The National Bird
The Latvian national bird is the baltā cielava or White Wagtail (Motacilla alba).
This tireless, highly energetic bird is frequently mentioned in Latvian folk songs as a symbol of hard work and industriousness. It likes to nest in building rafters, woodpiles and other man-made objects, and is most frequently seen scurrying across the ground in search of twigs for its nest and food for its little ones. As its name implies, it rapidly wags its tail up and down as it dashes about. The White Wagtail is a very visible resident of Latvia from April through October, but winters around the Mediterranean Sea. Because of its popularity and admirable traits, the White Wagtail was declared the national bird of Latvia in 1960 by the International Bird Protection Council.
The National Insect
The Latvian national insect is also one of Latvia’s most beloved symbols in children stories and fairytales – the Two-spotted Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata).
The insect’s Latvian name – mārīte – is derived from Māra, the name of the supreme Latvian goddess, or ‘earth mother’ responsible for the fertility of the land. Unlike the sprightly White Wagtail, the Two-spotted Ladybird moves slowly and diligently, but is excellent at defending itself. It was chosen as the national insect of Latvia by the Latvian Entomologists Society.
The National Flower
The Latvian national flower is the pīpene or daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare). This common wildflower blossoms in June, just in time to be woven into festive wreaths for the Midsummer festivities (Jāņi). It continues to bloom until September, providing Latvian flower lovers, decorators and celebrants with their most popular accent for floral gifts and arrangements throughout the summer.
National Trees
The oak and linden are male and female figures in Latvian folklore, and popularly viewed as the national trees of Latvia.
 The linden, or lime tree ( Tilia cordata, Latvian: liepa), and the oak ( Quercus robur, Latvian: ozols), are characteristic of the Latvian landscape and figure prominently in the practical and spiritual lives of ancient Latvians. Both trees have traditionally been used for medical purposes, and are also frequently mentioned in legends, fairytales, and the Latvian dainas. Linden blossoms and oak bark are still popular today in teas and medicinal preparations.
The oak had a divine status in the pre-Christian religious beliefs of the early Latvians, and many of these ancient sacred oaks still stand today. Many are designated by law as ‘Great Oaks’ and protected as national treasures. Oak leaves are used to create men’s wreaths on Jāņi (worn by men named Jānis) and are a frequent design element in Latvian heraldry and decorative arts.
Amber
 Amber plays a role in Latvian history and has always been an essential part of the Latvian cultural identity. In ancient times the amber found along Latvia’s Baltic Sea coast was considered ‘good as gold’ and was sought by Vikings as well as traders as far away as Egypt, Greece and the Roman Empire. This led to the development of the Amber Road between Latvia and the Black Sea. Latvians, on the other hand, often refer to their Baltic Sea as The Amber Sea ( Dzintarjūra) and have adopted amber as one of their most treasured cultural symbols. Unlike other precious and semi-precious stones, Baltic amber (succinite) is formed from organic fossilized pine resin. Traditionally it has been used to create amulets, pendants, broaches, buttons, necklaces and intricate pieces of decorative jewellery. The way it absorbs body heat and the presence of succinic acid in amber has led Latvians to also use it for medicinal purposes. In 2007, a Latvian scientist discovered how to make hi tech thread and textiles from amber for use in advanced medical applications. This has led the fashion industry to began exploring new decorative uses for this ancient natural resource from the Baltic Sea.
The River of Destiny - The Daugava
 The Daugava River is not only Latvia’s largest, but also historically most important river. This 375 km river flows through heart of Latvia and the center of Rīga, serving as a border between the historical and cultural regions of Vidzeme and Latgale on the right bank, and Kurzeme and Zemgale on the left. Celebrated by poets as ‘The River of Destiny’, the river was first used by Vikings as the first leg of The Amber Road, a major trade route linking the lands around the Baltic and Black Seas. In addition to its strategic role as a major transport artery, the Daugava was an essential means of livelihood for Latvia’s inhabitants. In recent times it has become the site of Latvia’s hydroelectric power stations and a major source of energy. The river’s fateful role throughout Latvia’s history has made it a treasured subject of song, poetry and stories.  Symbol of Independence - Freedom Monument
Latvia’s ‘Freedom Monument’, or Brīvības piemineklis, was completed in the nation’s capital of Rīga in 1935, and is the single-most important symbol of Latvia’s independence and nationhood. Designed by Kārlis Zāle and built entirely from public donations, the monument survived a half century of Soviet occupation to emerge as a rallying point for mass pro-independence demonstrations in the late 1980’s. The sculptural reliefs at the base of the monument depict important moments in Latvia’s history, while the woman at the top symbolizes Latvia’s freedom and sovereignty. She holds aloft three stars symbolizing the three historical districts of Latvia. The inscription at the base (Tēvzemei un brīvībai) means ‘For Fatherland and Freedom”. On holidays and state visits, flowers are placed at its based to honour all those who have sacrificed their lives for Latvia.
‘Jāņi’ – the most Latvian national holiday
.jpg) In Latvia, celebration of the summer solstice is oldest and most beloved traditional holiday. The two-day long ancient pagan midsummer fest begins on Līgo day, June 23rd, and concludes on ‘Jāņi’, June 24th. Most Latvians leave their residences in the city to gather with family and friends in the countryside for all-night celebrations. Large bonfires are lit, special foods and beer are prepared, and traditional midsummer songs and dances are performed to honour the setting and rising of the midnight sun. Nature is at its peak in Latvia at this time, and lush meadow flowers, grasses, birch branches and oak leaves are used to festively decorate houses, animals and the celebrants themselves.
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Further information
White wagtail - Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Wagtail
Two-spotted lady beetle - Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adalia_bipunctata
Pīpene or daisy - Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysanthemum_leucanthemum
Oak tree - Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oak
Linden tree - Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linden_tree
Amber - Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amber
River Daugava - Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daugava
Freedom Monument - Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_Monument_(Riga)
Jāņi - Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C4%81%C5%86i
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Maps
River Daugava
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