Millennia-old mittens
Latvia is famous for the fact that the oldest mittens have been found here by archaeologists. They are estimated to be approximately ten centuries old. The tradition of knitting mittens stems from the cold weather of Northern Europe; although it is worth mentioning that centuries ago mittens played a decorative role as well. By fastening them behind the waistband, they were worn in summer as a bijouterie and adornment. For several centuries they were the main form of gift and endowed with magical significance.
Nowadays Latvian mittens, so diverse in their colours and patterns are still an essential part of our winter clothing. Although there is always the possibility to wear synthetic gloves, the originality, tradition, warmth and sense of Latvia that is knitted into a mitten will be always worth a compliment.
To fit together like a hand and a glove — Mitten traditions at weddings
Mittens are a very important part of several Latvian traditions. Probably the most popular role played by mittens is at a wedding.
Tradition says that before an unmarried girl entered into marriage she had to fill a hope chest. Mittens were an important part of the chest. The most lavish chests contained several hundred pairs of hand made mittens. They were given as gifts. Early tradition calls this giving process dedicating or devoting. The mittens were given to the mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, and other people involved in organising the wedding. They were dedicated to cows, sheep, and horses and left in places where the newly-weds were going to live. The most exiting fact is that every mitten had to be knitted in a different design using different patterns; otherwise the maids were laughed at. This could not have been done if not for the rich and diverse Latvian ethnographical culture.
Symbolism within the mitten
Every mitten has its own story, since every pattern knitted has its own meaning and brings with it its own wish. Most of these patterns have been derived from the Latvian tradition of deities and gods. Every deity and god had its own tasks and mission and it was represented by one or more symbols that characterised it.
Jumis — (from root jum- roof-) was the god of sky and fertility, symbolising also the germ of life and mysteriousness. He is associated with "double-plants,” such as two corn stalks or trees which have grown together and share a trunk or stem. During harvesting, some stalks of the crops are bent to the ground and secured in that location with stones. He is depicted as a short man with clothes that resemble ears of wheat, hops and barley.
Sources
- Latvian Education Information System, “Ritms un simetrija Latviešu cimdu rakstos” at http://www.liis.lv/cimdi/frame1.htm (no longer accessible, copy without pictures available at archive.org).
- World Federation of Free Latvians, “Latviešu ornamentu pamatelementi un to nozīme (simboli) at http://www.pbla.lv/izglitiba/ornamenti.htm no longer accessible, available at archive.org)
1 | The original NATO summit web site content is no longer available. We have copy-edited and annotated. |
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