ALONG THE BALTIC COAST

LATVIA

DJOINING Lithuania on the north is Latvia, a small state, but more than twice as large as Belgium. The Latvians (Letts) belong to the same race group as the Lithuanians, but their history is more closely related to that of the Estonians. Like Finland, Latvia has many lakes. Most of the country is a low plain with some hills. The climate is tempered by the Gulf Stream, and temperatures are about the same as those of Stockholm.

NATIONAL COSTUME
This picturesque dress is from Courland in the southern part of Latvia.

In the thirteenth century the pagan country, Latvia, then inhabited by Latvian tribes and partly by the old Finnish tribe of Livs, was conquered by the Teutonic Knights, Christianized, and for a long period of time was ruled by the Germans.

In the seventeenth century a part of Latvia was taken by Gustavus Adolphus and held by Sweden for a hundred years, until Peter the Great captured the Baltic lands and obtained the Baltic ports for Russia. Under the Swedish rule great efforts were made to improve the condition of the people and to protect the peasants against the German land-owning barons. The eastern part of Latvia, Latgallia, was then under Polish-Lithuanian rule and the southern part of Courland was an independent duchy under the overrule of the Polish king. For a time Russia made no changes, but late in the nineteenth century a determined attempt was begun to Russianize the Latvians. Notwithstanding this continued oppression Latvian race consciousness continued to grow, especially after the peasants were given the right to buy land. National magazines were published; books were written in Latvian and others were translated into the national language. Under Swedish rule some translations had been made, including one of the Bible. Old Latvian folk songs, legends and customs were revived.

RIGA
General view of Riga, showing, in the center the lofty St. Peter's spire, the highest wooden tower in Europe.

The World War brought tremendous losses and suffering, but from the war Latvia emerged a republic. The loss of Latvia was a severe blow to Russia, for Riga had been Russia's largest Baltic port.

Riga, the capital and industrial center of the country, is a combination of the old and the new. In the section called the "Old City" there are narrow streets and quaint architecture. In the "New City" are beautiful boulevards, imposing buildings and public squares and gardens. Riga has an excellent beach and everywhere there is the spicy air of the pine forests. Libau (Liepaja) and Windau (Ventspils) are also important ports.

Much of Latvia is picturesque. "Livonian Switzerland," near Riga, is a hilly section of forests and the romantic ruins of medieval castles. The summer residence of the President at Rundale is a castle.

More than two-thirds of the people are engaged in agriculture and fishing. Dairying is especially important. The great forests and their products are wisely protected by the government. Manufactures, including the making of glass, textiles and chemicals, are increasing.

A visit to a Latvian farm will bring the traveler closest to the life of the people. Particularly, if one is there in June, he should spend the Eve of St. John's Day, June 24, in a country place. St. John's Day is a great national holiday for which there is much preparation on the farms. Old customs and ceremonies are observed. The so-called "John's songs" are sung and the visitor cannot but be impressed with the warm national feeling of the Latvian people.

Reproduced from “The New Human Interest Library, Volume V,” Midland Press, Chicago, Copyright © 1928. We have attempted to ascertain copyright status and have found no record of renewal. That does not verify these materials are in the public doman. They are reproduced here for personal and academic use only.
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