#lāčplēsis day
Photo
Thousands of candle lights and people paying tribute to Latvian heroes as we celebrate Lāčplēsis Day and remember our freedom fighters and soldiers, Riga, Latvia, November 11, 2022. Photo by D.P.
P.S. Today is a good day: Kherson has been liberated from the Russian invaders, and Latvia celebrates Lāčplēsis Day, when a crucial victory against joint German and White Russian imperialist forces under Count Pavel Bermondt-Avalov was won by the fledgling republic of Latvia on November 11, 1919.
#Latvia#Riga#street photography#original photography on tumblr#latvian independence war#castle of riga#daily life#Baltic States#Northern Europe
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happy lāčplēsis' day to the latvian folks
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Holidays 11.11
Holidays
Air Day
Baccharis Day (French Republic)
Battery Day (Japan)
Cartagena Independence Day (Colombia)
Children’s Day (Croatia)
Chopsticks Day (Japan)
Concordia Day (St. Marten Island)
Cuppy Day (Nigeria)
Death/Duty Day
Eleven Eleven Eleven Day (Netherlands)
11-11 Make a Wish Day
Four Ones Day
Freedom Fighters’ Remembrance Day (Latvia)
Garaetteok Day (South Korea)
Graphics Information Systems Day
Guang Gun Jie (Bare Sticks Day, or Singles Day; China)
Heir to the Throne Day (Tuvalu)
Hollantide (a.k.a. Hallow-tide; Isle of Mann)
Homunculus Awareness Day
International Energy Saving Day
International Singles’ Day
James Bond’s Birthday
Kaga-Boucha Day (Japan)
King Jigme Single Wangchuck Day (Bhutan)
Lāčplēsis Day (a.k.a. Lacplesa Day; Latvia)
Lunantishees Day (Ireland)
Metal Day
Mortens Day (Denmark)
National Athleisure Day
National Black Travel Day
National Chase Day
National Day of Bookstores (Spain)
National Education Day (India)
National Forestation Day (Turkey)
National Indiana Day
National Isabelle Day
National Lei Day
National Metal Day
National Timothy Day
Nigel Tufnel Day
Old November Eve
Ones Day
Origami Day (Japan)
Pepero Day (South Korea)
Puerto Princesa Underground River Day (Philippines)
Red Lipstick Day
Republic Day (Maldives)
Route 66 Day
Singles’ Day (a.k.a. Guanggun Jie; China)
Soccer Day (Japan)
St. Martin's Day [patron saint of tavern-keepers] (a.k.a. ...
Beggar's Day (Netherlands)
Funeral of Saint Martin
Jum San Martin (Malta)
Mardipäev (Estonia)
Märtekuu (southern Estonia)
Mārtiņi (Latvia)
Martinigians (Sursee, Switzerland)
Martinje (a.k.a. Martinovanje; Croatia)
Martinloben (Austria)
Martinmas (Old England)
Martin Přijíždí na Bílém Koni (Czech Republic)
Martinstag (Germany)
Old Halloween
Old Hallowmas Eve
Saint Martin (Austria)
St. Maarten Day (Sint Maarten)
Tear-Stomach Day
Tori No Ichi (Rooster Day #1; Japan)
Veteran Champion International Awareness Day
Women's Day (Belgium)
World Day of Shopping
World Hair Transplant Repair Day
World Origami Day
World War I Victory Celebrations (a.k.a. ...
Armistice Day (Belgium, France, New Zealand, Serbia)
Death/Duty Day
Independence Day (Poland; from Austro-Hungary, Prussia & Russia, 1918)
Poppy Day [also Last Monday in May]
Remembrance Day (UK, Commonwealth of Nations)
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Day
Veterans Day (f.k.a. Armistice Day; US)
Veterans of Foreign Wars Day (Micronesia)
Food & Drink Celebrations
Bean Sprouts Day (Japan)
Bonza Bottler Day
Cheese Day (Japan)
Kölsch Day
National Sundae Day
Noodle Day (Japan)
Pocky & Pretz Day (Japan)
2nd Saturday in November
All American Day [2nd Saturday]
Carl Sagan Day [2nd Saturday]
International CCHS Day [2nd Saturday]
International Dorothy Dunnett Day [2nd Saturday]
Lord Mayor’s Day (London, UK) [2nd Saturday]
National Family Volunteer Day [2nd Saturday]
National Saddle Hunting Day [2nd Saturday]
Neighborhood Toy Store Day [2nd Saturday]
Poppy Day (South Africa) [Saturday nearest 11.11]
Sadie Hawkins Day [Saturday after 11.9; also 11.13, 11.15]
Tasman Beerfest [2nd Saturday]
Wine Tourism Day [2nd Saturday]
Independence Days
Abrus (Declared; 2015) [unrecognized]
Anastasia (Declared; 2015)
Angola (from Portugal, 1975)
Cristo (Declared; 2010) [unrecognized]
Kaz (Declared; 2016) [unrecognized]
Pannonia (Declared; 2011) [unrecognized]
Poland (Restoration of independence after 123 years of partitions by Russia, Prussia, and Austria, 1918)
Washington Statehood Day (#42; 1889)
Feast Days
Bartholomew of Grottaferrata (Christian; Saint)
Carnival Session begins (a.k.a. Fasching or Karneval; Austria, Germany, Netherlands)
Charlie Manson Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)
Day of Remembrance of the Volhvs (Asatru/Slavic Pagan)
Edouard Vuillard (Artology)
Einherjar (Feast of the Fallen; Norse)
Fasching begins (a.k.a. Karneval; Austria, Germany, Netherlands)
Feast of Dionysus
Feast of the Fallen (Norse)
Feast of the Fallen Warriors (Pagan)
Frans Snyder (Artology)
Guru Nank Jayanti (India, Nepal)
Louis XI (Positivist; Saint)
Lunantishees Day (Celtic Faery Day)
Martin of Tours (Roman Catholic Church) [tavern-keepers] *
Menas (Christian; Saint)
Mercurius (Coptic)
Paul Signac (Artology)
Samson (Muppetism)
Small Furry Creatures Appreciation Day (Pastafarian)
Søren Kierkegaard (Lutheran Church)
Theodore the Studite (Christian; Saint)
Turn It Up To Eleven Day (Pastafarian)
Victory Over Pinks VP Day (Church of the SubGenius)
Lucky & Unlucky Days
Binary Day [1111] (9 of 9)
Lucky Day (Philippines) [62 of 71]
Shakku (赤口 Japan) [Bad luck all day, except at noon.]
Premieres
An American in Paris (Film; 1951)
Arrival (Film; 2016)
Bad Moms (Film; 2016)
Beep Prepared (WB MM Cartoon; 1961)
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Film; 2022)
Buddy’s Beer Garden (WB LT Cartoon; 1933)
Desire Under the Elms, by Eugene O’Neill (Play; 1924)
An Early Frost (TV Film; 1985)
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, by Hunter S. Thompson (Magazine Article; 1971)
Fearless, by Taylor Swift (Album; 2008)
Coming to America (Film; 1988)
Fearless, by Taylor Swift (Album; 2008)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 1 (Film; 2010) [#7]
I’m Eighteen, by Alice Cooper (Song; 1971)
Interview with the Vampire (Film; 1994)
It’s Not Unusual, recorded by Tom Jones (Song; 1964)
Lego House, by Ed Sheeran (Song; 2011)
Magic Mike (Film; 2012)
Men at Arms, by Terry Pratchet (Novel; 1993) [Discworld #15]
Mull of Kintyre, by Paul McCartney & Wings (Song; 1977)
My Best Friend’s Girl, by The Cars (1st Picture-Disc Single; 1978)
The Open Road, by Jean Giono (Novel; 1951)
Pride & Prejudice (Film; 2005)
Ratatouille (Animated Pixar Film; 2007)
Semi-Tough (Film; 1977)
Smith of Wootton Major, by J.R.R. Tolkien (Short Story; 1967)
Spirited (Film; 2022)
Tarantula, by Bob Dylan (Novel; 1970)
Ted (Film; 2012)
That’s the Way It Is (Elvis Presley Concert Film; 1970)
The Twist, recorded by Hank Ballard (Song; 1958)
The Two Towers, by J.R.R. Tolkien (Novel; 1954) [Book 2 of The Lord of the Rings trilogy]
The Ugly Duckling, by Hans Christian Andersen (Fairy Tale; 1843)
Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins, by John Lennon & Yoko Ono (Album; 1968)
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Film; 1988)
Working for Peanuts (Disney Cartoon; 1953)
Today’s Name Days
Martin, Menas, Senta (Austria)
Minka, Minko, Viktor, Viktoriya (Bulgaria)
Davorin, Martin, Viktorin (Croatia)
Martin (Czech Republic)
Morten (Denmark)
Alev, Elev, Elvo (Estonia)
Panu (Finland)
Martin, Vérane (France)
Leonie, Martin, Mennas, Senta (Germany)
Drakon, Minas, Minos, Victor, Viktoras, Vincent (Greece)
Márton (Hungary)
Martino (Italy)
Nellija, Ojars (Latvia)
Anastazija, Martynas, Milvydė, Nastė, Vygintas (Lithuania)
Martin, Martine, Morten (Norway)
Anastazja, Bartłomiej, Maciej, Marcin, Prot, Spycisław, Teodor (Poland)
Mina (Romania)
Anastasia (Russia)
Maroš, Martin (Slovakia)
Martín (Spain)
Mårten (Sweden)
Mina, Stephania, Victor, Vincent (Ukraine)
Chandler, Dallas, Jalen, Johnathan, Johnathon, Jon, Jonatan, Jonathan, Jonathon, Jonte, Jorel, Jorrell, Lincoln (USA)
Today is Also…
Day of Year: Day 315 of 2024; 50 days remaining in the year
ISO: Day 6 of week 45 of 2023
Celtic Tree Calendar: Ngetal (Reed) [Day 12 of 28]
Chinese: Month 9 (Ten-Xu), Day 28 (Gui-You)
Chinese Year of the: Rabbit 4721 (until February 10, 2024)
Hebrew: 27 Heshvan 5784
Islamic: 27 Rabi II 1445
J Cal: 15 Mir; Oneday [15 of 30]
Julian: 29 October 2023
Moon: 3%: Waning Crescent
Positivist: 7 Frederic (12th Month) [Louis XI]
Runic Half Month: Nyd (Necessity) [Day 1 of 15]
Season: Autumn (Day 49 of 89)
Zodiac: Scorpio (Day 19 of 29)
Calendar Changes
Nyd (Necessity) [Half-Month 22 of 24; Runic Half-Months] (thru 11.25)
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Holidays 11.11
Holidays
Air Day
Baccharis Day (French Republic)
Battery Day (Japan)
Cartagena Independence Day (Colombia)
Children’s Day (Croatia)
Chopsticks Day (Japan)
Concordia Day (St. Marten Island)
Cuppy Day (Nigeria)
Death/Duty Day
Eleven Eleven Eleven Day (Netherlands)
11-11 Make a Wish Day
Four Ones Day
Freedom Fighters’ Remembrance Day (Latvia)
Garaetteok Day (South Korea)
Graphics Information Systems Day
Guang Gun Jie (Bare Sticks Day, or Singles Day; China)
Heir to the Throne Day (Tuvalu)
Hollantide (a.k.a. Hallow-tide; Isle of Mann)
Homunculus Awareness Day
International Energy Saving Day
International Singles’ Day
James Bond’s Birthday
Kaga-Boucha Day (Japan)
King Jigme Single Wangchuck Day (Bhutan)
Lāčplēsis Day (a.k.a. Lacplesa Day; Latvia)
Lunantishees Day (Ireland)
Metal Day
Mortens Day (Denmark)
National Athleisure Day
National Black Travel Day
National Chase Day
National Day of Bookstores (Spain)
National Education Day (India)
National Forestation Day (Turkey)
National Indiana Day
National Isabelle Day
National Lei Day
National Metal Day
National Timothy Day
Nigel Tufnel Day
Old November Eve
Ones Day
Origami Day (Japan)
Pepero Day (South Korea)
Puerto Princesa Underground River Day (Philippines)
Red Lipstick Day
Republic Day (Maldives)
Route 66 Day
Singles’ Day (a.k.a. Guanggun Jie; China)
Soccer Day (Japan)
St. Martin's Day [patron saint of tavern-keepers] (a.k.a. ...
Beggar's Day (Netherlands)
Funeral of Saint Martin
Jum San Martin (Malta)
Mardipäev (Estonia)
Märtekuu (southern Estonia)
Mārtiņi (Latvia)
Martinigians (Sursee, Switzerland)
Martinje (a.k.a. Martinovanje; Croatia)
Martinloben (Austria)
Martinmas (Old England)
Martin Přijíždí na Bílém Koni (Czech Republic)
Martinstag (Germany)
Old Halloween
Old Hallowmas Eve
Saint Martin (Austria)
St. Maarten Day (Sint Maarten)
Tear-Stomach Day
Tori No Ichi (Rooster Day #1; Japan)
Veteran Champion International Awareness Day
Women's Day (Belgium)
World Day of Shopping
World Hair Transplant Repair Day
World Origami Day
World War I Victory Celebrations (a.k.a. ...
Armistice Day (Belgium, France, New Zealand, Serbia)
Death/Duty Day
Independence Day (Poland; from Austro-Hungary, Prussia & Russia, 1918)
Poppy Day [also Last Monday in May]
Remembrance Day (UK, Commonwealth of Nations)
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Day
Veterans Day (f.k.a. Armistice Day; US)
Veterans of Foreign Wars Day (Micronesia)
Food & Drink Celebrations
Bean Sprouts Day (Japan)
Bonza Bottler Day
Cheese Day (Japan)
Kölsch Day
National Sundae Day
Noodle Day (Japan)
Pocky & Pretz Day (Japan)
2nd Saturday in November
All American Day [2nd Saturday]
Carl Sagan Day [2nd Saturday]
International CCHS Day [2nd Saturday]
International Dorothy Dunnett Day [2nd Saturday]
Lord Mayor’s Day (London, UK) [2nd Saturday]
National Family Volunteer Day [2nd Saturday]
National Saddle Hunting Day [2nd Saturday]
Neighborhood Toy Store Day [2nd Saturday]
Poppy Day (South Africa) [Saturday nearest 11.11]
Sadie Hawkins Day [Saturday after 11.9; also 11.13, 11.15]
Tasman Beerfest [2nd Saturday]
Wine Tourism Day [2nd Saturday]
Independence Days
Abrus (Declared; 2015) [unrecognized]
Anastasia (Declared; 2015)
Angola (from Portugal, 1975)
Cristo (Declared; 2010) [unrecognized]
Kaz (Declared; 2016) [unrecognized]
Pannonia (Declared; 2011) [unrecognized]
Poland (Restoration of independence after 123 years of partitions by Russia, Prussia, and Austria, 1918)
Washington Statehood Day (#42; 1889)
Feast Days
Bartholomew of Grottaferrata (Christian; Saint)
Carnival Session begins (a.k.a. Fasching or Karneval; Austria, Germany, Netherlands)
Charlie Manson Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)
Day of Remembrance of the Volhvs (Asatru/Slavic Pagan)
Edouard Vuillard (Artology)
Einherjar (Feast of the Fallen; Norse)
Fasching begins (a.k.a. Karneval; Austria, Germany, Netherlands)
Feast of Dionysus
Feast of the Fallen (Norse)
Feast of the Fallen Warriors (Pagan)
Frans Snyder (Artology)
Guru Nank Jayanti (India, Nepal)
Louis XI (Positivist; Saint)
Lunantishees Day (Celtic Faery Day)
Martin of Tours (Roman Catholic Church) [tavern-keepers] *
Menas (Christian; Saint)
Mercurius (Coptic)
Paul Signac (Artology)
Samson (Muppetism)
Small Furry Creatures Appreciation Day (Pastafarian)
Søren Kierkegaard (Lutheran Church)
Theodore the Studite (Christian; Saint)
Turn It Up To Eleven Day (Pastafarian)
Victory Over Pinks VP Day (Church of the SubGenius)
Lucky & Unlucky Days
Binary Day [1111] (9 of 9)
Lucky Day (Philippines) [62 of 71]
Shakku (赤口 Japan) [Bad luck all day, except at noon.]
Premieres
An American in Paris (Film; 1951)
Arrival (Film; 2016)
Bad Moms (Film; 2016)
Beep Prepared (WB MM Cartoon; 1961)
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Film; 2022)
Buddy’s Beer Garden (WB LT Cartoon; 1933)
Desire Under the Elms, by Eugene O’Neill (Play; 1924)
An Early Frost (TV Film; 1985)
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, by Hunter S. Thompson (Magazine Article; 1971)
Fearless, by Taylor Swift (Album; 2008)
Coming to America (Film; 1988)
Fearless, by Taylor Swift (Album; 2008)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 1 (Film; 2010) [#7]
I’m Eighteen, by Alice Cooper (Song; 1971)
Interview with the Vampire (Film; 1994)
It’s Not Unusual, recorded by Tom Jones (Song; 1964)
Lego House, by Ed Sheeran (Song; 2011)
Magic Mike (Film; 2012)
Men at Arms, by Terry Pratchet (Novel; 1993) [Discworld #15]
Mull of Kintyre, by Paul McCartney & Wings (Song; 1977)
My Best Friend’s Girl, by The Cars (1st Picture-Disc Single; 1978)
The Open Road, by Jean Giono (Novel; 1951)
Pride & Prejudice (Film; 2005)
Ratatouille (Animated Pixar Film; 2007)
Semi-Tough (Film; 1977)
Smith of Wootton Major, by J.R.R. Tolkien (Short Story; 1967)
Spirited (Film; 2022)
Tarantula, by Bob Dylan (Novel; 1970)
Ted (Film; 2012)
That’s the Way It Is (Elvis Presley Concert Film; 1970)
The Twist, recorded by Hank Ballard (Song; 1958)
The Two Towers, by J.R.R. Tolkien (Novel; 1954) [Book 2 of The Lord of the Rings trilogy]
The Ugly Duckling, by Hans Christian Andersen (Fairy Tale; 1843)
Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins, by John Lennon & Yoko Ono (Album; 1968)
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Film; 1988)
Working for Peanuts (Disney Cartoon; 1953)
Today’s Name Days
Martin, Menas, Senta (Austria)
Minka, Minko, Viktor, Viktoriya (Bulgaria)
Davorin, Martin, Viktorin (Croatia)
Martin (Czech Republic)
Morten (Denmark)
Alev, Elev, Elvo (Estonia)
Panu (Finland)
Martin, Vérane (France)
Leonie, Martin, Mennas, Senta (Germany)
Drakon, Minas, Minos, Victor, Viktoras, Vincent (Greece)
Márton (Hungary)
Martino (Italy)
Nellija, Ojars (Latvia)
Anastazija, Martynas, Milvydė, Nastė, Vygintas (Lithuania)
Martin, Martine, Morten (Norway)
Anastazja, Bartłomiej, Maciej, Marcin, Prot, Spycisław, Teodor (Poland)
Mina (Romania)
Anastasia (Russia)
Maroš, Martin (Slovakia)
Martín (Spain)
Mårten (Sweden)
Mina, Stephania, Victor, Vincent (Ukraine)
Chandler, Dallas, Jalen, Johnathan, Johnathon, Jon, Jonatan, Jonathan, Jonathon, Jonte, Jorel, Jorrell, Lincoln (USA)
Today is Also…
Day of Year: Day 315 of 2024; 50 days remaining in the year
ISO: Day 6 of week 45 of 2023
Celtic Tree Calendar: Ngetal (Reed) [Day 12 of 28]
Chinese: Month 9 (Ten-Xu), Day 28 (Gui-You)
Chinese Year of the: Rabbit 4721 (until February 10, 2024)
Hebrew: 27 Heshvan 5784
Islamic: 27 Rabi II 1445
J Cal: 15 Mir; Oneday [15 of 30]
Julian: 29 October 2023
Moon: 3%: Waning Crescent
Positivist: 7 Frederic (12th Month) [Louis XI]
Runic Half Month: Nyd (Necessity) [Day 1 of 15]
Season: Autumn (Day 49 of 89)
Zodiac: Scorpio (Day 19 of 29)
Calendar Changes
Nyd (Necessity) [Half-Month 22 of 24; Runic Half-Months] (thru 11.25)
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November 11. Lāčplēsis Day - all heroic Latvia land freedom fighters memorial day.
Per aspera ad astra L. - Through thorns to the stars.
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#Latvija #Latvia #Europe #EU #European #Culture #Human #Values #Nature #Earth #Sustainability #Peace #Future #Past #Present #Family #Home #Homeland #Land #Noble #Nobleman #Sacrifice #Heroic #Honor #Hero #War #Army #Soldier #Duty #History
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11. novembris. Lāčplēša diena - visu Latvijas zemes drosmīgo brīvības cīnītāju piemiņas diena.
Per aspera ad astra L. - Caur ērkšķiem uz zvaigznēm.
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November 11. Lāčplēsis Day - all heroic Latvia land freedom fighters memorial day.
Per aspera ad astra L. - Through thorns to the stars.
-----
#Latvija #Latvia #Europe #EU #European #Culture #Human #Values #Nature #Earth #Sustainability #Peace #Future #Past #Present #Family #Home #Homeland #Land #Noble #Nobleman #Sacrifice #Heroic #Honor #Hero #War #Army #Soldier #Duty #History
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Lāčplēsis Day memorializes the soldiers who fought for Latvian independence in 1919 and is celebrated on 11 November, the date of a decisive battle. All photos by D.
1. A display of Latvian flags before the ceremonies in Riga, the capital city.
2. The day started with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Freedom Monument, with the presidents of Estonia, Finland, Latvia, and Iceland participating.
3. Next was the Latvian National Armed Forces Parade with a contingent from most every NATO state...
4 & 5. ...Followed by a display of Latvian military units and vehicles.
The day ended with a spectacular fireworks show seen here.
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LĀČPLĒSIS, THE BEAR-SLAYER
Lāčplēsis ("The Bear-Slayer") is an epic poem by Andrejs Pumpurs, a Latvian poet, who wrote it between 1872 and 1887 based on local legends. It's set during the Livonian Crusades telling the story of the mythical hero Lāčplēsis "the Bear Slayer". Lāčplēsis is regarded as the Latvian national epic.
The poem opens at the council of the Baltic gods at the palace of Pērkons in the sky where the Father of Destiny declares that Latvians are under threat because Christian crusaders are going to come and conquer the Baltic lands and enslave the Latvian nation. The Gods promise to protect the Latvians. When the meeting comes to an end suddenly Staburadze arrives and ask for advice in her matter: she has found a young man drowning in the river Daugava where he has to turn into stone. Pērkons says that he has chosen this man for an important matter and that he will save the man. The council ends with the question, will the Baltic gods ever come back together?
The story continues a few days in the past where the Lord of Lielvārde is having a walk with his 18-year-old son. Suddenly a bear jumps out to attack them. The son takes the bear by the jaws and rips it apart like a small goat, earning the name Lāčplēsis - the bear slayer. After this he is sent of to the castle of Burtnieks for studies. On the way, at the castle of Lord Aizkrauklis, he spies on the activities of the witch Spīdala, who is under the control of the Devil, and the holy man Kangars, who is in reality a traitor plotting with crusaders to replace the old gods with Christianity. Spīdala tries to drown Lāčplēsis by throwing him into the whirlpool of Staburags in the Daugava, but he is rescued by the goddess Staburadze and taken to her underwater crystal castle. There Lāčplēsis meets and falls in love with the maiden Laimdota. Shortly afterwards, Lāčplēsis becomes friends with another hero, Koknesis ("Wood-bearer"), and they study together at the castle of Burtnieks, Laimdota's father.
Laimdota and Koknesis are kidnapped and imprisoned in Germany. Spīdala convinces Lāčplēsis that Laimdota and Koknesis are lovers. Lāčplēsis returns home to Lielvārde, then sets sail for Germany. His ship becomes lost in the Northern Sea, and he is welcomed by the daughter of the North Wind. In the meantime, Dietrich and the Livonian prince Caupo of Turaida meet with the Pope in Rome to plan the Christianization of Latvia. Lāčplēsis begins his dangerous journey home from the Northern Sea. He fights monsters with three, six, and nine heads on the Enchanted Island. Finally, he encounters Spīdala on the island, and frees her from her contract with the Devil. Lāčplēsis is reunited with Laimdota and Koknesis, who escaped from Germany but were then trapped on the Enchanted Island. Koknesis declares his love for Spīdala, and the four friends return to Latvia.
A double wedding is celebrated during the Jāņi (Midsummer festivities), but the heroes soon set off to fight the German crusaders. After several battles, the Germans are pushed back, and their leader, Bishop Albert, brings reinforcements from Germany, including the Dark Knight. At Dietrich's bidding, Kangars finds out the secret of Lāčplēsis' strength and treacherously reveals it to the Germans: Lāčplēsis' mother was a she-bear, and his superhuman strength resides in his bear ears. The German knights come to Lielvārde offering to make peace. Lāčplēsis organizes a friendly tournament at the castle Lielvārde, during which he is goaded into fighting the Dark Knight. The knight cuts off Lāčplēsis' right ear and Lāčplēsis loses the strength in his right hand. Lāčplēsis becomes angry and with his left hand destroys the armor of the Dark Knight, but his sword is also destroyed. The Dark knight struck back cutting off Lāčplēsis' left ear, leading him to also lose the strength in his left hand. The two wrestle. Lāčplēsis manages to throw the Dark Knight into the river Daugava, but falls into the river himself. At this moment Laimdota also dies. At the end of the story a promise is given that the battle between Lāčplēsis and the Dark knight is not over yet, one day Lāčplēsis will win, then new times will come, and Latvians will be free again.
Canto I
The council of the gods – Lāčplēsis' destiny revealed
Canto II
The first heroic deed of Lāčplēsis – Lāčplēsis sets out to Burtnieki castle – Meeting with Spīdala – In the Devil's pit – In Staburadze's palace – Return and meeting with Koknesis
Canto III
The conspiracy of Kangars and Spīdala – War with the Estonians – The sunken castle – The Creation – The Latvians tricked by the Christians
Canto IV
Kaupa in Rome – Koknesis and Laimdota in Germany – Lāčplēsis in the northern sea – Lāčplēsis' return
Canto V
On the bewitched island – Meeting with Spīdala – Homecoming – Lāčplēsis, Laimdota and Koknesis reunited
Canto VI
Midsummer festival – Battle begins – Lāčplēsis' wedding – Death of Lāčplēsis
Contemporary background
The work was written during the Latvian national awakening. At this time a popular belief around Europe was that a Nation can be defined by the fact that it has a National epic while the Nations East of the Baltic sea were left without one. Finns wrote their epic Kalevala in 1835, Estonians published their Kalevipoeg 1857-1861. There were several attempts create a Latvian National Epic which were finally realized by the poet and military man Andrejs Pumpurs and released during the 3rd Latvian Song Festival on 1888. Unlike in the Finnish and Estonian text no original folk song are used in the Latvian story, but it's heavily based on Latvian folklore. By this time it was already considered to be an anachronism, but still amongst the people it became the National epic.
From the time of the Northern Crusades in the early 13th century, most of the land in the Baltic governorates was owned by nobles descended from the German invaders. In 1863, the Russian authorities issued laws to enable Latvians, who formed the bulk of the population, to acquire the farms which they held, and special banks were founded to help them. By this means, some occupants bought their farms, but the great mass of the population remained landless, and lived as hired laborers, occupying a low position in the social scale. This was the situation prevailing at the time of writing – thus, the strongly negative presentation of these German invaders had clear contemporary implications for the writer's own time.
Scholarship suggests that the legendary hero Lāčplēsis mirrors similar tales of strong men born of animals and who go on adventures. These tales are classified in the Aarne-Thompson-Uther Index as tale types ATU 650A, "Strong John" and AT 301B, "Jean de l'Ours" or "John The Bear".[1] Indeed, according to professor Valters Nollendorfs, the author "utilized legends and folklore motifs" to compose the poem.[2]
Cultural impact
It is known to be one of the most influential works of Latvian Culture. Interpretations of the story keep appearing frequently.
Based on the story at the revolutionary context of the revolution of 1905 Rainis issued a symbolic play Uguns un Nakts (Fire and Night). There he focuses on the relationships of Lāčplēsis and Spīdola where Lāčplēsis is the symbol of strength and Spīdola the symbol of wisdom, beauty and change. While Spīdola is in love with Lāčplēsis he decides to stay with Laimdota the symbol of Latvia. Still after Lāčplēsis falls into Daugava during the battle Spīdola promises to follow him and help him in the battle, giving hope for Latvians for a soon freedom.
During the Latvian war of independence the battles between Latvian and German troops under the command of Bermondt-Avalov were compared with the battle between Lāčplēsis and the Black knight. The decisive victory of Latvians happened on November 11th next to the River Daugava where it was promised in the epic and ever since it is called the day of the Bear killer. 1930 a movie named Lāčplēsis was made which is called to be the first big Latvian movie. It draws parallels between mythical world of Lāčplēsis and the Latvian war of independence.
The play Uguns and Nakts was frequently played during the Soviet occupation. Unlike the Soviet propaganda had intended it to show the battle between Latvians and Germans, the Latvian society started to identify the Crusaders with the Soviets. On 1988 the rock opera Lāčplēsis was performed more than 40 times, becoming one of the turning point of the 3rd Latvian National Awakening. Using the mythological narrative it depicted the occupation of Latvia, work of KGB, russification, the destruction of Christianity in Latvia etc. A memorable moment in the rock opera happened on the bewitched island where Lāčplēsis turned people who had turned into rock back into human flash. Many saw this as a moment where people were wakened up from the Soviet sleep they were placed by the Soviet regime. A big emphasis in the rock opera was put on the ears of Lāčplēsis, in the final Lāčplēsis sings to the Latvians to call for him, he still has language and a word, but call for him even louder.
As a result of the Epic, Latvians have a widespread belief of Christians being their historic enemies.
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The Thing About Today – November 11
The Thing About Today – November 11
November 11, 2020
Day 316 of 366
November 11th is the 316th day of the year. It is Lāčplēsis Day, a memorial day for soldiers who fought for the independence of Latvia. It marks the victory over the West Russian Volunteer Army, a joint Russian-German volunteer force led by the warlord Pavel Bermondt-Avalov, at the 1919 Battle of Riga during the Latvian War of Independence.
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Almost full Moon is rising above Riga Castle during celebration of the Lāčplēsis Day, Latvia, November 11, 2019. Photo by D.P.
The Lāčplēsis Day (Latvian: Lāčplēša diena) is a memorial day for soldiers who fought for the independence of Latvia. It is celebrated on November 11, marking the Latvian victory over the West Russian Volunteer Army – a joint Russian-German volunteer force led by the warlord, Colonel Pavel Bermondt-Avalov at Riga during the Latvian War of Independence in 1919. People commemorating the fallen by placing candles at the wall of Riga Castle.
#Latvia#Riga#Riga Castle#Latvian War of Independence#the Lāčplēsis Day#celebration#original photography on tumblr#street photography#European history#Northern Europe#Moon
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We salute LATVIA today on Lāčplēsis day! We salute freedom fighters who gave their lives for our Freedom! May we be united and strong together as our forefathers! God bless Latvia! 🇱🇻 * Lāčplēsis Day (Lāčplēša Diena) is a memorial day for soldiers who fought for the independence of Latvia. It is celebrated on November 11 marking the victory over the West Russian Volunteer Army – a joint Russian-German volunteer force led by the warlord Pavel Bermondt-Avalov– at the Battle of Riga in 1919 during the Latvian War of Independence. A popular Lāčplēsis Day tradition since 1988 is placing candles on and by the wall of Riga Castle, visiting Brāļu kapi ( The Brothers cemetery) and other places of significance to commemorate events. The name of the memorial day comes from the protagonist of the Latvian national epic, our hero - Lāčplēsis (vintage illustration from rare magazine in this photo) 🇱🇻 Thanks 📷 @santa_bro for this gorgeous find! 💖 P.s Lāčplēsis means Bearslayer and embodies justice, protecting the weak and standing up against dark forces. Look up stories about him, you’ll be impressed !
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Lāčplēsis Day 2019- Latvian Freedom Fighters’ Remembrance Day 2019. This section will be added in new episode of Latvian 🇱🇻 Travel video. #latvia #candlelight #newepisode #lifestyle #vlog #travelvlog #travelvlogger #vlog #ukvlogger #storyteller #vloggerlife #vloggersquad #riga #london (at Riga, Latvia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B40aHTAh9m_/?igshid=e9bk0d6i30j8
#latvia#candlelight#newepisode#lifestyle#vlog#travelvlog#travelvlogger#ukvlogger#storyteller#vloggerlife#vloggersquad#riga#london
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Holidays 11.11
Holidays
Air Day
Battery Day (Japan)
Cartagena Independence Day (Colombia)
Children’s Day (Croatia)
Chopsticks Day (Japan)
Concordia Day (St. Marten Island)
Eleven Eleven Eleven Day (Netherlands)
Four Ones Day
Graphics Information Systems Day
Guang Gun Jie (Bare Sticks Day, or Singles Day; China)
Heir to the Throne Day (Tuvalu)
Hollantide (a.k.a. Hallow-tide; Isle of Mann)
James Bond’s Birthday
King Jigme Single Wangchuck Day (Bhutan)
Lāčplēsis Day (a.k.a. Lacplesa Day; Latvia)
Lunantishees Day (Ireland)
Metal Day
Mortens Day (Denmark)
National Athleisure Day
National Education Day (India)
National Metal Day
Nigel Tufnel Day
Old November Eve
Ones Day
Origami Day (Japan)
Pepero Day (South Korea)
Red Lipstick Day
Republic Day (Maldives)
Route 66 Day
Singles’ Day (a.k.a. Guanggun Jie; China)
Soccer Day (Japan)
St. Martin's Day [patron saint of tavern-keepers] (a.k.a. ...
Beggar's Day (Netherlands)
Funeral of Saint Martin
Jum San Martin (Malta)
Mardipäev (Estonia)
Märtekuu (southern Estonia)
Mārtiņi (Latvia)
Martinigians (Sursee, Switzerland)
Martinje (a.k.a. Martinovanje; Croatia)
Martinloben (Austria)
Martinmas (Old England)
Martin Přijíždí na Bílém Koni (Czech Republic)
Martinstag (Germany)
Old Halloween
Old Hallowmas Eve
St. Maarten Day (Sint Maarten)
Tear-Stomach Day
Tori No Ichi (Rooster Day #1; Japan)
Women's Day (Belgium)
World War I Victory Celebrations (a.k.a. ...
Armistice Day (Belgium, France, New Zealand, Serbia)
Death/Duty Day
Independence Day (Poland; from Austro-Hungary, Prussia & Russia, 1918)
Poppy Day [also Last Monday in May]
Remembrance Day (UK, Commonwealth of Nations)
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Day
Veterans Day (f.k.a. Armistice Day; US)
Veterans of Foreign Wars Day (Micronesia)
Food & Drink Celebrations
Bean Sprouts Day (Japan)
Bonza Bottler Day
Kölsch Day
National Sundae Day
Noodle Day (Japan)
Pocky & Pretz Day (Japan)
2nd Friday in November
Domino Day [2nd Friday]
National DTC (Direct-to-Consumers) Friday [2 Fridays before Black Friday]
Independence Days
Angola (from Portugal, 1975)
Poland (Restoration of independence after 123 years of partitions by Russia, Prussia, and Austria, 1918)
Washington Statehood Day (#42; 1889)
Feast Days
Bartholomew of Grottaferrata (Christian; Saint)
Carnival Session begins (a.k.a. Fasching or Karneval; Austria, Germany, Netherlands)
Charlie Manson Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)
Day of Remembrance of the Volhvs (Asatru/Slavic Pagan)
Einherjar (Feast of the Fallen; Norse)
Fasching begins (a.k.a. Karneval; Germany, Netherlands)
Feast of Dionysus
Feast of the Fallen (Norse)
Guru Nank Jayanti (India, Nepal)
Louis XI (Positivist; Saint)
Lunantishees Day (Celtic Faery Day)
Martin of Tours (Roman Catholic Church) [tavern-keepers] *
Menas (Christian; Saint)
Mercurius (Coptic)
Samson (Muppetism)
Small Furry Creatures Appreciation Day (Pastafarian)
Søren Kierkegaard (Lutheran Church)
Theodore the Studite (Christian; Saint)
Turn It Up To Eleven Day (Pastafarian)
Victory Over Pinks VP Day (Church of the SubGenius)
Lucky & Unlucky Days
Lucky Day (Philippines) [62 of 71]
Sakimake (先負 Japan) [Bad luck in the morning, good luck in the afternoon.]
Premieres
An American in Paris (Film; 1951)
Bad Moms (Film; 2016)
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Film; 2022)
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, by Hunter S. Thompson (Magazine Article; 1971)
Fearless, by Taylor Swift (Album; 2008)
Coming to America (Film; 1988)
Fearless, by Taylor Swift (Album; 2008)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 1 (Film; 2010) [#7]
Magic Mike (Film; 2012)
Men at Arms, by Terry Pratchet (Novel; 1993) [Discworld #15]
Mull of Kintyre, by Paul McCartney & Wings (Song; 1977)
My Best Friend’s Girl, by The Cars (1st Picture-Disc Single; 1978)
Ratatouille (Animated Pixar Film; 2007)
Ted (Film; 2012)
The Two Towers, by J.R.R. Tolkien (Novel; 1954) [Book 2 of The Lord of the Rings trilogy]
The Ugly Duckling, by Hans Christian Andersen (Fairy Tale; 1843)
Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins, by John Lennon & Yoko Ono (Album; 1968)
Today’s Name Days
Martin, Menas, Senta (Austria)
Minka, Minko, Viktor, Viktoriya (Bulgaria)
Davorin, Martin, Viktorin (Croatia)
Martin (Czech Republic)
Morten (Denmark)
Alev, Elev, Elvo (Estonia)
Panu (Finland)
Martin, Vérane (France)
Leonie, Martin, Mennas, Senta (Germany)
Drakon, Minas, Minos, Victor, Viktoras, Vincent (Greece)
Márton (Hungary)
Martino (Italy)
Nellija, Ojars (Latvia)
Anastazija, Martynas, Milvydė, Nastė, Vygintas (Lithuania)
Martin, Martine, Morten (Norway)
Anastazja, Bartłomiej, Maciej, Marcin, Prot, Spycisław, Teodor (Poland)
Anastasia (Russia)
Maroš, Martin (Slovakia)
Martín (Spain)
Mårten (Sweden)
Mina, Stephania, Victor, Vincent (Ukraine)
Chandler, Dallas, Jalen, Johnathan, Johnathon, Jon, Jonatan, Jonathan, Jonathon, Jonte, Jorel, Jorrell, Lincoln (USA)
Today is Also…
Day of Year: Day 315 of 2022; 50 days remaining in the year
ISO: Day 5 of week 45 of 2022
Celtic Tree Calendar: Hagal (Constraint) [Day 14 of 28]
Chinese: Month 10 (Lùyuè), Day 18 (Wu-Chen)
Chinese Year of the: Tiger (until January 22, 2023)
Hebrew: 17 Cheshvan 5783
Islamic: 16 Rabi II 1444
J Cal: 15 Mir; Sunday [15 of 30]
Julian: 29 October 2022
Moon: 90%: Waning Gibbous
Positivist: 6 Frederic (12th Month) [Louis XI]
Runic Half Month: Nyd (Necessity) [Day 2 of 15]
Season: Autumn (Day 50 of 90)
Zodiac: Scorpio (Day 20 of 31)
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Holidays 11.11
Holidays
Air Day
Battery Day (Japan)
Cartagena Independence Day (Colombia)
Children’s Day (Croatia)
Chopsticks Day (Japan)
Concordia Day (St. Marten Island)
Eleven Eleven Eleven Day (Netherlands)
Four Ones Day
Graphics Information Systems Day
Guang Gun Jie (Bare Sticks Day, or Singles Day; China)
Heir to the Throne Day (Tuvalu)
Hollantide (a.k.a. Hallow-tide; Isle of Mann)
James Bond’s Birthday
King Jigme Single Wangchuck Day (Bhutan)
Lāčplēsis Day (a.k.a. Lacplesa Day; Latvia)
Lunantishees Day (Ireland)
Metal Day
Mortens Day (Denmark)
National Athleisure Day
National Education Day (India)
National Metal Day
Nigel Tufnel Day
Old November Eve
Ones Day
Origami Day (Japan)
Pepero Day (South Korea)
Red Lipstick Day
Republic Day (Maldives)
Route 66 Day
Singles’ Day (a.k.a. Guanggun Jie; China)
Soccer Day (Japan)
St. Martin's Day [patron saint of tavern-keepers] (a.k.a. ...
Beggar's Day (Netherlands)
Funeral of Saint Martin
Jum San Martin (Malta)
Mardipäev (Estonia)
Märtekuu (southern Estonia)
Mārtiņi (Latvia)
Martinigians (Sursee, Switzerland)
Martinje (a.k.a. Martinovanje; Croatia)
Martinloben (Austria)
Martinmas (Old England)
Martin Přijíždí na Bílém Koni (Czech Republic)
Martinstag (Germany)
Old Halloween
Old Hallowmas Eve
St. Maarten Day (Sint Maarten)
Tear-Stomach Day
Tori No Ichi (Rooster Day #1; Japan)
Women's Day (Belgium)
World War I Victory Celebrations (a.k.a. ...
Armistice Day (Belgium, France, New Zealand, Serbia)
Death/Duty Day
Independence Day (Poland; from Austro-Hungary, Prussia & Russia, 1918)
Poppy Day [also Last Monday in May]
Remembrance Day (UK, Commonwealth of Nations)
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Day
Veterans Day (f.k.a. Armistice Day; US)
Veterans of Foreign Wars Day (Micronesia)
Food & Drink Celebrations
Bean Sprouts Day (Japan)
Bonza Bottler Day
Kölsch Day
National Sundae Day
Noodle Day (Japan)
Pocky & Pretz Day (Japan)
2nd Friday in November
Domino Day [2nd Friday]
National DTC (Direct-to-Consumers) Friday [2 Fridays before Black Friday]
Independence Days
Angola (from Portugal, 1975)
Poland (Restoration of independence after 123 years of partitions by Russia, Prussia, and Austria, 1918)
Washington Statehood Day (#42; 1889)
Feast Days
Bartholomew of Grottaferrata (Christian; Saint)
Carnival Session begins (a.k.a. Fasching or Karneval; Austria, Germany, Netherlands)
Charlie Manson Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)
Day of Remembrance of the Volhvs (Asatru/Slavic Pagan)
Einherjar (Feast of the Fallen; Norse)
Fasching begins (a.k.a. Karneval; Germany, Netherlands)
Feast of Dionysus
Feast of the Fallen (Norse)
Guru Nank Jayanti (India, Nepal)
Louis XI (Positivist; Saint)
Lunantishees Day (Celtic Faery Day)
Martin of Tours (Roman Catholic Church) [tavern-keepers] *
Menas (Christian; Saint)
Mercurius (Coptic)
Samson (Muppetism)
Small Furry Creatures Appreciation Day (Pastafarian)
Søren Kierkegaard (Lutheran Church)
Theodore the Studite (Christian; Saint)
Turn It Up To Eleven Day (Pastafarian)
Victory Over Pinks VP Day (Church of the SubGenius)
Lucky & Unlucky Days
Lucky Day (Philippines) [62 of 71]
Sakimake (先負 Japan) [Bad luck in the morning, good luck in the afternoon.]
Premieres
An American in Paris (Film; 1951)
Bad Moms (Film; 2016)
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Film; 2022)
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, by Hunter S. Thompson (Magazine Article; 1971)
Fearless, by Taylor Swift (Album; 2008)
Coming to America (Film; 1988)
Fearless, by Taylor Swift (Album; 2008)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 1 (Film; 2010) [#7]
Magic Mike (Film; 2012)
Men at Arms, by Terry Pratchet (Novel; 1993) [Discworld #15]
Mull of Kintyre, by Paul McCartney & Wings (Song; 1977)
My Best Friend’s Girl, by The Cars (1st Picture-Disc Single; 1978)
Ratatouille (Animated Pixar Film; 2007)
Ted (Film; 2012)
The Two Towers, by J.R.R. Tolkien (Novel; 1954) [Book 2 of The Lord of the Rings trilogy]
The Ugly Duckling, by Hans Christian Andersen (Fairy Tale; 1843)
Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins, by John Lennon & Yoko Ono (Album; 1968)
Today’s Name Days
Martin, Menas, Senta (Austria)
Minka, Minko, Viktor, Viktoriya (Bulgaria)
Davorin, Martin, Viktorin (Croatia)
Martin (Czech Republic)
Morten (Denmark)
Alev, Elev, Elvo (Estonia)
Panu (Finland)
Martin, Vérane (France)
Leonie, Martin, Mennas, Senta (Germany)
Drakon, Minas, Minos, Victor, Viktoras, Vincent (Greece)
Márton (Hungary)
Martino (Italy)
Nellija, Ojars (Latvia)
Anastazija, Martynas, Milvydė, Nastė, Vygintas (Lithuania)
Martin, Martine, Morten (Norway)
Anastazja, Bartłomiej, Maciej, Marcin, Prot, Spycisław, Teodor (Poland)
Anastasia (Russia)
Maroš, Martin (Slovakia)
Martín (Spain)
Mårten (Sweden)
Mina, Stephania, Victor, Vincent (Ukraine)
Chandler, Dallas, Jalen, Johnathan, Johnathon, Jon, Jonatan, Jonathan, Jonathon, Jonte, Jorel, Jorrell, Lincoln (USA)
Today is Also…
Day of Year: Day 315 of 2022; 50 days remaining in the year
ISO: Day 5 of week 45 of 2022
Celtic Tree Calendar: Hagal (Constraint) [Day 14 of 28]
Chinese: Month 10 (Lùyuè), Day 18 (Wu-Chen)
Chinese Year of the: Tiger (until January 22, 2023)
Hebrew: 17 Cheshvan 5783
Islamic: 16 Rabi II 1444
J Cal: 15 Mir; Sunday [15 of 30]
Julian: 29 October 2022
Moon: 90%: Waning Gibbous
Positivist: 6 Frederic (12th Month) [Louis XI]
Runic Half Month: Nyd (Necessity) [Day 2 of 15]
Season: Autumn (Day 50 of 90)
Zodiac: Scorpio (Day 20 of 31)
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