Of What the Bees Buzz

The Latvian Winter Solstice In my book, I invite you to celebrate, together, the Latvian Winter Solstice Festivities. You may know this time of the year by many names – Hanukkah, Christmas, Yule, Kwanzaa, The Digestive Doomsday etc. I will use the term ‘Ziemassvētki’ which refers to the combination of the Christian Christmas heritage and

Kindling the Reed Fire – Latvian Swamp Tales

Introduction Have you ever considered your favourite landscape? Do you come from a place beneath the vast open skies and do you suffocate without your starry nights? Do you feel the call of a high mountain challenge – a mindful effort where every breath is a precious resource, utilized to climb up, to ascend? And

The Daugava Book

The river Daugava is often, by the Latvian people, referred to as the River of Destinies. Indeed, it is the Daugava where the new developments in the local history have first been witnessed. The strategically advantageous river has forever been the much coveted gateway to the Baltic Sea and – for a long time –

Rooted in Latvia – Latvian Tree Songs

What is a tree to you? Or… WHO is a tree to you? Is it a resource for your cherry popsicles and woven baskets, full of kittens? Is it an essential part of our planet’s ecosystem that you aspire to protect by recycling? Are there individual trees in your life who have become your friends