Christmas traditions
in Latvia 

Like other holidays, Christmas in Latvia combines Christian and pagan elements. The celebration reflects not only religious beliefs, but also a deep connection to nature and ancestors. As nature freezes under a blanket of snow and prepares for rebirth, Latvians celebrate what helps them survive the harsh winter: roots, light, warmth, and the family hearth. 

Common traditions: puzurs, spruce, fire and cuisine 

Among the many Latvian traditions, there are at least four that unite all regions of the country. One of them is the puzurs, a decorative structure made of straw or reeds that resembles a multifaceted crystal. It was placed in the house for Christmas, Easter, weddings, and other important holidays, and then burned. 

Making puzurs requires patience and skill, and this process often became a family activity before the winter solstice and after the advent of Christianity—on Christmas Eve. The construction is made of sticks of the same size strung on a string to form a pyramid at the top and bottom. The corners are decorated with feathers, wool or other colored elements.

Puzurs symbolizes the universe, a model of the world, its harmony and balance; according to the belief, the ornament takes on negative energy when its elements are set in motion by air currents. A puzurs is usually hung from the ceiling, but in small sizes it can serve as a single toy on the Christmas tree. In addition to puzurs, traditional Latvian Christmas tree decorations included stars and angels made of straw, miniature animal figures made of wood, as well as pine cones, dried berries, nuts and other gifts of nature—used to make festive garlands. 

By the way, one of the oldest Christmas tree toys, similar to modern ones, can also be found in Latvia. It is in the Museum of Riga History and Navigation, next to the keys of the city. It was found during excavations in the Old Town. It is a small stone ball with a hook for hanging from the XVII century. Its origin is controversial, but a pile of pine needles was found next to it. 

The third basic element of Midsummer and Christmas in Latvia is living fire. It plays a key role in the celebration, as it helps to survive the darkest days of the year and makes the night short. It is believed that the flame protects the house from evil forces and literally sheds light on the future during divination. To this day, one of the most popular Christmas traditions is to take an oak log, prepared in advance of the holiday, from house to house and burn it in a great fire to banish the misfortunes of the past year and cleanse the heart and soul. Along with bread and salt, candles should also be on the table so that the next year will be favorable.  

Christmas table  

Although Christmas cuisine varies from region to region (see below), there are some general rules for serving a festive table. Traditionally, guests are served nine courses—as folklorist Aida Ranzane explains, this is because the number 9, like the number 12, has a mystical meaning in popular proverbs and sayings, and means “many”. 

• Peas, beans and other pulses—to keep from crying and to have money;
• Stewed or sauerkraut—to have enough strength;
• Poultry—to attract good luck;
• Piparkukas cookies—for enough love;
• Fish—for prosperity in the family;
• Pork—for good luck;
• Pies—for pleasant surprises;
• Turnips and carrots—for good health;
• Cookies or round cakes—for a sunny year. 

Regional traditions

Vidzeme

In the northeastern part of the country, one of the typical traditions from ancient times was the night procession in masks. Participants dress up as animals and mythical creatures to represent ancient guardian spirits that bring good luck, including Laima (goddess of fortune) or Zemes mate (goddess of the earth). Masquerades are accompanied by songs and dances to ward off the dark forces of winter.

In modern times, masquerades have given way to Christmas markets. In addition to the indispensable Riga Christmas Market on Dome Square, the Cesis Christmas Market is considered one of the most beautiful and cozy in the country. This time it will last from November 29, 2024 to January 6, 2025. 

Kurzeme

Kurzeme’s traditions are determined by its proximity to the sea: here, Christmas celebrations are inextricably linked to water and wind. In Ventspils, the streets are decorated with light sculptures, often incorporating elements of water and wind in the form of flowing lights and dynamic shapes. In the Engura region, Christmas decorations are made of shells, starfish and discarded wood.

Latgale

According to folklorist Ilze Mežniece, traditions in Latgale are expressed in traditional table attributes:

We are very close to the Catholic faith, and in every Latgalian family a table covered with hay and a white tablecloth is an integral part of the festivities. 

Traditional rituals, Ilze continues, include walking barefoot in a circle around the house, beating an apple tree with one’s work pants so that the next year will be productive, and looking through a dark window—”if you have the courage to see the future. There is no strict order or day for these small rituals; celebrations should begin about a week before Christmas and the solstice.

Zemgale

One of the most interesting modern traditions in Zemgale is the Christmas Ball, which has been held since 1986 at Jelgava Castle, the largest baroque palace in the Baltics. It is organized by the Latvian University of Biological Sciences and Technology (LBTU, originally LLA) for teachers, students, alumni and guests (tickets can be purchased here). This year’s celebration will be held on December 14. It will traditionally begin at 20:00 with the lighting of the Christmas tree and Oginski’s Polonaise with the participation of dancers from the folk dance ensemble “Kalve”.