6/22/2007 - Superstitions among Latvian traditions that leave mark on exchange student
The Daily News
by Meghan Shruck
Rhinelander AFS exchange student
I’m Meghan Shruck and I am a foreign exchange student at the very end of my AFS year in Rezekne, Latvia. Sadly, I have a countdown of less than 10 days. However, I have been very fortunate to learn a new culture, make new friends, study in a new school, and become part of a new family while also passing along my own culture.
Latvia, one of the Baltic states, was not too long ago under Communist rule of the Soviet Union. Everywhere I go, it seems there are reminders of this; such as my small apartment complex, the discrimination against ethnic Russians including my family, and the grim faces that come through the town center every day. It would be very difficult to only visit Latvia, or any post-Soviet country, for a short time, because you might leave with a bad impression. After getting to know the culture and the people, I know things are not as they first seem.
I live with a beautiful family, including a mother, sister and her two newly adopted biological brothers. My extraordinary host mom is also my math teacher and vice-principal of school. She was recently awarded a “mother of the year”-type title in Latvia for her efforts in trying to get the family she has today. My sister, Alona, and I are incredibly alike, and my two brothers, Vova and Sasha, add more fun and entertainment to each day. I will miss them all terribly.
Probably the most interesting part I have learned about this culture has been the little superstitions that Russians and Latvians, both, believe. Similar to our superstitions, they also believe that black cats crossing paths and Friday the 13th is bad luck, but so is shaking someone’s hand over a door threshold.
While visiting friends, it is common to give flowers and chocolates as gifts, but almost never money. Flowers are most common, but a dozen roses would not be appreciated or romantic. In fact, even-numbered bouquets of all sizes and types are reserved for mournful occasions. Some extra-superstitious people might even take it as you wish death upon them, so be careful. If you choose to give a wrapped box, don’t take offense if it isn’t opened right away. Most people usually wait until the giver has left to open their gift.
In many homes, you will never find a knife on the dinner table placed vertically. It is believed that who sits in that seat will lose all of their money. In many restaurants the knife is even placed horizontally above the plate. To add, if you whistle indoors or place a hat on the table, you will also lose your money. Whistling is my biggest downfall. I’ve even been told that whistling indoors calls the devil. Money is very precious in this country, because not many people have enough. It is rare to even see the equivalent of two cents on the ground.
Another superstition is if someone steps on your foot, quickly step on their foot also, otherwise you won’t be friends for much longer and it is a sign of respect. Also in many homes you may find a mirror hanging across from the front door, which isn’t just to see if you look alright before leaving for the day. If you leave the house and forget something, you can’t go back inside to get it or you will take all the happiness out of the home. You can avoid this, however, by ringing the doorbell and having someone else get it for you, of course after he or she has crossed the threshold. If there is no one in the home, you’re not out of luck. All you need to do is look in the mirror that is strategically placed across from the doorway and stick out your tongue.
The most interesting superstition for me has been the one against donating your hair. I donated my hair to Locks of Love before my exchange. My host sister frowned when I told her my reason for cutting the hair she saw in old pictures. She told me that in Latvia many people believe that the recipient of your hair also receives your thoughts and beliefs. Therefore, many wigs are made from horse hair. However, she didn’t say if the recipient will then start to think like a horse.
This upcoming weekend there will be a big holiday in Latvia called Ligo, which is for the Summer Solstice. There will be many big parties, filled with singing, dancing, jumping across fire, beer, and a special kind of cheese. Participants will stay up all night on the longest day of the year. Once again, it is under superstition that if you fall asleep on this day, the following year will not be happy. Couples walk in the woods and look for a particularly rare fern that will grant them fertility on this night only. Girls wear wreaths of flowers on their heads, while boys wear wreaths of oak leaves. At one point during the celebration, the girls will throw their wreaths in an oak tree. If the wreath gets stuck, the girl is ready to get married. If the wreath falls back down, she will have to try again next year. Of course, I’m excited to see what happens with my wreath. Maybe I’ll have a ring on my right ring finger, not on the left like in the U.S., when I come home.
Speaking of weddings, it ensures a safe and long marriage if the couple puts a padlock on a bridge. In some of the most beautiful parks in Latvia, you will find hundreds of padlocks on a single bridge. All attending parties of a wedding will also tie white ribbons to their car antennas, while black ribbons are for funerals.
As you can see, Latvian culture truly has its interesting tidbits and sparks that take some time to learn. First impressions are not always as they seem and this post Soviet country really isn’t so dreary as you would first think while walking down the street. It’s actually really lovely. I look forward to coming home, at least when I’m not packing, but I would love to stay here too. One thing is for sure, I have made memories and bonds that will last a lifetime.
Poka!
Meghan Shruck
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