Zane Karpenko
Livani Gymnasium
Latvia
LATVIAN – LUCK OR DIAGNOSIS?
Daily life activities & traditions
It’s hard to describe a
typical Latvian’s activities. The today’s stressful life has mixed the traits
from different cultures, and the differences among cultures are gradually
disappearing. Still, there are some things that are characteristic especially
for Latvians.
The today’s Latvian has been created in a long period of time.
Many different aspects have played an important role in the development of
Latvian culture. And becouse of the historical background, one of the most
characteristic traits of Latvian people is their individualism. In the past
Latvians have never lived too close to each other. There has always been a
river, a forest or a ravine among them. This is why even now the people like to
do thinks on their own, in the mean time it also increases the valve of the
family. There is a big difference among people in the country and people in the
cities. In the country the families are still quite big and it’s important to
keep close relationship with relatives. People have traditions to get together
with all their friends and relatives on
such celebrations as John’s day, Easter, New Year’s eve and family festivities.
Latvians still abserve the old seasonal traditions.
In the country, a very great role plays the prayings at the
cemetary. It might seem a bit strange, but it’s the occasion,
when all the relatives come together to recall the one’s who have passed away.
People remember the „good, old times”, the grass that was greener”, meet
relatives they haven’t seen for the whole year etc. These prayings unite the people thet normally have no time
to see each other and only once a year they meet by their beloved ones.
The situation in the cities is a bit different. People often
live alone, they have not much time for anything except their work. But,I
believe it’s the same in every culture.
So, how do Latvians live?
They work a loy, the family
plays an important role in their lives, aithough there is a tendency to lose
the meaning of it? And, although Latvians are like hermits, they need friends
and they always try to spend as much time as possible with them.
Though the life is rather hard, the people have an
optimistic attitude towards future.
They believe that their efforts will be rewarded. People here have a serious
attitude towards life, that’s why the life might seem a
bit boring here, but, of course, Latvians know how to relax. I believe they
prefer to spend their free time with their friends. Small pubs and clubs are
very popular and there usually is a constant public. Latvians like music very
much. There is always some music at home or work Latvians like to sing and it
doesn’t even matter how good the voice is. As much as people like singing, they
like dancing too. Not in vain the Song and Dance festival is still the most
important festivity for almost everyone, and although it takes place once a
four years, the people are preparing diligently for it.
Though it’s already the 21st century, Latvians still observe a lot of
old traditions. For example, the John’s day, that is the most popular Latvian
celebration. It is the midsummer, when, as people believe, everything is in its
affluence. The most beautiful tradition is the fern flower’s search. People
believe that the one, who finds it, will be rich and lucky for the rest of his
life. It’s also the festivity of love and friendship when everyone is welcomed.
Latvian daily life mixes up
with today’s modern technologies and old traditions and beliefs. That makes it
so unique. Lately a lot of international traditions like st. Valentines day or
Halloween are coming into Latvian society, but people are quite reserved for
them and only some of them really get accustomed to Latvian culture.
Latvians are not very socially active. They like to do the work first
and the rest comes after. They are quite busy – work, school, after that
usually people go to some sport club or circle, that are very popular in
Latvia. And people believe that a person has to do as much as possible to
become an equal member of the society. People in Latvia strive for education.
We have an unofficial model of life – to get a good education, join different
organisations, have a good job and family. These things indicate a good person
in Latvia.
There are many things that
are considered to be ‘‘good manners’’, for example, people have to be polite
and shouldn’t show the others that something is going wrong. It has created the
tendency to pretend to be better as a person in reality is. Latvians also are
not used to show their feelings openly, although for instance showing mother’s
love is ‘‘good manners’’. We are quite reserved and don’t have such traditions
as for example the Slavs that kiss each other when they meet. Latvians usually
shake hands, but the younger generation has taken the tradition to hug each
other as they meet.
Nowadays we can’t describe
one style the people dress, because there are so many ways how to express
individuality and many people have admitted that Latvians know how to do it.
Latvian women are very beautiful, taken care of and know how to show their good
features. That’s why many men from foreign countries come here to look for
girlfriends and wives. Latvians usually try to find something new and stylish
and you can see very many different but stylish people. The most important
thing for clothing is – it must be clean and neat.
Latvians don’t have much time to visit and meet friends. Usually during the week, they meet their friends and relatives only for a short time and because of some work, they have to do or some problems they have to solve. However, we have a tradition to meet people for a cup of tea. On the contrary, to England where people have a real ceremony of tea drinking, Latvians drink the tea in the evenings and it’s just an excuse for chatting with friends.
At the weekend, it’s a bit
different: people prepare a lot and have a big dinner with a lot of food and
drinks. It takes time to prepare so people should warn that they intend to
visit someone.
The ancient, historical, heathen soul is hidden deep inside of every Latvian. That’s why many odd and ancient beliefs are still alive in Latvian culture. Latvians value Nature very high, because it has been their feeder for hundreds of years. Latvians still believe they can predict the future by watching carefully the processes that are going on in the Nature. For example, if the birds fly low, the rain will come or if the leaf blossom out soon, the summer will be short. As high as Nature, Latvians value also folklore and traditions. In every, even the smallest village there is a folkgroup, band or just some enthusiasts that try to maintain the traditions alive in every community. And the fact that the traditions are still alive after hundreds of years, proves that the Latvians keep ties with their past. Latvians are very proud of their folklore and often say that there is a different folk song for each Latvian.
We often hear that people
are afraid of losing their national identity, but I believe that this is not
going to make many problems to Latvia, because Latvians value their language,
history and folklore. Although often they do not show their affection, in case
there is any danger, people get together to save the things that are dear to
them. They are real patriots.
Of course, there are more
things that are important in Latvian culture, for example, education and work.
The mental strength has always been the thing the people admire.
Latvians like to talk a lot.
However, there is a peculiarity – they easily join in conversation with
everyone but in the reality the talk is very superficial and the ‘‘real’’
conversations about private values and views are held among the closest
friends. That’s because of the years of the occupation when people had to be
aware of what they said.
So, what do they talk
about?
Well, the themes are quite usual: the weather, family, work and
politics. Where always something is going on these things. So a typical Latvian
would say that the weather is ok, but could be better, the work is very hard,
but the family is the place where he can relax (Latvians are very proud of their
children’s achievements), but everything would be perfect if there would be a
chance to change the present political situation. Latvians always are
complaining about the politicians, but in the mean time, there is no action.
They are ‘‘backside drivers’’ as the people, who are just talking but not
acting, are called.
People care a lot about
their social position. It’s important for them to be recognised as good persons
and they do everything not to lose their status. Therefore, this means that the
rumours can do a lot of harm and people try to avoid them.
About Latvian humour:
Latvians like to laugh. And they do it often and a lot. Moreover, they see
their mistakes and can laugh about them, but I believe there are different
kinds of jokes: first, they are quite ponderous and awkward, and second, very
intelligent and refined. In addition, of course, thousands of so called blonde
jokes that ere very popular in Latvia. Therefore, people can develop their
sense of humour in their lifetime.
And one more very important
thing for every Latvian – the family. The people care a lot about it and try to
do their best for their children. The ties among the relatives are close,
children spend their holidays with grandparents etc. Unfortunately, young people
have partly lost the necessity for tight family ties, but I still believe that
the family will always play an important role in every Latvian’s life.
Latvians are quite ‘‘cold’’. We are a northern culture that does not
value hot expressions of feelings. So when you see two Latvians talking to each
other there is always a lot of space between them, they never get too close as
if the intimacy might harm them.
Latvians do not use gestures
very much. They are rather steady and don’t use more gestures as, for example,
the thumb up, to say that something is OK, so a person who uses a lot of
gestures might be considered to be a little hysterical. People appreciate when
the companion is steady and uses eye – contact. They believe it shows the
importance of conversation. Eye – contact is very important, because people
believe that eyes never lie. And if a person avoids eye – contact, he is
considered an untrue and dishonest person.
You can always distinguish a
Latvian person from the one who has a different nationality. For example,
Russians are hot – tempered; they use many gestures and are quite loud.
Latvians on the contrary are calm and silent if they haven’t been exasperated,
but when they are angry, you can see how a calm person turns into a ‘‘storm’’.
Latvians like to ‘‘talk with
their faces’’. And I don’t mean shaking their heads to say ‘‘no’’. Their facial
expressions usually tell what they are thinking about. Pride, joy, sorrow – you
can see it all on their faces. Historically Latvians have been very simple.
Therefore, they don’t appreciate slyness. Latvians try to test the other person
by watching his face; therefore, it’s hard for us to hide what we really feel.
Latvians always shake hands
when they meet with each other, but there is no more body contact in the
conversation. Sometimes it even seems that the people are afraid to show their
feelings, as if anything could go wrong if someone sees someone showing his
feelings. Latvians are quite superstitious and you can see it in the way they
behave themselves, for example, they avoid talking about their plans, until
they haven’t realised them etc.
It’s hard for a Latvian
person to get used to hot – tempered persons. Active gestures and body language
are not considered a good behaviour. Even then, a Latvian person will not
openly show his dislike, because we are quite open for different things.
In conclusion, I would like
to say, that every culture is unique and very important, but only when we will
understand that by learning about other cultures we will understand more about
our own, the problems among people from different cultures will start to
disappear. So welcome to Latvian culture!