History, Language, Identity and Culture of Latvia The Republic of Latvia can boast of a culture and traditions that are centuries old, but records of inhabitants in the area are millennium old. The territory that is now Latvia was first inhabitant soon after the Ice Age, at approximately 9000 BC. Ancestors of Baltic Finn peoples lived in the area since approximately 3000 BC, but during the first half of the second millennium BC the first proto-Baltic tribes entered the area and the culture of the Baltic (Selonians, Semgallians, Couronians, Latgallians) and Finno-Ugric (Livian) tribes was formed. In the 12th century, the independent evolution of the tribes and communities living along the Baltic Sea in the area of present day Latvia was curtailed by the arrival of western European (primarily German) crusaders traveling east to spread the Catholic faith and the expansion of feudalism. The city of Riga was founded in 1201. By the 1270's, the crusaders had established the state of Livonia, a political union of territories belonging to the Livonian Order of Knights and to the Catholic church, covering the homelands of the Couronians, Semgallians, Latgallians, Selonians and Finno-Ugrians (Estonians and Livs) in the territory of present-day Latvia and Estonia. Regular economic and cultural ties were developed between Livonia and neighbouring areas of Europe. In 1282 Riga was admitted into the Hanseatic League of northern Germany, thereby assuming a central mediating role in east-west trade; however, while Riga began to flourish as a large trading centre, the trade and property rights of non-Germans in Riga were severely restricted. At the same time, it must be noted that the political and economic unity of the Livonian order eventually stimulated the unification of the local tribes into one (Latvian) linguistic community. After the Livonian Wars (1558-1583), which was begun by the state of Moscow which wanted access to the Baltic Sea, Livonia was divided between Sweden and Poland-Lithuania. In the 17th century the Duchy of Kurzeme, a semi-independent state paying tribute to Poland, became so successful that for a short while it held colonies in Africa in Gambia and on the Caribbean island of Tobago, where people with Latvian, or semi-Latvian names can still be found today. The inclusion of Latvian territories into the Russian Empire began with the new wave of Russian expansion in 1700, especially after the Great Northern War (1700-1721). The period of change from feudalism to capitalist industrialism began at the end of the 18th century, and with the abolishment of serfdom, industry began to develop rapidly and the population grew. The beginning of the 19th century heralded the onset of the consolidation of the Latvian nation, when Latvians first began to consider themselves a viable separate nation. The first Latvian language newspapers were published. A group from the Latvian intelligentsia, referring to itself as the "Young Latvians", was instrumental in developing the Latvian literary style, and the Latvian culture, and a national awakening in the middle of the 19th century can be linked to their efforts to achieve for the Latvian nation, the same rights other nations enjoyed. These efforts also signaled the beginning of a fight for national self- determination. Beginning in the 1880's the Russian government began a programme of deliberate Russification in the Baltic provinces, which endangered both the autonomy of the Balto-Germanic provinces, as well as the burgeoning nationalistic movements of the Baltic peoples. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The 20th Century: Independence Gained, Illegal Annexation and Freedom Restored Latvian national independence became a public cause in the early years of the 20th century. The Revolution of 1905 in Latvia was an outright struggle for social and political liberation against German landowners and the Russian policy of national oppression. World War I (1914-1918) crippled Latvia economically as the German army occupied the western half of Latvia one fifth of Latvia's 2.5 million inhabitants became refugees, while most of Latvia's industry was moved to the Russian interior. However, at the same time, the division of the territory and economic hardships brought about a new outburst of national self confidence. Battalions and later regiments of Latvian riflemen were established to protect the country. Latvian political parties formed into the Latvian People's Council which, on November 18, 1918, for the first time proclaimed the national independence of the Republic of Latvia. The international community recognized Latvia's independence January 26, 1921, and nine months later, Latvia was admitted to the League of Nations. Despite facing a multitude of problems, Latvia began to flourish and by the 1930's, had one of the highest standards of living in Europe. The signing of the infamous Molotov- Ribbentrop pact and associated protocols set the fate of Latvia, as Hitler and Stalin divided Eastern Europe into their spheres of influence. Latvia fell into the Soviet sphere and on June 17, 1940 Soviet troops invaded, and sham elections were organized as if to legitimize their occupation. On the night of June 13-14, 1941, tens of thousands of Latvia's inhabitants were deported to Siberia. German forces invaded in early July 1941 and their rule lasted until 1944, when the Soviet troops returned. The western region of Kurzeme held out until the end of the war, not having surrendered to either side, but, by the end of the war, Latvia had lost one third of its population. Between 110,000 and 120,000 individuals were persecuted and faced repressive actions such as imprisonment, deportation to Soviet Gulag camps or were killed out right, while some 130,000 individuals, escaping from invading forces, fled to the west. Though partisan fighting against the Soviet system continued through to 1953, the communist regime basically continued its illegal annexation of Latvia from where it left off in 1941. Stalin's reign of terror was sharply felt, and on March 25, 1949 alone almost 43,000 people were deported from Latvia to Siberia. A massive Russification campaign, deportations, mass imprisonment, together with forced mass immigration (which flooded Latvia with huge numbers of non-natives to work in the area of forced general collectivization and irrationally introduced industries), significantly changed Latvia's population make-up. Before Soviet occupation in 1940, Latvians made up approximately 75% of the population, but by 1989 this figure was less than 51%. In no other post-war European country had the native population become a minority in seven of its major cities, including the capital Riga. And yet, despite over 50 years of illegal Soviet rule and the active and intense imposition of a Russification policy, Latvians never lost their sense of identity. The second national awakening began in the late 1980's after the implementation of Soviet President Gorbachev's expressed policies of glasnost and perestroika in 1985. On March 18, 1990 Popular Front of Latvia candidates took 124 of the 201 seats in the Supreme Council, and on May 4, 1990 the Supreme Council adopts a declaration on the renewal of Latvia's independence. After bloody assaults by Soviet OMON forces in January 1991, first in Vilnius Lithuania followed a week later in Riga Latvia, a general referendum on March 3 in which 73.7% of the participating 87.6% of eligible voters voted in support of independence from the USSR, and the aborted coup in Moscow, on August 21, 1991 the parliament in Latvia voted on re- establishing de facto independence, restoring Latvia's pre-war status as a sovereign independent country. Language, Education, Minorities and Religion Language is one of the determining factors of national identity. The Latvian language is one of only two in the Baltic language group, the other being Lithuanian. It has many features in common with the ancient Indo-European family of languages, and the earliest surviving written examples are from the 16th century. The Latvian language has developed a rich lexicology, standardized grammar and now meets all the needs of a modern society. However, over the half-century of Soviet occupation, and the strenuous Russification policy, whereby now only less than one-fourth of non-Latvians living in this country speak the language, according to linguists, the Latvian language had reached the second stage of language extinction. In the second period of national awakening in the late 1980's, the fight for the survival of the Latvian language was a rallying point for many in the country, and in a petition, 354,000 residents (Latvians and non-Latvians) demanded that Latvian be once again officially named the state language. On October 6, 1988, while Latvia was still an illegally annexed republic of the USSR, Latvian was declared the state language and on May 5, 1989 the Language law was passed. So as not to become a traumatizing factor for non-Latvian speaking residents, almost 670,000 of whom had been settled in Latvia as a result of Soviet Russification policies, the implementation of the Law was gradual, with all articles only coming into force after May 5, 1992. The Language Centre of the Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia was founded in 1992, and includes the Principal Certification Commission and State Language Inspection service. Although a decisive historical shift to the acceptance of Latvian as the state language is well underway, the situation is still precarious; at least the threat of extinction of the Latvian language has receded. In general, educational reform after the half-century of Soviet suppression is underway, but full implementation will take many years and extensive finances, presently unavailable in the state budget. And yet, in accordance with multiculturalism in education, schools for ethnic minorities in Latvia began to open in the renewed Latvia. After the Language Law was adopted in Latvia, several schools for national groups were opened, including Polish, Estonian, Lithuanian and Jewish schools, and Sunday schools for some 20 different ethnic groups where children and adults learn Livonian, Polish, Belarussian, Azerbaijan, Tatar, Ukrainian, Lithuanian, German, Georgian, Uzbek, Jewish, Armenian and Japanese language and culture. These schools with their close cooperation with their ethnic homelands, religious communities and national communities in third countries, along with increasing numbers of general schools where the language of instruction is now Latvian, play a significant role in social integration and cultural development in Latvia. Apart from education at primary and secondary levels, Latvia can boast of several institutions of higher and very specialized education, including the University of Latvia, Latvia's Academy of Agriculture, the Latvian Academy of Art, the Riga Technical University, and the Latvian Academy of Medicine. Various western and private foundations have sought to help fill the current financial gaps in funding available for education, supporting a number of educational facilities and programmes - for example, the Stockholm School of Economics, which opened in 1994. During the last centuries, there have been no serious social conflicts in Latvia based on ethnic or religious conflicts. Religious life in Latvia has been unique for its centuries-old variety of religious beliefs with many confessions functioning peacefully alongside one another. Latvia's own oldest religion is based in a belief of natural deities. These ancient traditions are preserved in Latvian folk songs and legends, as well as in festivals such as "Jani", which marks the summer solstice and is still a national holiday. Christianity arrived in Latvia through the missionaries and crusaders in the 12th and 13th centuries. The Reformation had a significant impact on Latvia; except for the eastern part of Latvia which at the time was part of the Polish Empire and Catholic, since the 17th century, the main religion in Latvia is seen to be Lutheranism. The first Bible to be printed in the Latvian language, translated by the Rev. Ernest Glueck was published in 1689, with support from the Swedish crown. Russian Orthodoxy spread in Latvia as part of the Russification policies of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. The oldest Old-Believers' parish in the world has its home in Latvia; Old-Believers in Latvia can trace their origins in Latvia back to the 18th century. Independent Latvia (1918-1939) offered extensive religious freedoms. The University of Latvia School of Theology prepared Lutheran and Catholic clergy, while Lutheran, Catholic and Orthodox churches all had autonomous archbishops, as did a separate German Lutheran church. With the advent of WWII, and Soviet occupation in 1940, as the Soviet authorities viewed religion as a manifestation of anti-communism, there was extensive persecution of clergy, as well as the nationalization and confiscation of church properties. With many Latvians fleeing to the west during the war, separate Latvian Lutheran and Catholic churches were established by Latvians in the diaspora. Over the years of Soviet occupation, religious organizations were subject to close supervision by the state, and religious believers were harassed and persecuted. Concurrently, a broad-based propaganda campaign against religion was effected through the educational system, many churches were closed and worship activities were severely restricted. Major churches in major cities in Latvia were turned into museums or concert halls, while smaller regional churches were allowed to deteriorate, collapse or turned into warehouses, silos and other facilities. In the tail end of the 1980's, many of the restrictions were lifted, but with the re-independence of Latvia in 1990, a restoration of religious freedoms ensued. In the past few years, congregations have regained the use of former properties, many churches are undergoing renovations and the rights of religious organizations are once again guaranteed by law. Currently there are some 30 religious confessions active in Latvia. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cultural Heritage Latvia's cultural and artistic traditions are also centuries old; they have been cultivated nurtured and kept by the Latvian nation both in the present territory of the Republic of Latvia, but also by Latvian communities around the world which were primarily established in the aftermath of World War II, when tens of thousands of Latvians fled the invading armies and became displaced persons seeking refuge in countries in almost all continents. More than 1.4 million folk songs, or "dainas", almost always four-line couplets reflecting the ethics morals and life styles of ancient Latvians, have been identified, thanks largely to the pioneering work of Krisjanis Barons (1835-1923) who is known as the father of dainas. Latvian literature as an independent entity appeared only in the 19th century. The Latvian novel was pioneered by the brothers Reinis and Matiss Kaudzitis with their masterpiece "Mernieku laiki" (Time of the Surveyors), which depicted country life in the late 19th century. Another important work in the early stages of Latvian literature was the late 19th century epic poem "Lacplesis" (Bear slayer) by the poet Andrejs Pumpurs. The most famous Latvian author - poet and playwright Rainis, championed Latvia's independence at the turn of the century. Music, song and dance have always had an important role in the life of the Latvian nation. Periodic mass song and dance festivals date back to 1873, the last being in 1993 with 30,000 participants. This tradition is also followed by Latvians in the diaspora, with Song Festivals held in the US every 3 years, every 4 years in Canada, and in Europe and Australia as well. Choral music is a high art in Latvia, with many choirs now performing in concert tours on stages around the globe. Latvia's National Opera and Ballet were world famous during the years of independence, with baritone Adolfs KaktinS and tenor Mariss Vetra achieving world star status. Janis Zabers gained international recognition during the occupation, but after renewed independence, Latvia's opera stars once again are featured artists in many leading opera companies around the world - including Ingus Petersons in the Royal Swedish Opera and Inese Galante in Mannheim's Opera. Mariss Jansons, who is born in Latvia is the conductor of symphony orchestra's in Oslo, St. Petersburg and has taken over artistic directorship of an opera company in the US as well. The most well known classical music composers include Jazeps Vitols, Emils Darzins, Janis Medins and Karlis Baumanis, but in the 1970's and 1980's the contemporary music of Raimonds Pauls and Imants Kalnins gained widespread recognition. Talivaldis Kenins is a composer living in Canada, who has also earned international acclaim. Latvian ballet stars with international names include Zita Errsa, Lita Beiris, Maris Liepa, and Genadijs Gorbanovs. Theatre, film and photography are also areas where Latvian artists have made an international mark. Ten professional theatres currently exist in Latvia, but the National Theatre was actually the site where Latvia's independence was proclaimed in 1918. Latvian photographers, including Janis Klavins, Viesturs Links and Peteris Jaunzems have won top awards in international photography competitions in the past few years. While the origins of Latvian cinematography date back to the 1920's, the first full length Latvian film was "Zvejnieka dels" (The Fisherman's Son) in 1940. Documentaries have had special success and the most famous documentary producers include the Juris Podnieks ( well known for documentaries such as "The Soviets", and "Krustacels" (the Stations of the Cross)), Ivars Seleckis for 'Skersiela" (Crossroads) and Herc Franks for "Augstaka tiesa" (The Supreme Court). The state owned Riga Film studio once produced several feature films each year, but with the collapse of the Soviet cinematography system and full state funding, the studio is struggling to survive. And yet independent producers are now coming to the fore, and in the past few years films like "Cilveka berns" (Child of Man) by Janis Streics and "Ziemassvetku jampadracis" (Christmas Hullabaloo) by Varis Brasla have won awards in Frankfurt, Moscow, Wuertzburg and Chicago. The film studio Dauka, which specializes in animated shorts and features produced "Kakisu dzirnavas" (The Cat's Mill) which won second prize in a US film festival in 1994, but took top honours in Finland and Lithuania. The areas of painting, architecture and sculpture have given rise to names of merit in both past and present-day Latvia. The most notable Latvian painters from the turn of the century include Janis Rozentals and Vilhelms Purvitis. Among those who rose to prominence during and in spite of the period of Soviet "socialist realism" are Janis Pauluks, Maija Tabaka, D�emma Skulme and Auseklis Bauskenieks. The works of many painters in the diaspora have also reached acclaim in the artistic circles of their countries of residence. The most important monument in Riga, the capital of Latvia, is considered to be the Freedom Monument, by Karlis Zale, who was also responsible for the Bralu kapi (Brethren's Cemetery) the memorial cemetery where Latvian freedom fighters and soldiers were laid to rest. The Old Town of Riga is notable for its eclectic architectural styles - from medieval buildings, to Art Nouveau and neo-classicism of the 1930's. Today, Riga is one of the six leading showcases of Art Nouveau in Europe. Meanwhile, Gunars Bikerts who was born in Latvia, but arrived in the US in 1949, is an architect of international acclaim, having designed among other famous buildings, the Museum of Glass in Corning New York, for which he received a gold medal from the Architecture Institute, and the US Embassies in Finland and Venezuela. He has also designed the new National Library of Latvia building, the construction of which is scheduled to begin in the near future. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Treasures for The Present and the Future There is a legend about the city of Riga that at the turn of each century, the devil rears his head from the dark waters of the Daugava River to ask if Riga is "finished yet". If it were to be finished, the city would sink and be swallowed up by the river. However, although Latvia already has a wealth of traditions, spirit and soul, as well as a rich cultural history, like Riga it is in a constant state of exciting change, flux and transition. There is no need for Latvia to sink into oblivion - Latvia is now a source of cultural pearls and treasures waiting to be uncovered, experienced, as well as rediscovered in the years to come. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]