Sun in the Latvian Folklore

The divine power of the Sun has been understood ever since the ancient times all over the world. Baltic region is not an exception for this instance as well. Although the Sun has never been perceived as a God in that sense, without a doubt it still takes a central place in Latvian mythology.

The Sun (Saule) has been personified as female deity, which provide welfare and take care of all life regeneration here on Earth. It is considered to be as one of the most powerful deities for it sees and knows everything, it promotes fertility and gives warmth. Saule is a protectress and tutoress of all unhappy people and orphans because she is the only substitute of a mother’s warmth.

The Sun has always been a symbol of fertility for a peasant.

In Latvian mythology the Sun has a dual nature: she is depicted as a mother on one hand, and a daughter on the other. More often than not Saule is like a mother, honored in many songs. As a daughter she is mentioned only when she is a bride to the other sky gods. In the myth "Debesu precības" or sky wedding the Saule is mentioned as a daughter of the Sun or even daughters of the Sun "Saules meitas" marrying God’s sun, Dievs (God itself), Auseklis or Mēness (Moon). There are motives about Mēness unfaithfulness to Saule in many tales and songs in result of what Saule is forced to punish him by slashing him in two pieces with a sword.

There exist a lot of folk songs, tales, riddles and beliefs about the Sun.

Its symbols are very often depicted on daily life objects and national costumes. Sun signs are also very popular among craftsmen and artists.

A lot of hymns and expressions of thanks for her bounty, folk songs and tales exist about Saule which gives a good insight in how it looks like and what it does not only in relation to agriculture but to life in general. She has human moral characteristics and punishes the immoral and aids the suffering.

It has been depicted wearing a sagša (plaid) in white or silver color, silk dress and skirt. Also jewelry like corona, brooch and rings are attributes of Saule and its daughters.

Ancient Baltic tribes expressed their adoration for this Solar object through the sun symbols or signs (Saules zīmes) as well.

In Latvian folklore a quadrangle is a symbol of sun and a circle which is considered as a movement of the Sun across the sky. Sun signs and various symbols have been used to decorate jewelry, musical instruments, ceramics, man and women clothes, national costumes, daily life objects and wedding tools.

In present time a Latvian national emblem and bank note 5 Lati depicting sun symbols exist as well.

Many occasions and celebrations for rituals honoring the Saule also exist, the most important of which is Vasaras saulgrieži (summer solstice) and Līgo svētki which traditionally takes a central part.

This is very old ancient Latvian festival that is being held every year on June 23 – time of the summer solstice. This is a time when the longest day of a year comes which is followed by the shortest night.

In order to protect houses from evil spirits, which are bad for health and fertility, many fireplaces are being heated all night. Līgo festival is a very special ritual during which līgotāji (all the people attending and celebrating it) are wearing flower crowns, sings a lot of special songs, dancing around and jumping over fireplaces.

Besides songs and dances, an important place in this festival is occupied by a ritual meal, at which cheese and a drink brewed with honey (also beer) are consumed.

After this night- Jāņu nakts, days are getting shorter and shorter till the winter solstice which in turn is a time when light comes back symbolizing the new beginning of all life here on the Earth. Darkness gives a ground to the light. From this point movement of the Sun across the sky is extended hence days become much longer.