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COMENIUS MULTILATERAL PARTNERSHIPS. Easter in Latvia. Prepared by M.Dunkers.
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COMENIUS MULTILATERAL PARTNERSHIPS Easter in Latvia Prepared by M.Dunkers
In Latvia, the Easter holiday consists of special days: Moundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday. In addition to the practices of the Christian Church, many Latvians observe older pre-Christian traditions as well to welcome the rebirth of nature and the arrivalof spring.
How is Easter celebrated in the church? Easter is a happy time. It is festival of hope and light. It celebrates new life. In churches Easter will be celebrated with special services. They will be really happy occasions remembering Jesus coming to life after his cruel death on the cross.
Latvia, isa countrywherealmosteveryfeastencompassesChristianandLatviantraditions. Easter isalsotimeforcelebratingthespringsolstice, when, according to Latviantraditionalbeliefsandrituals, peopletry to helpthesoilwakeupandbecomefertile, byencouragingitsbenevolence. Forthemostpart, inLatvia Easter celebrationstakeplaceinthecentralsquares, aswellasincultureinstitutionsandmuseums. Easter isusuallycelebratedinthefamilyoramongclosefriends.
Easter is a festivalofspringandthebeginningofnewlife. Easter symbolsarecolouredeggsandwillowbranches. The Easter EggpredatestheChristianholidayof Easter. Theexchangeofeggsinthespringtimeis a customthatwascenturiesoldwhen Easter was first celebratedbyChristians. Fromtheearliesttimes, theeggwas a symbolofrebirthinmostcultures. Eggswereoftenwrappedingoldleafor, ifyouwere a peasant, coloredbrightlybyboilingthemwiththeleavesorpetalsofcertainflowers.
LatvianTraditionalBeliefs Easter morningyoushouldarisebeforethesunandwashyourfacein a spring to preservevitalityandjoyforthecomingyearand to enhancegoodspirit, healthandbeauty. Thosewhohaverisen first, wakeupthosewhoarestillsleepingandswatthemwithpussywillowsandsteamedbirchbranches, chanting "Apaļš kā pūpols, apaļš kā pūpols, veselība iekšā, slimība ārā" (Roundlikepussywillow, roundlikepussywillow! Healthcomein, illnessbegone!). Thisisgiving a blessingofgoodhealthforthecomingyear.Oneofthemostimportant Easter ritualsisthehangingoftheswingandswinging, sothatyouwillbespared bites frombugsandsnakes.
No Latvian Easter iscompletewithoutcoloringeggs! Andonlynaturalcoloursareused, amongthemonionskins, bark, birchbuds, camomille, andotherfieldplants.
Duelsareanothertradition. Eggsareknockedtogether to seewhichonesurvivescracking. Remember, thosewhoeateggswithout salt, willtell lies allyear!
TheLatvianEthnographicOpenAirMuseumwillcelebrate Easter everyyear, andwillfeature a combinationofChristian, ancientandmodern Easter traditions.