Honored and respected in the household. Similarly is Gabija - the spirit of the fire in Lithuanian mythology. She is the protector of home and family. Gabija could take zoomorphic forms of a cat, stork or rooster, or she could appear as a woman clothed in red. Gabija was greatly respected and cared for like a living creature. People would feed Gabija by offering bread and salt. Women would cover charcoal with ashes every evening so that fire would not wander around. Just as Gabija was the protector of the house, the mother of the household was the protector of fire. If angered, Gabija would "go for a walk" burning the house. Much folklore describes the ill fate of those who offended Gabija by stomping, spitting, or urinating on her.⠀ It's imaginable to have a household without a fire for so many reasons. The same token, human evolution wouldn't be where it is if not for fire as it positively transformed our diets. Ancestors acknowledged the importance of Fire paying proper respect in their traditions.⠀ ⠀ Qualities of Māra cross: ⠀ *Has double strength to ward off troubles and protect⠀ *Ensures wellbeing in the family, protects home and bread.⠀ *Repels malevolence and evil⠀ *Helps to heal⠀ * To have a blessed union its advised to have the sign used in the wedding ceremony⠀ *Protects young families, ensures fertility and health⠀ *Advised to have it during childbirth⠀ ⠀ #balticgoddess https://www.instagram.com/p/BteBSKih0K7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1030lgiv0r72u
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Ali, rub between her horns and sing her a song, said grandmother sitting on a small stool by the cow ready to milk it. Cows liked that, it kept these large animals calm. Morning dew, crisp air, birds chirping, cows grazing and we got buckets of fresh delicious milk. Some she kept to make sweet cream, cottage cheese, and butter and other sold to the milkman, leaving metal cans on the wooden post by the end of our road. Kids loved to sit there and wait for him and then, the best part - go to the store and spend the coin! Neighbors had a horse and we would jump on the back of the wagon and go to town. In the store, she would get necessities and candy (wrapped in newspaper cone). This is one of the most treasured memories of my grandmother; she was an earthy, hardworking and loving woman. Her cows - Gauja (name of the 2nd largest river in Latvia) and Bite (a bee) was her main livelihood. Since early on when asked what is my favorite animal answer was a cow. These animals are the staple of farmer lands in Baltics, from dairy products, meat to fertilizer (manure). It is no wonder that our ancestors developed deep gratitude and respect related to the upkeep of the livestock. In Latvia, they would call upon Govju Māra (Māra of cows) - Lopu māte (Mother of livestock) - Piena māte (Mother of milk) - Mārša/Māršaviņa for blessings. Many expressions of dear Māra. Hundreds of folk songs speak of her. She is seen in a thistle bush of cow garden, as a black beetle under doorstep or trough, in the white hen that walks into a cowshed, like a blue or black snake. Māra raises cows, determines their color, counts them, gives names, milks them, rushes them in the morning to the field and greets them in the evening at the gate. She makes milk flow. People kindly asked her to bless their cows, milk and keep enviers away. They would name cows after her to attract fertility and prosperity. ⠀ Ancestors believed that if you dreamed of milking a cow it will rain, but if tending to cows (shepherding) there will be a wedding. ⠀ ⠀ Jēkabs Bīne “Māras svētība” - “Māra blessing” 1930 painting. https://www.instagram.com/p/BtTik1CBW6k/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1rqv53e4s1xu5
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"Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust".⠀ Mother Earth was respected throughout times, Baltic folklore is rich with mentions and traditions. Baltic Goddesses - Māra and Žemyna, were honored and loved by our ancestors, their presence was felt in everyday life.⠀ ⠀ The symbolism of Mother Earth:⠀ Between the Balts, one of the most prominent symbols of her is cross of crosses. In Latvian ethnographic designs, there are two variations of it - dynamic (diagonal) and passive (straight). Today we'll address the later. In Latvia when cross stands straight it speaks of death and in that instance, she is called "Veļu māte" - Mother of souls.⠀ The afterworld sign, that symbolizes border between this world and afterlife, dead matter. Māra/Žemyna cross branches are crossed over ending its continuation. It indicates material worlds limitations in contrast to an eternity in the spiritual realm. Human life is limited on this earth because it entails birth and death. Such crosses were carved on sacrifice stones (upurakmeņi) and used in funeral mittens. Ancient Balts viewed life and death through eyes of transformation - reincarnation, which is greatly showcased in their traditions of burial and "time of the dead", but on that another time.⠀ Everywhere you make a cross of crosses sign, symbolically is offered to Mother Earth, in return receiving blessing and Earthy power to achieve your goals.⠀ ⠀ Both types of crosses (static and dynamic) were drawn upon loaves of bread, embroidered in clothing and worn in jewelry for thousands of years. But what can we do nowadays?⠀ Brigita Ektermane, a wise woman and a healer from Latvia suggest making this sign on objects that you wish to safeguard and keep for a long time. For example, on an envelope with money, so you'll spend less and create savings. For a more modern approach, you can draw with an end of a candle or scratch with a needle this sign onto your credit card.⠀ Use this sign on business cards, websites, office interior, and other business-related items to attract prosperity.⠀ #balticgoddess https://www.instagram.com/p/BtJEFzUhOja/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1p2byb2end90f
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⠀ Earth Mother - Mother Nature -The Great Mother, from her lap, everything begins and returns.⠀ Earth is the Great Mother. All life comes from her: humans, plants, animals, she holds the mystery of eternal life. The Mother Goddess in Latvia is Māra - Zemes māte and Žemyna is the goddess of the earth in Lithuanian religion and Maaemä is Mother Earth in Estonia. ⠀ A special feature of Latvian mythology is the so-called mother cult, which is common in Baltic mythology (but most pronounced in Latvian) and other Indo-European mythologies.⠀ In Latvian folklore, Māra appears in multiple manifestations or mother deities governing realms of nature and human life. There are over 100 titles found - Mother Earth (Zemes māte), Mother of forests (Meža māte), Mother of fire (Uguns māte), Mother of Sea/Water (Jūras/Ūdens māte), Mother of winds (Vēja māte), Mother of souls (Veļu māte) Mother of fields (Lauku māte), Mother of domestic animals (Lopu māte), Mother of milk (Piena māte) etc.⠀ There have been found only four similar function deities in Lithuanian mythology, which are Žemepatis (god of farm animals), Laukosargas (god of grains & other agricultural plants), Vējopatis (god of the wind & master of Dausos (paradise)), and Raugopatis/ Raugo Žemėpatis (deity of sourdough, leaven & fermentation). The same token, in Estonian mythology we do find Mother Wind (Tuule-Emä), Mother of Waters (Veteema), Water Mother (Vee-ema), and Mother of Forest (Metsaema).⠀ The mother's cult was likely to have existed at Gaelic and Germanic tribes, which could have been borrowed from an older European culture with a matriarchal system, where the closest relatives were accounted not by their father but by their mother's lineage. Mother cult most likely was common among Picts and Iberians as well. One of the beliefs is that the mother's cult in Latvia was acquired from the Livs or Estonians, or from a much older European nation, who were the indigenous people of Vidzeme. It's been said that mother cult is so deeply rooted and advanced in Latvian culture that there is no way it could have been developed in early modern times.⠀ *⠀ Have you appreciated Mother today?⠀ *⠀ Photo by Diana @pamakste_photo https://www.instagram.com/p/BtEEU-VBadl/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=w6uqujj9mjzv
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Dear Mother Goddess⠀ ⠀ Mother Goddess who brought me to this Earth, ⠀ Dear, my mother goddess who created me from birth, ⠀ Shine your light through me first, ⠀ Because without you, the world wouldn’t be everything it’s worth, ⠀ Hold me in your arms while I awake to rebirth, ⠀ ⠀ Dear Mother Goddess so beautiful and true, ⠀ As I awake I see all five elements and within them I see you, ⠀ From the blazing flames of fire to the water so blue, ⠀ The wind blows forever in spirit as I look at you, ⠀ My Mother Goddess so beautiful and true, ⠀ ⠀ Blessed be everything I see all around me, ⠀ Blessed be the beauty of nature that surrounds me, ⠀ With my hand in yours without you, I wouldn’t see, ⠀ This pinnacle of good over evil in this world of glee, ⠀ Dear Mother Goddess, I love you, blessed be. - Kurt Kacich⠀ ⠀ The Great Mother Goddess⠀ Mother Nature⠀ Earth Mother⠀ Terra Mater⠀ Gaia⠀ Prithvi⠀ Mat Zemlya⠀ Žemyna⠀ Māra ...⠀ Before patriarchy and Christianity became fashionable, our ancestors understood that life is created, given and taken by HER.⠀ We Invite you to discover the world of Baltic paganism through HER footsteps. Stay tuned for the #balticgoddess article series coming out soon! https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs3B_YxhZNz/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1gq605ywjp1do
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Before Baltic lands were invaded by crusades (Christianity was forced by the sword) our people practiced Earth Religion. For centuries ruling classes reinforced their religion and dominance upon natives. Doing all in their power to cripple and destroy culture and ancestral(traditional) faith. ⠀ In the past century, it has made its comeback.⠀ In the '20s Estonia, Latvia and Lithuanian were establishing their independence (as sovereign countries) and a vital part of the movement was embracing national heritage. Intellectuals and patriots gathered to re-establish native religions by creating movements/organizations. All that was brought to a halt due to WWII and USSR. Around late '80s early 90's all three countries regained their independence and with that their freedom of religion. The revival of indigenous faith again was blossoming in the homelands.⠀ Here are modern day organizations that fundamentally echo ancestral faith and practices; Maavalla Koda (Taarausk, Maausk) in Estonia, Dievturība in Latvia, and Romuva in Lithuania.⠀ Learn more about them:⠀ 🇪🇪 www.maavald.ee⠀ 🇱🇻 www.dievturi.blogspot.com⠀ 🇱🇹 www.romuva.lt⠀ They all have Facebook pages too! https://www.instagram.com/p/BsveNj7hd-h/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=bs7yq0khq6cs
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HELLO 2019!⠀ Journey begins anew!⠀ *⠀ "Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." - Lao Tzu⠀ *⠀ Photo by @liinaprohhorov 🇪🇪 (at Estonia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsGVXpehzoK/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=12ts9xq577kdn
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In Latvian mythology when SUN sign is depicted in a diamond shape its called A WELL or OAK, as well A YEAR SIGN.⠀ Oak symbolizes world tree that has been created by the sunlight and in the center of the triangular unity is world axis or a Well. This symbol embodies wisdom of our ancestors that is ours to learn; like thirsty for knowledge you would drink from the well of ancestral wisdom. As well, its called a Year sign because it represents cycles of time - seasons, solstice. Center embodies the birth of a new light that flows in all directions.⠀ This symbol is believed to unleash creative forces and inspire spiritual work, stimulates to gain knowledge and encourages to make brave decisions about ones destiny. Same token, its been said that you can cure a headache by placing this symbol by the head when you go to sleep.⠀ With 2018 ending and 2019 beginning; I wish you to take the knowledge and vision into the new year and make the best year for you! ⠀ *⠀ Gorgeous acrylic painting by Brigita Ektermane @brigitaektermane Check her out! She is an amazing Latvian artist and wise woman. https://www.instagram.com/p/BsD1wRDhT2O/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1tu262osgf5zh
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"Reflecting on where I came from helps me to appreciate and balance what I have now." - Meghan Markle⠀ *⠀ "Being a good listener is more than just being quiet. It's reflecting back on what you're hearing. It's processing the information to formulate a question, a comment or a speech." - Shelley Moore Capito⠀ *⠀ "Our uniqueness makes us special, makes perception valuable - but it can also make us lonely. This loneliness is different from being 'alone': You can be lonely even surrounded by people. The feeling I'm talking about stems from the sense that we can never fully share the truth of who we are. I experienced this acutely at an early age." - Amy Tan⠀ *⠀ Beautifully captured by Rolfs Vendins from @latvijas_foto_ainavas 🇱🇻 (at Riga, Latvia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsA-YkDBnKl/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=9kjexelrwz77
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in Latvian mythology, Sun symbolizes the world as integral unity. The perpetual rising of Sun encompasses eternal movement, life, and immortality. By giving light and warmth it continuously assures life on earth.⠀ The design was originally a simple circle, which evolved over the years into many variations. Sun designs now usually consist of four or eight parts (eight leaves rosette). For Baltic people, four sections symbolize year cycles - seasons. On the other hand, in Buddhism Sun symbol of eight parts is called “The Noble Eightfold Path” and four parted is associated with “Four Noble Truths”.⠀ No matter how you look at it - SUN is one of the oldest symbols and been used/ worshiped even before the creation of civilizations. Importance of the Sun in nature and life was well understood by our ancestors. Baltic peoples folk art is unimaginable without it. It’s considered that by using Sun sign you’ll protect your family as Sun will light the path for you and your loved ones, as well brings luck. Wearing Sun sign “shines in” the person- benevolence, kindness, cheerful disposition and coherent speech. This sign inherently strengthens self-esteem and motivates to take positive action in one's life.⠀ Put some sunshine into your life with BALTICA ethnographic books. Color and create your masterpieces! https://www.instagram.com/p/Br-ppYJB7kM/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ip9gntto2f48
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