Bonus
Latvian signs
Each topic on this site is marked with a Latvian ethnographic sign — a “sign of power” (spēka zīme). These geometric symbols decorate woven belts, mittens and jewellery, and each carries a traditional folk meaning.
Auseklis
The morning star (Venus) — a powerful sign of protection against darkness and evil.
Saule
The Sun — mother of life, warmth and the turning year.
Mēness
The Moon — time, the night sky and the patron of warriors and travellers.
Zvaigzne
A star — light from the heavens and guidance.
Austras koks
The tree of dawn — the World Tree joining the earth, the living world and the sky.
Dievs
Dievs, the sky god — the highest power, drawn as the gable of the heavens.
Māras krusts
The cross of Māra — guardian of the hearth, the home and earthly wellbeing.
Laima
Laima, goddess of fate — fortune and happiness, shown as a fir twig.
Jumis
Two joined ears of grain — fertility, a good harvest and abundance.
Ūsiņš
Ūsiņš — spring, light, horses and bees; the awakening of the year.
Mārtiņš
Mārtiņš — the turn from autumn to winter and the end of the harvest season.
Zalktis
The grass snake — wisdom, water and the luck of the household; a sacred creature.
Ūdens
Water — flow, cleansing and life.
Ozols
The oak — masculine strength, endurance and the power of life.
Liepa
The linden — feminine gentleness, care and protection.
Traditional meanings vary by region and source.