In addition to the official symbols defined by the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Latvia, there are several unofficial ones. These include:
The symbol of the fate of Latvia is the largest river in the republic - the Daugava. She is believed to influence the history of Latvians who call her "Mother River".
The Freedom Monument, located in the center of Riga, is another symbol of Latvia.
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Notes
- Latvijas enciklopēdija. - Rīga: Valērija Belokoņa izdevniecība, 2007 .-- T. 4. - 520 p. - ISBN 978-9984-9482-4-9.
- (Russian) (02.11.2010). Retrieved May 14, 2015.
- (Latvian.). Retrieved May 14, 2015.
- (Latvian.). Retrieved May 14, 2015.
- (Russian). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia.
- (Russian). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia.
- (Russian). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia.
- (Russian). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia.
- (Russian). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia.
- (Russian). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia.
An excerpt characterizing the National Symbols of Latvia
If this man had been gifted in any way with the ability to understand the feelings of others and had guessed about Pierre's feelings, Pierre would probably have left him; but the lively impermeability of this man to everything that was not himself overcame Pierre.- Francais ou prince russe incognito, [French or Russian incognito prince,] - said the Frenchman, looking at Pierre's dirty, but thin linen and the ring on his hand. - Je vous dois la vie je vous offre mon amitie. Un Francais n "oublie jamais ni une insulte ni un service. Je vous offre mon amitie. Je ne vous dis que ca. [I owe you my life, and I offer you friendship. The Frenchman never forgets an insult or a favor. I offer you my friendship. I say nothing more.]
There was so much good nature and nobility (in the French sense) in the sounds of the voice, in the expression on the face, in the gestures of this officer that Pierre, responding with an unconscious smile to the smile of the Frenchman, shook his outstretched hand.
- Capitaine Ramball du treizieme leger, decore pour l "affaire du Sept, [Captain Ramball, Thirteenth Light Regiment, Knight of the Legion of Honor for the Seventh September cause]," he introduced himself with a smug, irrepressible smile that curled his lips under his mustache. - Voudrez vous bien me dire a present, a qui "j" ai l "honneur de parler aussi agreablement au lieu de rester al" ambulance avec la balle de ce fou dans le corps. [Would you be so kind to tell me now who I am with I have the honor to talk so nicely instead of being at the dressing station with this madman's bullet in his body?]
Pierre replied that he could not say his name, and, blushing, began, trying to invent a name, to talk about the reasons why he could not say this, but the Frenchman hastily interrupted him.
“De grace,” he said. - Je comprends vos raisons, vous etes officier ... officier superieur, peut etre. Vous avez porte les armes contre nous. Ce n "est pas mon affaire. Je vous dois la vie. Cela me suffit. Je suis tout a vous. Vous etes gentilhomme? [Complete, please. I understand you, you are an officer ... headquarters officer, maybe. You served against us It's none of my business. I owe you my life. That's enough for me, and I'm all yours. Are you a nobleman?] "He added with a tinge of question. Pierre bowed his head." Votre nom de bapteme, s "il vous plait? Je ne demande pas davantage. Monsieur Pierre, dites vous ... Parfait. C "est tout ce que je desire savoir. [Your name? I don't ask any more. Mister Pierre, did you say? Fine. That's all I need.]
When the fried lamb, scrambled eggs, samovar, vodka and wine from the Russian cellar, which the French had brought with them, were brought, Rambal asked Pierre to take part in this dinner and immediately, greedily and quickly, like a healthy and hungry man, began to eat, quickly chewing with his strong teeth, constantly smacking his lips and saying excellent, exquis! [wonderful, excellent!] His face was flushed and covered with sweat. Pierre was hungry and took part in the dinner with pleasure. Morel, the orderly, brought a pot of warm water and placed a bottle of red wine in it. In addition, he brought a bottle of kvass, which he took in the kitchen for testing. This drink was already known to the French and got its name. They called the kvass limonade de cochon (pork lemonade), and Morel praised this limonade de cochon that he found in the kitchen. But since the captain had wine obtained during the passage through Moscow, he provided kvass to Morel and took up a bottle of Bordeaux. He wrapped the bottle up to the neck in a napkin and poured himself and Pierre some wine. Satisfied hunger and wine revived the captain even more, and he talked incessantly during dinner. Written evidence of a red flag with a white stripe dates back to the second half of the 13th century, when the ancient Latgalian tribes fought with the Estonian tribes with such a flag. This information makes it possible to rank the Latvian flag among the oldest flags in the world. At the end of the 60s of the XIX century, the mention of the red-white-red flag in the past in the “Rhymed Chronicle” of the Livonian Order was found by the Latvian student Jēkabs Lautenbachs-Yusmins, a researcher of folklore,later became a professor. The "Rhymed Chronicle" describes the events that took place in the territory of Latvia before 1290, glorifying the merits of the crusaders for the conversion of the pagans who lived in the territory of Latvia to the Christian faith. Based on the aforementioned historical information, the artist Ansis Tsirulis in May 1917 developed a modern design of the national flag of Latvia. The red color of the Latvian flag has a special dark tone. The proportional distribution of the colors of the flag is as follows: 2: 1: 2 (the lower and upper red parts of the flag are always twice as wide as the middle - white), and the proportions of length and width are 2: 1. The national flag of Latvia in this form and the coat of arms were approved by a special resolution of the parliament on June 15, 1921.
The area of \u200b\u200buse of the Latvian state emblem is strictly regulated. Three types of state emblems are used - large, small supplemented and small coat of arms.
National anthem"God bless Latvia" is the national anthem of Latvia. The author of the text and music of the anthem is the Latvian composer Karlis Baumanis (Baumaniu Karlis). The song "God Bless Latvia" was composed in the second half of the 19th century, when the process of national awakening of the Latvian people began. Karlis Baumanis was the first Latvian composer who dared to mention the word “Latvia” in the lyrics. Despite the fact that at that time the Latvian people still did not dare to dream of creating a completely independent state that did not depend on the Russian Empire, the song "God Bless Latvia" helped to strengthen the self-consciousness of the people. The use of the word "Latvia" in a song should be assessed as a vivid confirmation of the awareness of the Latvian national identity, however, the Russian Empire was not satisfied with this. At first, the Russian authorities even banned the mention of the word "Latvia" in the title and in the lyrics of the song, and it had to be replaced with the word "Baltic". This song, which later became the anthem of Latvia, was first performed at the First Latvian National Song Festival at the end of June 1873 in Riga, and as the national anthem on November 18, 1918, during the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia. On June 7, 1920, the song "God Bless Latvia" was officially approved as the national anthem.
The use of the official symbols of Latvia - the flag, coat of arms and anthem - has been banned since June 1940, when Latvia was occupied by the communist USSR. They were re-approved as official state symbols on February 15, 1990.
Other symbols of Latvia
National bird
The name of this insect in Latvian is a synonym for the ancient Latvian deity Mara, who embodies earthly power. The two-point ladybug was approved as the national insect of Latvia in 1991 by the Society of Entomologists of Latvia.National flower
National trees
Linden (
Tilia cordata) and oak ( Quercus robur). Oak and linden are characteristic elements of the Latvian landscape. Both trees are still used for medicinal purposes today. Medicines for tinctures are made from linden inflorescences and oak bark. In Latvian folk songs (dainas), which express the primordial folk concepts of morality and ethics, linden and oak are most often mentioned among other trees.In Latvian folk beliefs and folklore, linden is traditionally considered a symbol of femininity, and an oak is a symbol of masculinity. The reverence of the people for these trees is evidenced by the village landscape, where often a mighty century-old oak or a majestic linden tree is left untouched or even fenced in among the cultivated fields.
AmberFor a long time amber was considered a precious stone characteristic of the territory of the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. Latvians themselves sometimes call the Baltic Sea the "Amber Sea", thus emphasizing symbolic meaning amber in the history of the people and the country. Unlike other precious and semi-precious stones formed as a result of inorganic chemical processes, Baltic amber was formed from organic substances - from the petrified resin of coniferous trees. Therefore, amber absorbs the warmth of the body and is easy to process.
In the distant past, the territory of Latvia was widely known as a place for amber mining. Amber from the coast of the Baltic Sea was used as a raw material in jewelry, as well as as a means of trade exchange in Ancient Egypt, Assyria, Greece and the Roman Empire. In some places it was even valued higher than gold. Both in ancient times and today, amber is mainly used as a decoration. Since ancient times, in Latvia and elsewhere in the world, amulets, pendants, buttons, necklaces, as well as very complex jewelry and ornaments have been made from it. Amber was used and is still used for medical purposes, since the succinic acid contained in it is considered a unique biostimulant.
The symbol of the fate of Latvia - DaugavaThe Daugava is considered to be the national river of Latvia. The Daugava is the largest river flowing through Latvia (total length is 1005 kilometers, of which 352 kilometers are in the territory of Latvia). Since the time of romanticism, the Daugava is considered to be the river of “fate” or “mother river” in Latvian literature, which influences the history of the people. For many centuries, the Daugava has been an important transport artery, a source of livelihood and a source of energy (the largest hydropower plants in Latvia are located on the Daugava). In the past and at present, the Daugava delimits various historical regions, it separates Kurzeme and Zemgale from Vidzeme and Latgale.
The symbol of independence - the Freedom MonumentThe Freedom Monument in the capital city of Riga has undoubtedly become the symbol of Latvia's independence. It was erected from 1931 to 1935 with donations from the people. The monument was sculpted by the Latvian sculptor Karlis Zale. The sculptural groups at the base of the monument illustrate some important events in the history of Latvia, and the monument ends with the image of Freedom - female figuresymbolizing the idea of \u200b\u200bLatvia's sovereignty.
At the foot of the Freedom Monument, there are always flowers that are laid here as a sign of deep respect for those who created the state and gave their lives in the battles for independence in the name of the national state and the well-being of the people.
Jan's dayThe most significant Latvian traditional holiday is popularly considered Janov's Day or Ligo holiday. For the Latvian people this holiday has acquired a deep symbolic meaning and is known outside Latvia.
Ligo evening is celebrated on June 23rd, and Jan's Day is celebrated the next day, June 24th. The holiday coincides with the summer solstice and is celebrated according to many ancient traditions. The celebration of Ligo is mainly expressed in the gathering of herbs, flowers, wreaths of oak leaves and flowers are made on this day, yards, buildings and pets are decorated with wild flowers and plants, bonfires are burned in the evening and special songs “ligo” are sung. The ritual treat is Yanov's cheese and barley beer.
© Text: Raimonds Ceruzis
Material 2004
Flag
Written evidence of a red flag with a white stripe dates back to the second half of the 13th century, when the ancient Latgalian tribes fought with the Estonian tribes with such a flag (in alliance with the Germans, it should be noted)... This information makes it possible to rank the Latvian flag among the oldest flags in the world. At the end of the 1860s, the mention of the red-white-red flag in the past in the Rhymed Chronicle of the Livonian Order was found by the Latvian student Jēkabs Lautenbachs-Yusmins, a folklore researcher who later became a professor. The "Rhymed Chronicle" describes the events that took place in the territory of Latvia before 1290, glorifying the merits of the crusaders for the conversion of the pagans who lived in the territory of Latvia to the Christian faith. Based on the aforementioned historical information, the artist Ansis Tsirulis in May 1917 developed a modern design of the national flag of Latvia. The red color of the Latvian flag has a special dark (bloody, for the nervous - cherry) tone. The proportional distribution of the colors of the flag is as follows: 2: 1: 2 (the lower and upper red parts of the flag are always twice as wide as the middle - white), and the proportions of length and width are 2: 1. The national flag of Latvia in this form and the coat of arms were approved by a special resolution of the parliament on June 15, 1921.
Emblem
The State Emblem of Latvia was created after the proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Latvia as a symbol of independent statehood. The coat of arms unites both symbols of national statehood and ancient symbols of historical regions. The national statehood of Latvia is symbolized by the sun at the top of the shield of the coat of arms. During the First World War, the soldiers drafted into the army of the Russian Empire - Latvian arrows - began to use the stylized image of the sun as a sign of distinction and national identity. During the First World War, the sun was depicted with 17 rays, symbolizing 17 counties inhabited mainly by Latvians. Three stars above the shield of the national emblem embody the idea of \u200b\u200bincluding historical regions (united Kurzeme-Zemgale, Vidzeme and Latgale) into the united Latvia. The cultural and historical regions are also characterized by even more ancient heraldic images, which appeared already in the 16th century. The red lion symbolizes Kurzeme and Zemgale (western and southwestern part of Latvia). The lion appeared in the coat of arms of the former Duchy of Courland already in 1569. Vidzeme and Latgale (northern and southeastern part of Latvia) are symbolized by a fabulous winged silver beast with an eagle's head - a vulture. This symbol appeared in 1566, when the present territory of Vidzeme and Latgale fell under the control of the Polish-Lithuanian state. The State Emblem of Latvia was created by the Latvian artist Rihards Zarins.
The area of \u200b\u200buse of the Latvian state emblem is strictly regulated. Three types of state emblems are used - large, small supplemented and small coat of arms.
National anthem
"God bless Latvia" is the national anthem of Latvia. The author of the text and music of the anthem is the Latvian composer Karlis Baumanis (Baumaniu Karlis). The song "God Bless Latvia" was composed in the second half of the 19th century, when the process of national awakening of the Latvian people began. Karlis Baumanis was the first Latvian composer who dared to mention the word “Latvia” in the lyrics. Despite the fact that at that time the Latvian people still did not dare to dream of creating a completely independent state that did not depend on the Russian Empire, the song "God Bless Latvia" helped to strengthen the self-consciousness of the people. The use of the word "Latvia" in the song should be assessed as a vivid confirmation of the awareness of the Latvian national identity, but this did not satisfy the Russian Empire. At first, the Russian authorities even banned the mention of the word "Latvia" in the title and in the lyrics of the song, and it had to be replaced with the word "Baltic". This song, which later became the anthem of Latvia, was first performed at the First Latvian National Song Festival at the end of June 1873 in Riga, and as the national anthem on November 18, 1918, during the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia. On June 7, 1920 the song "God Bless Latvia" was officially approved as the national anthem.
The use of the official symbols of Latvia - the flag, coat of arms and anthem - has been banned since June 1940, when Latvia was occupied by the communist USSR. (In fact, the flag was canceled a little longer. - E.B.) They were re-approved as official state symbols on February 15, 1990.
Other symbols of Latvia
National bird
The national bird of Latvia is the white wagtail (Motacilla alba). From April to October, this graceful bird can be seen very often in Latvia. The white wagtail is found near settlements and various water bodies. Usually the wagtail runs nimbly on the ground, swinging up and down with its long narrow tail. She builds a nest under the eaves, in the piles of firewood, in piles of stones and in bird cages. Winters in Southern Europe and North Africa. In 1960, the White Wagtail was approved as the national bird of Latvia by the International Council for the Protection of Birds.
National insect
The national insect of Latvia is the two-spotted ladybug (Adalia bipunctata). The two-point ladybug is known as a beneficial insect that protects plants from pests. By its nature, this insect is rather slow, but it knows how to defend itself well. Due to its appearance and behavior, this insect is widely known and loved in Latvia.
The name of this insect in Latvian is a synonym for the ancient Latvian deity Maar, who embodies earthly power. The two-point ladybug was approved as the national insect of Latvia in 1991 by the Society of Entomologists of Latvia.
National flower
Wild chamomile (Leucanthemum vulgare, previously also called Chrysanthemum leucanthemum) is considered the national flower of Latvia. In the climatic conditions of Latvia, common or wild-growing daisies bloom from June to September. Chamomile is a favorite flower and is often presented as a gift.
National trees
Linden (Tilia cordata) and oak (Quercus robur) are considered the national trees of Latvia. Oak and linden are characteristic elements of the Latvian landscape. Both trees are still used for medicinal purposes today. Medicines for tinctures are made from linden inflorescences and oak bark. In Latvian folk songs (dainas), which express the primordial folk concepts of morality and ethics, linden and oak are most often mentioned among other trees.
In Latvian folk beliefs and folklore, linden is traditionally considered a symbol of femininity, and an oak is a symbol of masculinity. The reverence of the people for these trees is evidenced by the village landscape, where often a mighty century-old oak or a majestic linden tree is left untouched or even fenced in among the cultivated fields.
Amber
For a long time amber was considered a precious stone characteristic of the territory of the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. Latvians themselves sometimes call the Baltic Sea the "Amber Sea", thus emphasizing the symbolic significance of amber in the history of the people and the country. Unlike other precious and semi-precious stones formed as a result of inorganic chemical processes, Baltic amber was formed from organic substances - from the petrified resin of coniferous trees. Therefore, amber absorbs the warmth of the body and is easy to process.
In the distant past, the territory of Latvia was widely known as a place of amber mining, although now it has become much less... Amber from the coast of the Baltic Sea was used as a raw material in jewelry, as well as as a means of trade exchange in Ancient Egypt, Assyria, Greece and the Roman Empire. In some places it was even valued higher than gold. Both in ancient times and today, amber is mainly used as a decoration. Since ancient times, in Latvia and elsewhere in the world, amulets, pendants, buttons, necklaces, as well as very complex jewelry and ornaments have been made from it. Amber was used and is still used for medical purposes, since the succinic acid contained in it is considered a unique biostimulant.
The symbol of the fate of Latvia - Daugava
The Daugava is considered to be the national river of Latvia. The Daugava is the largest river flowing through Latvia (total length is 1005 kilometers, of which 352 kilometers are in the territory of Latvia). Since the time of romanticism, the Daugava is considered to be the river of “fate” or “mother river” in Latvian literature, which influences the history of the people. For many centuries, the Daugava has been an important transport artery, a source of livelihood and a source of energy (the largest hydroelectric power plants in Latvia are located on the Daugava). In the past and in the present, the Daugava delimits various historical regions, it separates Kurzeme and Zemgale from Vidzeme and Latgale.
The symbol of independence - the Freedom Monument
The Freedom Monument in the capital city of Riga has undoubtedly become the symbol of Latvia's independence. It was erected from 1931 to 1935 with donations from the people. The monument was sculpted by the Latvian sculptor Karlis Zale. The sculptural groups at the base of the monument illustrate some important events in the history of Latvia, and the monument ends with the image of Freedom - a female figure symbolizing the idea of \u200b\u200bLatvia's sovereignty.
At the foot of the Freedom Monument, there are always flowers that are laid here as a sign of deep respect for those who created the state and gave their lives in the battles for independence in the name of the national state and the well-being of the people.
Jan's day
The most significant Latvian traditional holiday is popularly considered Janov's Day or Ligo holiday. For the Latvian people this holiday has acquired a deep symbolic meaning and is known outside Latvia.
Ligo evening is celebrated on June 23rd, and Jan's Day is celebrated the next day, June 24th. The holiday coincides with the summer solstice and is celebrated according to many ancient traditions. The celebration of Ligo is mainly expressed in the gathering of herbs, flowers, wreaths of oak leaves and flowers are made on this day, yards, buildings and pets are decorated with wild flowers and plants, bonfires are burned in the evening and special songs “ligo” are sung. The ritual treat is Yanov's cheese and barley beer.
Text: Raimonds Ceruzis
Mighty, strong, unbending - like Latvia itself. He has lived for a thousand years and has seen a lot in his long life. The symbol of the masculine principle and our national treasure, the unique Kaive oak, which has no equal not only in our entire country, but also in Lithuania, Estonia and even Poland. Kaiva oak and other unique trees growing in the territory of Latvia are the focus of today's program "100 Natural Treasures".
Trees are one of the most important and most unique natural wonders. Oaks and lindens are everywhere in Latvia. In nature, in dainas, in paintings. Even the most popular Latvian banknote - five-lats - was decorated with the image of a spreading century-old oak tree. In Latvian mythology, the oak is a symbol of the masculine principle. Linden is a symbol of femininity. By the way, the largest number of age-old oaks and lindens in the Baltics is growing in our country. And the largest, thickest and oldest oak is also ours.
And he has a name - Kaives senču ozols (Ancient Kaiv oak). It grows in the Tukums region, on the northern outskirts of Kaive, not far from Senchi farm. In the old days, the pagans revered him as a real magical artifact. Today, the legendary oak tree is also carefully guarded by the state. The tree, which looks more like a huge branching baobab than an oak, is under the supervision of the Latvian Petroglyph Center - it is engaged in the study of historical and natural monuments and objects. Kaiva oak is definitely one of the most important and most significant treasures of Latvia, says the head of the center Andris Grinbergs.
We examine it from time to time and at the moment I can say that the circumference of its trunk is 10 meters 52 centimeters. This is the largest century-old tree not only in Latvia, but in the whole Baltic.
The closest competitor of our oak is growing in Lithuania - the Stelmuzh oak, its trunk circumference is 9 meters 80 cm, so ours is more than 70 centimeters more powerful, ”Grinbergs emphasizes.
The age of such trees - oaks and lindens, growing in our region, can be determined quite simply: the trunk circumference in centimeters must be divided by 2. That is, it turns out that the age of the Kaive oak is about 530 years. There is information that it is over a thousand years old, but this is most likely not true. And about the Stelmuzhsky oak in tourist booklets they write that it is over 2 thousand years old, but this is nonsense - in circumference we can say that it is less than 500 years old. This is scientifically proven, by measuring the circumference of oak trees, we notice that in our conditions the oak "gets fat" by an average of 2 centimeters per year. This is the growth rate of all our trees, except for pines, which grow in swamps or dunes. Here they have a smaller annual growth.
In general, I must say that we can rightfully be proud of the abundance of age-old trees in our country. There are much fewer of them in Lithuania and Estonia.
For example, if you take the top 20 Baltic oak trees, then in the top twenty number two is the largest oak tree in Lithuania. And the largest oak tree in Estonia is somewhere in the fifteenth place, if not lower. It has a girth of only about 8 and a half meters. The other 18 largest century-old trees in the Baltics are ours!
We are lucky with the climate, oak trees like it very much. In Poland, by the way, there are also many oaks, but they do not grow so large there. They have a lot of eight- and nine-meter oak trees, but there is only one tree more than 10 meters in a circle - 10 meters, 10 centimeters, so it does not reach ours either. They had one oak larger than Kaivsky, but hooligans burned it down a few years ago.
We also have other outstanding old-timer trees. The largest linden tree in our country grows in Kurzeme, in the town of Valdemarpils - on the outskirts. Its circumference is almost 9 meters, approximately 8 meters and 80 centimeters. It is one of the largest by Baltic standards.
It is more difficult with pines: they often become multi-stemmed with age, and, growing too high, break under the onslaught of the wind. Therefore, the largest pine tree in Latvia is the Allu pine in Kurzeme, in girth it is “only” 4 meters and 44 cm, with a height of more than 24 meters, which is a very good result for a pine ”.
Pine Allu, about which the head of the Latvian petroglyph center Andris Grinbergs, speaks, is located on the left bank of the Stende river near Ventspils. And the oldest linden tree, which grows 14 km from Talsi on the outskirts of Valdemarpils, also saw Duke Jekaba. She also has a name - Elku, the linden of Idols.
Uldis Sommers, a member of the board of the Rigas Mezhi enterprise, is a big fan of the Kaiv oak and regrets very much that the capital cannot boast of such centuries-old heroes. But according to him,
there are plants in Riga that cannot be seen anywhere else in Latvia. This tradition was introduced a hundred years ago by the famous landscape architect Georg Kufaldt,
being the director of Riga's gardens and parks, he planted many exotic flowers, shrubs and trees in its green areas. Today, after a century, even in the most ordinary square, you can sometimes stumble upon amazing plants that are not associated with our lands.
A tulip tree has been growing on Washington Square with the light hand of the US Embassy for 6 years. Under normal conditions, it can even grow up to 50 meters. Opposite the opera, in the park of the University of Latvia, the most ancient tree on the planet, which has survived unchanged since the Mesozoic era, is growing - this is the ginkgo. In Riga, the first trees of this species were planted personally by the legendary Kufaldt. And the opera has a seedling donated to Riga by the inhabitants of Germany.
Swiss Shahverdi Akhadov plants walnuts all over Europe. With his light hand in the Ebelmuižas park in Ziepniekkalns and on the Daugava promenade, nuts of the Franquette variety bred in France grow.
And a certain inhabitant of Plakantsiems, a Siberian by origin, presented Riga with a real Siberian cedar. It can be viewed in the capital's Victory Park. There are also magnolias in Riga. Previously, these exotic trees grew only in the botanical garden. And now magnolia, a visiting card of the subtropics, grows and blooms in Riga parks: Vermansky, Kronvalda and the park near the opera.
But the most exotic plant for our latitudes is the Kentucky coffee tree, it is also soapy, it is also a dioecious bunch, grows right on the embankment of the Riga Canal.
Not far from the house of the beaver Askold. It appeared in Riga in the 60s of the last century and some of the seedlings not only took root, but even bears fruit - brown pods with beans and a green gel-like substance.
Despite the name, the beans are not coffee beans; raw they are even poisonous. But the gel filling of the pods washes well and the American natives used it instead of detergents.
By the way, for those Latvians who want to donate a tree to the capital or another city, "Rigas Mezhi" advises to coordinate the location of the gift with the companies that manage green spaces. And everyone else wishes to enjoy the living treasures of Latvia with care - not to pluck the leaves, to protect them from vandals so that many more generations of Latvians can see them.
Latvia - the land of forests. It ranks 4th in the European Union in terms of forested area.
In past Latvia (Latvian republic) was part of the USSR as a union republic. FROM August 21, 1991... it is an independent state.
Latvia shares borders with Estonia, Russia, Belarus and Lithuania. Washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga.
State symbols of Latvia
Flag - a rectangular panel of three different-sized horizontal stripes: burgundy, white and burgundy in a ratio between themselves as 2: 1: 2. The ratio of the flag's width to its length is 1: 2.
According to legend, the red-white-red flag of Latvia is one of the oldest in the world. Its history dates back to the time of the battle of the Knights of the Sword with the Lett near Venden in XIII century. According to legend, the flag was based on a white cloth, in which the mortally wounded leader of the Latvian tribe was carried from the battlefield. The warriors raised the cloth soaked in blood from both ends as a banner, and it led them to victory.
Emblem - a crossed and half-cut in azure, silver and scarlet shield. In the azure field, a stylized golden rising sun with diverging rays is depicted, in silver - a wormy lion looking to the left, in a red field - a silver griffin looking to the right holding a blade in its right paw. Above the shield are three golden five-pointed stars located in an arc-like manner. The shield is supported by a rearing scarlet lion and a silver griffin, standing on a base of green branches entwined with a ribbon.
There are three types of coat of arms: large, small extended and small coat of arms.
Large coat of arms used by the President, Parliament (Seimas), Prime Minister, Cabinet of Ministers, Ministries, Supreme Court, General Prosecutor's Office, Bank of Latvia, as well as diplomatic and consular missions of Latvia.
Small supplemented coat of arms used by committees and commissions of parliament and the cabinet of ministers, as well as institutions directly subordinate to these authorities.
Small coat of arms used by other government agencies, municipal local governments, and educational institutions on official documents.
Brief description of modern Latvia
Capital - Riga.
Largest cities - Riga, Daugavpils, Liepaja, Jelgava, Jurmala.
Form of government - parliamentary republic.
Head of state - President, elected for 4 years.
Head of the government (Cabinet of Ministers) - Prime Minister.
Territory - 64 589 km².
Population - 2 201 196 people Latvians make up 76.97% of the population, Russians - 8.83%, Belarusians - 1.4%, Poles - 2.6%, Lithuanians - 1.2%, Jews - 4.9%, Germans - 3.3%.
Official religion - no. But the overwhelming majority of Latvians are Lutherans, Russian speakers are Orthodox, and Poles are Catholics. Society is tolerant of various religious movements.
Economy - the share of the service sector in Latvia's GDP is 70.6%, industry - 24.7%, agriculture - 4.7%.
Main export goods of Latvia: electrical machinery and equipment, machinery and mechanisms, iron and unalloyed steel, lumber, pharmaceutical products, iron and steel products, primary products of iron and steel, round timber, knitwear and textiles, non-ferrous metals and their products.
Russia remains Latvia's traditional trading partner.
Official language - Latvian. Among national minorities, discontent is caused by the lack of an official status for the Russian language, the native language of 37.5% of the population.
Currency - Latvian lat.
Education - the education system is divided into basic, secondary and higher. The state provides complete secondary education. Compulsory education for 9 years, then optional school education can be continued up to 12 years.
Grade 1 starts at 6 or 7 years old. Basic education is designed for 9 years. In secondary education, there are two types of programs: general secondary (its task is to prepare for further studies, it is designed for 3 years) and vocational secondary educational program (focused on obtaining professional qualifications). The system of centralized examinations (Unified State Exam, Unified State Examination) has been implemented in the Latvian education system.
Climate - moderate, natural disasters are rare.
Ecology - generally favorable. In 2012, Latvia ranked second in the world (after Switzerland) in terms of environmental performance.
Culture of Latvia
Literature
In fact, original Latvian literature began in the 19th century, when Latvians began to receive higher education, as a result of which a full-fledged national literature was created. Famous poets this time - Janis Rainis (Yan Pliekshans) and Aspasia (Elsa Rosenberg).
In the USSR, much attention was paid to translations of national literatures into Russian. In this regard, the names of Latvian writers became known Latsisa, Upita, Manes, Sudrabkalna, Kempe, Ziedonis, Grigulis, Skuinja, Vatsietis and etc.
Music
The Latvian national music school began to form in the second half of the 19th century. Composers became one of its first representatives. Karlis Baumanis (1835-1905), author of the text and music of the Latvian anthem, and Janis Cimze (1814-1881), who collected and processed folk music... Among the musical genres, choral singing developed most actively, in 1873
the first song festival, which has become traditional and is held every five years.
The main opera venue of the Latvian SSR was the State Opera and Ballet Theater. On its stage, classical and modern operas have been staged, including the latest works by Latvian composers.
Modern musicians have won world fame: composers Janis Ivanov, Paul Dambis, Maya Einfelde, Artur Grinups, Imants Kalnins, Romualds Kalsons, Raimonds Pauls, Romuald Kalsons, Imants Zemzaris, conductors Arvid Jansons and his son Maris, singers Karlis Zarinsh, Ingus Petersons, Samson Izyumov, Alexander Antonenko, singers Germaine Heine-Wagner, Inessa Galante, pianists Artur Ozolins, Ilze Graubinja, Vestards Shimkus, violinists Baiba Skride, Ieva Graubina-Bravo, Valdis Zarins and Gidon Kremer, piano duet Nora Novik and Raffi Kharajanyan, cellist Eleanor Testelets, organists Talivaldis Deksnis, Iveta Apkalne.
- an outstanding violinist and conductor, laureate of many international violin competitions. Gidon Kremer's repertoire includes works by classics (Antonio Vivaldi, Johann Sebastian Bach) and contemporary composers.
Sport
The most popular sport is hockeythen basketball, football, volleyball, tennis, cycling, bobsleigh and luge.
Natural attractions of Latvia
Waterfall on the Venta river
The widest waterfall in Europe, located in Kuldiga. Its width depends on the amount of water (on average 100-110 m), but in high water it can reach 279 m. The height is from 1.6 to 2.2 m. The rapids of the waterfall form an intricate zigzag line.
Gutman's cave
The largest cave in Latvia and the entire Baltic region. Located on the right bank of the Gauja River in the Gauja National Park near the city of Sigulda.
The walls of the cave are made of red sandstone, formed in the Devonian period (about 410 million years ago). A stream flows out of the cave and flows into the Gauja River. The depth of the cave is 18.8 m, width 12 m, height 10 m.
White dune
It is one of the most beautiful coastal dunes in Latvia with a beautiful view of the Vidzeme coast. There is a special observation deck where you can relax. From the White Dune along the sea coast, a 3.6 km long walking trail of the sunset has been created. The white dune overlooks the mouth of the Inchupe River.
Bulduri Dendrological Park
Bulduri - part of the city of Jurmala, 20 km from Riga. This place is named after the owner of the estate Johann Buldrink, who lived in the 15th century. On the territory of Bulduri there is a Dendrological Park. The park contains the richest collection of flowers and trees.
At the beginning of the XXI century. a shopping center and a water park were built near the bridge over the Lielupe.
Waterfall on Alekshupite
Waterfall in Kuldiga, at the very source of Aleksupite, which flows from the Venta River. Height 4.15 m, width 8 m. second waterfall in height in Latvia. There is a bridge over the waterfall, as well as a mill dam. It is believed to have been built in XIII century... together with the castle. In the XVII century. it was reinforced to rotate the wheel that powered the first paper mill in Kurzeme.
Gauja (national park)
Biggest national park in Latvia. Occupies an area of \u200b\u200b917.45 km² in the Gauja river valley, a few kilometers from the city of Valmiera. Founded in 1979, it is the oldest national park in Latvia.
The park is especially famous for the Devonian sandstone cliffs along the banks of the Gauja River. In some places in the Sigulda region, the height of these cliffs reaches 90 meters. The southeastern part of the park is a popular recreation area for residents of the city of Riga, while the northwestern part is more of a nature conservation area.
The territory of the park includes several historical buildings: Turaida castle, Lielstraupe (castle and church), Ungurmuiža estate. 47% of the park's territory is covered with forests, mainly spruce and pine. The park has many lakes, the largest of which is Ungurs.
Kemeri (national park)
Founded in 1997 year It includes the Great Kemeri bog, Lake Kanieru, the Slocene river valley, the sulfur springs of the Zala (Green) bog, ancient continental dunes, a sandy beach with coastal dunes and Lake Valguma. Occupies an area of \u200b\u200b38165 hectares, of which 1954 hectares are in the Gulf of Riga.
Kolka (cape)
A strategically important promontory located at the extreme northern tip of the Kurzeme Peninsula in the historical and geographical region of Courland. It is strategically located at the entrance to the Gulf of Riga on the Baltic Sea. Also known for Kolka lighthouse (since 1875). Translated from Livsky it means "acute angle" (the shape of the cape).
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Latvia
Old Town (Riga)
The oldest part of the city on the right bank of the Daugava River. Old Riga is famous for its cathedrals and historic buildings. A significant part of Riga's sights is concentrated in Old Riga, where the streets are still lined with cobblestones and where you can feel the medieval flavor of the city. In the 80s of the XX century. the city authorities, with rare exceptions, prohibited traffic on the territory of Old Riga.
Sights of Old Riga
Riga Cathedral, its symbol and one of the main attractions... It is the largest medieval temple in the Baltic States. The name of the cathedral comes from the Latin "Domus Dei" ("House of God") and "D.O.M." (short for Deo Optimo Maximo, "All-Merciful Greatest God"). Currently - the main church building of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia. Was founded in 1211 BC
Numerous adjustments have led to the intertwining of various architectural styles... The northern portal of the church, the former main entrance, has survived from the Gothic period. In addition to the Gothic and Baroque, there are fragments of the Renaissance and Romanesque styles. Due to floods, the streets of Riga were covered with gravel for centuries, as a result, the floor level in the temple is significantly lower than the street level, as a result, there is a feeling that the cathedral is located in a lowland.
Attractions in the cathedral also include the small guild memorial stone (19th century), baroque carvings (c. 1641) and the grave of the first bishop of Livonia, Meinhard von Segeberg.
Lutheran Church of St. Petra
The oldest religious building in the city, first mentioned in 1209 g... The church is famous for its original, recognizable spire (the total height of the church tower is 123.5 m, of which 64.5 m falls on the spire). It was built as a folk church: merchants, artisans and other residents of the city took an active part in collecting funds for construction. At the church, one of the oldest schools cities. Created in gothic style.
Cathedral of Saint James
Brick monument gothic, the fourth largest church in Riga, the main Catholic church in Latvia, the cathedral of the Riga archdiocese. For several centuries and until the middle of the XX century. was a cathedral Lutheran church.
An example of the transition period from Romanic to Gothic. First mentioned in 1225 g... The windows of the Riga St. James Church are covered stained glass, which were created in the XIX century.
House with black cats
A building in the central part of the Old Town of Riga, built in 1909 g. architect Friedrich Scheffel in the style of late rational modern. It is one of the most "legendary" buildings in the Old Town.
There is an unverified legend that the wealthy homeowner Blumer (Plume), dissatisfied with the fact that he was not allowed to become a member of the Riga Big Guild, the representative body of the Riga merchants, took an act of psychological retribution. He commissioned sculptures of black cats with arched backs and placed them on the pointed turrets of his apartment building, located on the opposite side of Meistaru Street. These cats were turned their tails towards the windows of the elder's office of the Great Guild. A lawsuit was started against Blumer, but legal measures did not succeed in getting from Blumer to turn the cats around. It took a long time to turn the cats in the "correct" angle.
Large and Small Guilds
The Great Guild was formed in 1354 BC, in the same year, the Small Guild appeared, this is not a coincidence: before that time the inhabitants of Riga had a single guild of citizens, called the Guild of the Holy Cross and Trinity, and in 1354 g... it was split into two - the guild of craftsmen (Small) and the guild of merchants (Big).
Unlike the Small Guild, which unites craft people under its roof, the Big Guild accepted only Riga merchants into its ranks.
Powder tower
The only surviving tower, an element of the city fortification system of Riga, which is a branch of the Latvian War Museum. For the first time in the chronicle source mentioned in 1330 BC in connection with the conquest of the city by the troops of the Livonian Order. Especially for Master Eberhardt von Mongheim, a cannon shot made a hole in the fortress wall, through which he pompously drove into the newly conquered Riga. It was decided to improve the fortification system of the city, a tower was erected, named after the features of the surrounding relief - Sandy.
Riga castle
It is currently the residence of the President of Latvia. One of the most significant historical and cultural buildings in the Latvian capital.
The history of the castle dates back to 1330 BCwhen its construction was started by the Livonian knights ousted from the then city limits.
House of Blackheads
Architectural monument XIV century. The building was rebuilt several times. It was destroyed during the Second World War. Restored today.
In the end XIII century... there was a brotherhood of St. George, which hosted young unmarried foreign merchants. The original patron saint was St. George is the patron saint of knights and warriors, later - St. Mauritius (its symbol - a black head - was in the coat of arms of the brotherhood) and the name of the Blackheads was assigned to them. The corporation was completely secular.
Three brothers
Architectural complex. A typical example of the architecture of medieval Riga. In the Three Brothers complex, each of the buildings shows different periods of development of residential building construction in medieval Latvia. Today it houses the State Inspection for the Protection of Cultural Monuments, the Latvian Architects' Union, the Latvian Museum of Architecture and the editorial office of Latvijas Architektūra magazine.
Most old brother (White Brother) built around 1490 g., middle-brother - in 1646 g., the youngest (Green Brother) - at the end XVII century
Swedish gate
The Swedish gate was cut through the Riga fortress wall in 1689 g. Legend has it that the building where the gate is located now belonged to a wealthy Riga merchant. In order not to constantly pay taxes when importing goods into the city, he took and hacked this passage. This is the only city gate in Riga that has survived in its original form.
Latvian National Opera
The building was built in the city center in 1863 year... as the 1st city (German) theater, but 20 years later there was a major fire, as a result of which the building in 1885-1887. rebuilt.
IN 1919 g... the Latvian National Opera, which previously had no permanent location, moved to the theater building. The first performance took place on January 21, 1919, it was Richard Wagner's production of The Flying Dutchman.
Riga central market
One of the oldest and largest markets in Europe and America, distinguished by its original design. The pavilion constructions show the features of functional Art Nouveau, the neoclassical style that was widespread in Riga before the war - this pompous manor style traditionally served wealthy Riga merchants and entrepreneurs. Some of the details of the facades are decorated in an Art Deco style. Under the pavilions there are underground storage facilities and refrigeration units.
Riga Aviation Museum
The largest aviation technology museum in Latvia and one of the largest in Europe... The largest collection of Soviet aircraft outside the CIS is presented. Leads its history with the formation of the Young Pilots Club named after. F. Zander in 1965 year... It was officially opened in 1997 on the initiative of V.P. Talpa, a former military engineer of the naval aviation of the Black Sea Fleet. The territory of the Riga International Airport was allocated to house the museum.
Other sights of Latvia
Freedom Monument
Installed in 1935 H... in memory of the fallen fighters for the independence of Latvia. Sculptor Karlis Zale, architect E. E. Stalberg. It is a vertical monument 42 m high. Made of gray and red granite, travertine, concrete and copper. At the base there are 13 sculptures and bas-reliefs depicting pages of the country's history, from the legendary hero Lacplesis to the Latvian red riflemen.
At the top of the main pylon, 19 m high, there is a 9-meter figure of "Freedom" - a young woman holding three stars on her outstretched arms, symbolizing the three provinces of Latvia: Kurzeme (Courland), Vidzeme (Livland) and Latgale (Latgale).
An inscription is carved on the facade of the monument: “Tēvzemei \u200b\u200bun Brīvībai” (“To the Fatherland and Freedom”).
Rundale Palace
Country residence of the Dukes of Courland, 12 km north-west of Bauska in the village of Pilsrundale. Built in baroque style according to the project F.B. Rastrelli for E. I. Biron... Laid in 1740 g., finished in 1768 g.
The ensemble of the palace consists of the building of the palace itself with stables and other outbuildings, to which a French garden with an area of \u200b\u200b10 hectares adjoins from the south, closed on all sides by a canal, behind it is a hunting park (34 hectares).
Currently, the vorets and the adjacent garden are a museum. It is also used for receiving high-ranking foreign guests by the President of Latvia.
Riga Motor Museum
Automobile Museum in Riga, expositions include over 230 cars, motorcycles and mopeds end XIX to end XX century. The Motor Museum displays sports and military vehicles, Latvian-made cars, limousines and cars from the 1930s (including Molotov's car, Brezhnev's limousine).
Art Museum (Riga)
One of the oldest museums in Riga. The collection of the museum comprises over 52,000 exhibits, divided into two extensive collections: Latvian and foreign art... The collection of Latvian art is the largest in the world and reflects the history of the development of painting, graphics and sculpture in Latvia since the middle of the 18th century. until now.
Latvian Ethnographic Museum
One of the largest open-air museums in Europe. Was created in 1924 g., open to visitors in 1932 year... Located in a picturesque place on the shores of Lake Jugla, away from city buildings, practically on the border of Riga.
On the territory of 84 hectares there is 118
residential, utility, public wooden buildings built in XVII - XX centuries... in different historical regions of Latvia.
Jurmala
Jurmala - the largest resort city in Latvia and the Baltic States. The Dzintari Concert Hall annually hosts the KVN music festival and the New Wave international competition for young performers, as well as the Jurmalina festival, Anshlag performances and other concerts and festivals.
Daugavpils
The second largest and most important city in the country after the capital Riga. First mentioned in 1275 g... The historical center of Daugavpils (the development of city center quarters in the 19th - early 20th centuries) is a monument of urban planning of national importance, included in the list of protected objects, monuments in 1998.
Historical Center
Daugavpils fortress (Dinaburgskaya)
A fortification located on both banks of the Western Dvina (Daugava) river. A monument of urban planning and architecture of national importance.
Construction began in 1810 g... by order of the emperor Alexander I on the eve of the war with Napoleon I in order to strengthen the western border of the Russian Empire. The work was supervised by a military engineer general E.F. Gekel. During the war 1812 g. the fortress was damaged. IN 1830 g... Fortress Dinaburg as a result of the Polish uprising was transferred to martial law. 2 June 1833
The fortress was consecrated in the presence of Emperor Nicholas I and the highest clergy of Russia.
IN 1863 year... in connection with the Polish mutiny, the fortress was again transferred to martial law. Construction work in the fortress continued until 1878, although the bulk was completed in 1864 g.
Interesting sculptures are installed in the city, for example, turtle sculpture, bat monument, cat sculpture, etc.
Liepaja
A city in southwestern Latvia on the Baltic Sea coast. The third largest city in Latvia after Riga and Daugavpils and an important ice-free port.
Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Anna.
It has a unique organ, the third largest in Latvia.
Orthodox Naval Cathedral of St. Nikolay... The first stone was laid by Tsar Nicholas II himself.
Liepaja is the center of culture and sports, various sports events are held here: the International Chess Tournament, the World Championship in Rocket Modeling, the basketball championship “Livu alus”, one of the stages of the international tennis tournament “Davis Cup”, the annual July rally “Kurzeme”, the Liepaja Games Vikings, organized by the Association of Latvian Bogatyrs, international orienteering competitions (KĀPA) and "sports weekend", during which every citizen of Liepaja can take part in beach volleyball, football, streetball, minigolf, floorball, cycling and relay races.
Liepaja Sports Center
Jelgava (historical name Mitava)
Founded in 1573 g... Located on the Lielupe River.
Mitava (Jelgava) Palace
The largest baroque palace in the Baltics, built in XVIII century. on the project B. Rastrelli as the ceremonial city residence of the Dukes of Courland and Semigalia in their capital Mitava (now Jelgava).
Cathedral of Simeon and Anna
Cathedral of the Latvian Orthodox Church in the city of Jelgava, consecrated in honor of St. Simeon the God-Receiver and St. Anna the Prophetess. It has a chapel in the name of Saint Alexis, the man of God. IN 1711 g. Peter I at the conclusion of the marriage of his niece Anna Ioannovna with the Duke of Courland Friedrich Wilhelm demanded from him a promise to build an Orthodox church in the capital city of Mitava. This was done.
In September 2010, a multifunctional sports complex was opened Zemgale Olympic Center. At its stadium, the Jelgava football team plays its home matches, and the basketball and volleyball courts in the sports hall.
House of fairy tales "Undine"
Located next to the station Dubulti... Undine in Western mythology is called a mermaid.
The main goal of "Undina" is to preserve and revive fairy tales, ethical values, folk traditions and crafts. The house of fairy tales is loved by creative people: artists, poets, musicians, artisans, everyone tries to leave something about themselves as a keepsake as paintings, carvings, sculptures, handicrafts, songs.
History of Latvia
Until the XII century. the territory of Latvia was inhabited by the pagan tribes of the Balts, Finno-Ugrians, Slavs, Livs. The Livs paid tribute to the Polotsk princes, others - to the kings of Sweden. From the second half XII century. on the territory of eastern Latvia, Russian missionaries preached the Christian faith in the Orthodox version, but the locals were reluctant to deviate from pagan beliefs. During the era of the crusades, Christians Western Europe went to convert to Christianity and northern pagans.
IN 1201 g... Riga was founded. Riga in view of its geographic location has always been an important trading region (in the past, part of “ Paths from the Varangians to the Greeks ").
In the picture: I. Aivazovsky "Varangian saga - the way from the Varangians to the Greeks"
The inhabitants of Riga took an active part in the Reformation, in 1517 g... a preacher of ideas arrived in Riga Luther Andreas Knopken... Most of the burghers willingly accepted the new teaching. In 1530 Nikolaus Ramm translated passages from the Bible into Latvian for the first time.
IN 1558 g. invaded the territory of Livonia Ivan groznyj. The pretext is non-payment of tribute for 300 years. IN 1583 g. Russia lost the war. The territory of Livonia was divided between the Polish-Lithuanian Grand Duchy, Sweden (north of present-day Estonia) and Denmark (she inherited the island of Ezel, now Saaremaa); the lands of the Order to the north of the Western Dvina became the Duchy of Zadvin, ruled by Poland, and the lands to the south became a vassal state of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth - the Duchy of Courland.
John Vasilievich the Great, Emperor of Russia, Prince of Moscow
XVII century is the time of the formation of the Latvian nation as a result of the consolidation of separate peoples. IN 1638 g. Georg Manselius compiled the first Latvian dictionary "Lettus" 1649 g. Paulus Einhorn's Historia Lettica (Latvian History) was published.
XVIII century. IN 1721 g. according to the results of the Northern War, Livonia was ceded to the Russian Empire. Riga became part of Russia in fact already in 1710 g.
During the first partition of the Commonwealth in 1772
The city of Latgale departs to Russia. During the third partition of the Commonwealth in 1795 g... Kurzeme and Zemgale departed to the Russian Empire.
XIX century. War with Napoleon in 1812 g. partly affected the territory of Latvia.
IN 1817-1819 biennium... was canceled serfdom in the Courland and Livonia provinces.
IN 1861 g. the first railway line Riga-Daugavpils in the territory of modern Latvia was put into operation. IN 1862 g... the Riga Polytechnic Institute was opened. From the middle of the XIX century. the growth of the national identity of Latvians is increasing. At the end of the XIX century. the rapid development of industry begins.
The Russian-Baltic Carriage Works, the Phoenix Carriage Works, and the Provodnik Rubber Products Plant started operating, and the first cars and bicycles in Russia are being produced. Machine building and metalworking are becoming the leading industries.
XX century An active struggle for the independence of Latvia begins. IN 1915 g. Germany occupies Kurzeme, industry is evacuated from Latvian cities, great destruction occurs in Dvinsk (now Daugavpils), the creation of Latvian rifle units. They were later used to suppress anti-Bolshevik uprisings in a number of cities (Yaroslavl, Murom, Rybinsk, Kaluga, Saratov, Novgorod, etc.)
IN 1918-1920... there is a civil war in Latvia. The main participants in the conflict: the national bourgeois government K. Ulmanis, supported by the Entente, and Soviet power supported by Soviet Russia. The war was attended by pro-German-minded formations, from among the servicemen of the German army, the East Germans, supporting them Russian White Guards and White Guards who joined the Entente.
December 22 1918 H... Lenin signed the "Decree of the Council of People's Commissars on the Recognition of the Independence of the Soviet Republic of Latvia."
May 15 1934 year... happens coup d'état, in the hands of K. Ulmanis the absolute power in the country is concentrated.
August 23 1939 g. The Third Reich and the Soviet Union sign the Non-Aggression Pact (also known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact). The treaty was accompanied by a secret additional protocol on the division of the countries of Eastern Europe into spheres of German and Soviet interests ( Latvia fell into the sphere of influence of the USSR).
June 15th 1940 g. the attack of the USSR military units on the Latvian border guards in Maslenki took place. The next day, the Soviet commissar for foreign affairs V. Molotov read out to the ambassador of Latvia F. Kotsins an ultimatum of the government of the USSR, which required the resignation of the government of Latvia and the introduction of an unlimited contingent of Soviet armed forces to Latvia. The government of K. Ulmanis decided to accept the ultimatum and resign.
The Seimas declares Latvia a Soviet Republic (Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic). In the first wave of repressions (until June 22, 1941), about 17,000 people (including about 4,000 citizens under the age of 16), up to 400 people were shot. During the Second World War, by mid-July, the entire territory of Latvia was occupied by the Wehrmacht. IN 1941-1943 battalions of "auxiliary security police", regular police battalions, volunteer battalions are being formed, these formations are participating in police and punitive operations in the territory of Latvia, Belarus and Russia. From september 1941 g. Latvian police battalions took an active part in sabotage and punitive attacks on the territory of the Pskov region, Belarus, destroying the civilian population and partisans. During World War II, out of 80 thousand Latvian Jews, 162 people survived. For 1941-1944. only the "Latvian auxiliary security police" or, as it was also called "the Arajs team", killed about 50 thousand Jews.
October 13, 1944 units of the Red Army enter Riga.
Before 1991... The Latvian SSR is part of the USSR. Industry is developing in the republic (VEF, Radiotekhnika, RAF, Laima). During this period, many party leaders of Soviet Latvia were promoted to leading posts in Moscow, among them a member of A. Ya. Pelshe, the head of the Latvian KGB Pugo B.K., and others.
August 21, 1991... Latvia becomes an independent state.
Latvia became a member of the European Union in 2004 and signed the Lisbon Treaty in 2007.