Lieldienas
Encyclopedia
In ancient Latvia
, Lieldienas ("big days") was the celebration of Vernal Equinox on March 23. The celebration usually lasted three or four days; each day was devoted to a specific deity, though no source gives the names of the respective deity. At least one day is probably dedicated to Māra.
Lieldienas was a celebration of dancing, singing and gaiety. One the first day, the Latvians arose early and rinsed their faces in running water. Symbolically scattering evil, adults scared birds away from the homes and surroundings.
Eggs were associated with Lieldienas. One who steals an egg will be poor. One who eats a hard-boiled egg without salt is a liar. A girl who gives a boy two eggs doesn't like him; three eggs mean there is a chance she likes; four eggs means she doesn't like him but will be with him because he is richer; five eggs means she loves him.
In modern Latvia
, Easter
is called Lieldienas. Some of the old traditions survive and are performed at Easter.
Latvia
Latvia , officially the Republic of Latvia , is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by Estonia , to the south by Lithuania , to the east by the Russian Federation , to the southeast by Belarus and shares maritime borders to the west with Sweden...
, Lieldienas ("big days") was the celebration of Vernal Equinox on March 23. The celebration usually lasted three or four days; each day was devoted to a specific deity, though no source gives the names of the respective deity. At least one day is probably dedicated to Māra.
Lieldienas was a celebration of dancing, singing and gaiety. One the first day, the Latvians arose early and rinsed their faces in running water. Symbolically scattering evil, adults scared birds away from the homes and surroundings.
Eggs were associated with Lieldienas. One who steals an egg will be poor. One who eats a hard-boiled egg without salt is a liar. A girl who gives a boy two eggs doesn't like him; three eggs mean there is a chance she likes; four eggs means she doesn't like him but will be with him because he is richer; five eggs means she loves him.
In modern Latvia
Latvia
Latvia , officially the Republic of Latvia , is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by Estonia , to the south by Lithuania , to the east by the Russian Federation , to the southeast by Belarus and shares maritime borders to the west with Sweden...
, Easter
Easter
Easter is the central feast in the Christian liturgical year. According to the Canonical gospels, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. His resurrection is celebrated on Easter Day or Easter Sunday...
is called Lieldienas. Some of the old traditions survive and are performed at Easter.