๐ฟ Jฤลu Night โ The Fire of Life and the Song of Our Ancestors
๐ฟ Jฤลu/Lฤซgo Night โ The Fire of Life and the Song of Our Ancestors
Lฤซgo and Jฤลi are not just summer solstice celebrations โ they are the awakening of the Latvian soul. A sacred moment when the Sun reaches her highest path in the sky, and nature opens its gates to the mystery of light. A tradition carried through centuries, from ancient rites to todayโs bonfires glowing in meadows and backyards.
๐ถ Lฤซgo Songs โ Living Roots That Sing Through Us
There can be no Jฤลi without song. The voices of our ancestors echo softly yet deeply through time: โLฤซgo, lฤซgo!โ
Itโs not just a chorus โ itโs a heartbeat of life, connecting the past and present, reminding us we belong to something greater โ to the land, to the people, to the light.
๐ง Listen and feel the spirit rise within you.
Weโve curated a special collection of Latvian solstice songs โ immerse yourself in the soundscape of celebration:
๐ Click here to enjoy the Jฤลu Songs Playlist on YouTube
๐ The Wreath โ A Circle of Life Worn with Pride
Women have long braided flower crowns from nine sacred summer herbs โ to attract beauty, love, and vitality. Men wear wreaths of oak leaves, symbols of strength, honor, and courage.
These arenโt mere ornaments โ they are living signs, personal talismans, protectors in the magical stillness of Midsummer Night.
๐ผ An old belief says: "Whoever wears a crown on Lฤซgo Night will walk with good fortune as their shadow all year long."
๐ฅ The Jฤลi Bonfire โ Guardian of Light Through the Night
The fire is more than light โ it is the pulse of life, the sun reborn on earth. Lit to drive away darkness, bless the fields, clear the mind, and warm the soul. People sing, dance, and leap over it โ not just for joy, but to shed burdens and step into the second half of summer renewed and alive.
โจ Those who leap the flames together will stay together. And those who gaze into the fire with love will carry its light in their hearts all year long.
๐ฟ The Nine Herbs & the Morning Dew โ Natureโs Magic and Medicine
Yarrow, St. John's wort, bedstraw, wild strawberry leaf, cornflower, wormwood, oxeye daisy, mugwort, fern... These are not just wildflowers โ they are guardians of wellness, carriers of ancient wisdom, bathed in the dew of Midsummer morning.
๐ง Wash your face in the morning dew โ beauty will stay, sickness will fade, and your spirit will rise like the song of a cuckoo.
๐ The Fern Blossom โ A Secret Found Only by the Heart
Legend whispers that the fern blooms just once a year โ on this night, for a moment, to those who seek it with their hearts. It is not a flower you pick. It is an awakening โ of love, of courage, of truth. A moment when two souls may find each other in quiet, beneath the starlit sky.
๐บ The fern blossom is a wish fulfilled, but only for those who are ready to receive it with love, not logic.
๐ถ Lฤซgo Songs โ Living Roots That Sing Through Us
There can be no Jฤลi without song. The voices of our ancestors echo softly yet deeply through time: โLฤซgo, lฤซgo!โ
Itโs not just a chorus โ itโs a heartbeat of life, connecting the past and present, reminding us we belong to something greater โ to the land, to the people, to the light.
๐ง Listen and feel the spirit rise within you.
Weโve curated a special collection of Latvian solstice songs โ immerse yourself in the soundscape of celebration:
๐ Click here to enjoy the Jฤลu Songs Playlist on YouTube
โWhen Lฤซgo songs fill the air, even the stars blink to the rhythm.โ
๐โจ Hockey Spring 2025 โ Gold Touched by Tears ๐บ๐ธ๐ฏ๏ธ
๐โจ Hockey Spring 2025 โ Gold Touched by Tears ๐บ๐ธ๐ฏ๏ธ
This wasnโt just a game.
It was a story โ deep, human, and unforgettable.
The 2025 IIHF World Championship came to a close in Stockholm, and this time, the gold medals crossed the ocean โ into the hands of Team USA, who claimed a hard-fought 1โ0 overtime victory against Switzerland. ๐บ๐ธ๐ฅ๐จ๐ญ
But this win was not just about the scoreboard.
It was gold with a soul. With tears. With an empty seat on the bench and a full heart in every player.
๐ฏ๏ธ The Spirit of Johnny Gaudreau โ The Heart of the Team
Throughout the tournament, a jersey with the number 13 hung quietly and respectfully in the Team USA locker room โ
belonging to Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically passed away in August 2024.
โJohnny was here. He watched this game.โ
These simple, deeply moving words by head coach Ryan Warsofsky after the final became the teamโs silent manifesto.
Twenty men skated on the ice.
But in their hearts, they were twenty-one. ๐
โธ๏ธ A Turn in History
This was only the third time in history that the United States became world champions โ following their triumphs in 1933 and the 1960 Olympic tournament, which held world championship status.
Meanwhile, Switzerland stood on the final stage for the third time in the past 12 years โ and once again, they gave their all, only to fall just short. ๐ฅ
๐ Hockey as a Metaphor for Life
The 2025 championship proved again that hockey is more than a game.
Itโs a stage for life itself โ where paved emotions, losses, and hopes meet team spirit, belief, and respect.
Team USAโs victory was not only a tribute to skill and talent,
but to friendship, soul, and memory. ๐
This was Hockey Spring 2025 โ
A spring where gold wasnโt just metal.
It was warmth living in people,
And a story that will live forever.
๐ฑ๐ป We honor the champions with respect,
And thank all the teams for an unforgettable tournament!
๐ 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship โ We Held Our Ground! ๐ฑ๐ป๐
๐ 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship โ We Held Our Ground! ๐ฑ๐ป๐
With hearts full of passion and eyes tracking every puck โ this championship once again proved that Latvia belongs to the elite of world hockey. ๐ฅ๐
Our national team reminded the world that we are not just fans โ we are a nation that breathes with the game!
Though the quarterfinals were just one step away this year, we played with heart, pride, and for Latvia! ๐๐ค๐
Year after year, we havenโt just shown up โ weโve held Latvia high on the global map as a serious and respected hockey nation.
๐ World-renowned coaches have led our team, laying the foundation for stability, growth, and character.
It's no coincidence that we are seen โ and respected โ in ice arenas around the globe.
And thatโs what matters most โ character and staying true to ourselves.
Not only on the ice, but in life.
Because we know โ our strength isn't just in goals or points, itโs in unity and belief. ๐ฑ๐ป
Thank you, our hockey heroes โ for the emotions, the fight, and the pride!
We were, we are, and we will always be with you โ in candlelight and in flagโs colors. ๐ฏ๏ธ๐โจ
Latvian Lions Triumph Over Slovenia: A Win That Warms the Heart! ๐ฑ๐ป๐ฅ
Latvian Lions Triumph Over Slovenia: A Win That Warms the Heart! ๐ฑ๐ป๐ฅ
Tonight, our boys lit up the ice like flickering candle flames on a dark evening โ glowing, determined, and full of purpose! ๐ฏ๏ธโ๏ธ With true team spirit, perseverance, and hearts beating for Latvia, they brought home a radiant victory over Slovenia! ๐ซ๐๐ฅ
Just as a candle lights a room, this match lit up our souls โ every goal a tiny spark that made hearts glow with joy, both at home and in the stands. โค๏ธ๐คโค๏ธ
This wasnโt just a win on the scoreboard โ it was a triumph of belief, unity, and the unbreakable spirit of our people! ๐๐ช
Letโs keep those fingers crossed for our guys in the next battles on ice!
Go, Latvia โ with love, like the glow of our candle flames! ๐ฏ๏ธ๐ฑ๐ปโจ
May 9, the Ice Hockey World Championship begins! ๐๐
๐ฅณ Just a few more days โ and on May 9, the Ice Hockey World Championship begins! ๐๐
For us Latvians, itโs more than just a game โ itโs our spirit, unity, and strength! ๐ชโค๏ธ Every spring, our hearts beat as one when our brave team steps onto the ice, showing the world that we are as great as our willpower is strong! ๐ฑ๐ป๐ฅ
๐ Hereโs Team Latviaโs game schedule โ mark your calendars, put on some red-white-red ๐๐ค๐, and letโs cheer for our heroes together! ๐ค๐ฅ
๐งฃ๐๐ฑ๐ป #LatviaOnIce #FingersCrossed #WeStandByOurTeam
๐ฑ๐ป May 4 โ Restoration of Independence Day in Latvia โจ๐
๐ฑ๐ป May 4 โ Restoration of Independence Day in Latvia โจ๐
Today, on May 4, we celebrate one of the most meaningful moments in Latviaโs history โ the Restoration of Independence Day! ๐ซ๐ฑ๐ป
๐ On May 4, 1990, the Supreme Council of the Latvian SSR voted 138 in favor to adopt the Declaration on the Restoration of Independence โ a bold and powerful step toward freedom! ๐๏ธโ๏ธ
๐ As the results were announced, the streets of Old Riga erupted with emotion โ thousands of people greeted the deputies as they emerged through the Saeima doors with hands raised high, met with tears of joy, songs, and applause! ๐ถ๐ญ๐
โค๏ธ๐คโค๏ธ It was a day when the heart of the nation beat as one, and the people said: โWe are free!โ ๐
๐ Now, in 2025, we mark the 35th anniversary โ with pride, gratitude, and hope for the future. ๐ฅณ๐
Today, the Latvian Parliament honors the brave members of the Supreme Council who said โYESโ to freedom, and the spirit of an entire nation. ๐ฟ๐ธ
๐ May this day remind us to stay united, to believe in whatโs right, and to carry Latvia in our hearts every day. ๐๐
๐ฑ๐ป Happy May 4 โ Latviaโs Freedom Day! ๐ฅ๐
Let us live for Latvia, love Latvia, be Latvia. โค๏ธ๐คโค๏ธ
"Latvia โ where hockey is more than just a game." โค๏ธ๐
๐ฑ๐ป๐ Very soon โ on May 9 โ the Ice Hockey World Championship will kick off in Sweden๐ธ๐ช and Denmark๐ฉ๐ฐ!
Before the tournament begins, letโs look back and celebrate Latviaโs historic victories ๐ฅ, including our unforgettable 3rd place finish in 2023! ๐
And letโs witness how the greatest fans in the world ๐ support our heroes on the ice! โค๏ธ๐คโค๏ธ
๐ฝ๏ธ Video 1:
๐ Latviaโs Historic Bronze Goal!
๐
Watch it here!
๐ฝ๏ธ Video 2:
๐ฅ
Thirty Goals to Victory!
๐ Watch it here!
๐ฝ๏ธ Video 3:
๐ Unforgettable Celebration at the Freedom Monument โ the Whole of Latvia United!
๐ Watch here!
๐ And another amazing view here!
๐ฝ๏ธ Video 4:
๐ 27 Years to Bronze โ The Realization of Latviaโs Hockey Dream!
๐ Watch here!
๐ With all our hearts, we stand together with our heroes!
Go, Latvia! โค๏ธ๐คโค๏ธ We believe in you and are ready for new victories! ๐๐ฅ
Easter in Latvia
Easter in Latvia: A Unique Blend of Christian and Ancient Latvian Traditions
Easter in Latvia, known as Lieldienas, is a unique fusion of Christian and ancient Latvian traditions, reflected in both religious rituals and folk customs. These celebrations symbolize the triumph of light over darkness, the renewal of life, and hope.
โ๏ธ Christian Significance
Easter is a Christian festival commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after His crucifixion. The observance begins with Holy Week, featuring Palm Sunday (Pลซpolu Svฤtdiena), Maundy Thursday (Zaฤผฤ Ceturtdiena), Good Friday (Lielฤ Piektdiena), and Holy Saturday (Klusฤ Sestdiena), culminating in Easter Sunday (Pirmฤs Lieldienas). Churches hold special services where the faithful remember Christ's sacrifice and celebrate His victory over death.
๐ฟ Ancient Latvian Customs
Before the advent of Christianity, ancient Latvians celebrated the spring equinox, a time when day and night are equal, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. This period marked the awakening of nature and the return of fertility. Traditional activities include:.
-
Egg Dyeing: Using natural materials like onion skins, grass strands, flowers, and yarn, eggs are dyed in various colors and patterns. Each egg is then wrapped in cloth or newspaper, secured with yarn, and boiled. The result is uniquely decorated eggs, often polished with butter to enhance their shine.
-
Swinging: Swinging on high swings is believed to protect against mosquitoes and promote health. This tradition is accompanied by singing and is a cherished part of the Easter celebrations.
-
Pussy Willow Beating: On Palm Sunday, people symbolically beat each other with pussy willow branches (pลซpoli), wishing health and strength.
-
Egg Rolling and Fights: Eggs are rolled down slopes or tapped against each other in friendly competitions, symbolizing the sun's path and the cycle of life.
๐๏ธ A Fusion of Faith and Tradition
In Latvia, Easter is a time when Christian and ancient Latvian traditions merge into a unified celebration. Church bells and services intertwine with folk songs, swinging, and egg dyeing. This rich tapestry of customs makes Easter a special and significant time in Latvian culture.
''Flow/Straume'' ๐ Golden Globe Award
๐The film ''Flow/Straume'' (2024), directed by Gints Zilbalodis, is a remarkable success story in Latvian cinematography. This animated adventure has garnered international acclaim,๐ winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and the๐ Golden Globe Award in the same category. Notably, it was also nominated for ๐Best International Feature Film, marking significant milestones for Latvian cinema on the๐ global stage.
The film's success has brought pride to Latvia, with over 320,000 viewers in Latvian theaters and the ๐Golden Globe award displayed at the Latvian ๐National Museum of Art.
Flow's achievement is a testament to the power of storytelling and animation, showcasing the talent and creativity emerging from Latvia๐ฅ๐ช๐
Downhill on Ice Tracks: "Bobsled, Skeleton, Luge''
๐ There are three things in the world you can watch forever โ water flowing, fire burning, and Mฤrtiลลก Bots and Roberts Plลซme racing down the track toward victory! ๐ฅ๐ท
๐ช With a speed of 130.32 km/h in the first run and 130.55 km/h in the second, the Latvian luge duo Bots/Plลซme literally flew across the ice, securing silver medals and becoming World Vice-Champions! ๐ฅ๐ฑ๐ป
๐53rd FIL World Championships โ Whistler (CAN)
๐ On Friday 06.02.2025, in Canada, Latvian athletes Mฤrtiลลก Bots and Roberts Plลซme claimed silver๐ฅ medals at the Luge World Championships.
๐ท After the first run, Bots/Plลซme were in fourth place, but with the second-fastest time in the second run, they climbed to second overall. With a total time of 1 minute and 16.640 seconds across both runs, the Latvian duo finished just 0.102 seconds behind the German winners, Hannes Orlamรผnder and Paul Gubitz.๐ท
โจDown the most picturesque ice track in the Swiss mountains & discover how/why the curves got such beautiful 'Names'"โจ
๐๐ https://www.ibsf.org/en/
๐๐https://www.fil-luge.org/en/home
๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ Latvian athletes proudly represent their country in the world of sliding sports, including bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge, racing down winding ice tracks worldwide at speeds reaching 130 km/h. These sports have a rich history in Latvia, with luge developing over more than 50 years, and bobsleigh and skeleton gaining prominence since the 1980s. Latvian athletes have achieved significant success, earning medals in World and European Championships, as well as the Olympic Games.๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ
History has been made for ice hockey Team Latvia!
With 4:3 overtime win vs Germany, TEAM LATVIA ๐ฑ๐ป advances to IIHF World Junior Championship quarterfinals! The first time Latvia has won 2 games in the preliminary round.
GO LATVIA GO! LEPOJAMIES un APSVEICAM!Tฤ TURPINฤT! โค๏ธ๐ฑ๐ปโค๏ธ
We are proud of You! ๐ฑ๐ปโค๏ธ
Latvia beats Canada for the first time ever at the World Juniors
Heroes' week November 11 to 18
Through millennia
By the Amber Sea
Lives a resilient Nation,
Where every Latvian
Holds a quatrain collected by the Father of Dainas/Folk songs/ Kriลกjฤnis Barons;
And when the Nation unites in a beautiful Song:))
During the festive week, with the Red-White-Red Flag in our hearts,
We can honor the Heroes of November 11th /Lฤฤplฤsis Day/,
And on November 18th
/Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia/
Sing our Prayer,
Which has become the National Anthemโ
God Bless Latvia!
Before Latvia joined the European Union&NATO in 2004