Latvian Folk Songs in Zemgale: A Glimpse into Rural Life
IEVA ZELTIŅA
LAURA VIĻUMA
Latvian folk songs in
Zemgale
Latvian folk songs
Latvian folk songs are short, usually in quatrains
.
It may contain an observation, a conclusion,
guidance, a description of a magical or practical
activity, or emotion.
Family or seasonal ritual songs are arranged in
accordance with the ritual's scenario. Simultaneously
the songs helped to
organise
the ritual and also
provided an explanation toward the meaning of a
certain activity.
Latvian folk songs
When singing on other occasions the quatrains are
mutually linked by association, using a theme,
personage or word as a basis. The text is divided into
sections when singing, which are either repeated or
the repetition is replaced by a refrain.
In some of Latvia's regions one or two melodies that
were well known were used for all occasions. These
songs were sung in a polyphonic bagpipe manner
.
Themes
Latvian folk songs provide a multifaceted glimpse of
a farmer's life and worldview.
They depict the cyclical passage of time in nature and
the various work that must be accomplished at a
certain time -
ploughing
, sowing, reaping and
harvesting. The songs are dedicated not only to each
type of work, but also to tools, everyday objects and
domestic animals
.
Themes
Crossroads in everyday work life are marked by
festivities and rituals and the songs that accompany
them.
Astronomical processes are also observed - especially
winter and summer solstice. The largest number of
songs is sung at
Jāņi
(summer solstice). These songs
reflect the ancient fertility rituals of the Latvian
farmer.
Latvian folk songs in
Zemgale
Zemgale
is known as most agriculture region. Most
of eco food, provender and home made products are
made in
Zemgale.
Since the beginning of Latvian culture
Zemgale
has
been region where all the rich and prosperous
farmers and peasants come from.
Name of the region is derived from word
“zeme”
which means land, ground, earth.
Latvian folk songs in
Zemgale
Zemgale
is region where most of folk songs about
agriculture, farming, tillage, earthwork, digging and
sowing came from.
People from
Zemgale
always sing folk songs which
honour countryman work in farm or peasantry.
Ai, auziņas, jūs' bij daudz,
Kur bij man jūsus likt?
Lai māsiņa jūs samaļ
Bērajam kumeļam.
Oh, oats, had you a lot,
where had I to put you?
Let sister flour you
To poor horse.
Latvian folk songs in
Zemgale
Ai, manu bāleliņ,
Tavu lielu rudzu lauku!
Maliņā stāvēdama
Otras malas neredzēju.
Oh, my brother,
Your big rye field!
Standing on the edge
Didn’t see other one.
Audziet, mieži, griezdamies
Lielajā tīrumā;
Vec'
ir mana māmuliņa,
Jāņem jauna līgaviņ'.
Grow barley, while spinning
In the biggest field;
Old is mine mother,
Should take young bride.
THANKS FOR
WATCHING!
Latvian folk songs from the Zemgale region offer a window into the traditional life of farmers, focusing on seasonal rituals, work cycles, and celebrations. These songs not only reflect the agricultural practices and customs but also celebrate the connection between people and nature. The songs are structured in quatrains, often touching on observations, emotions, and practical activities. Zemgale, known for its rich agriculture heritage, has been a significant source of folk songs honoring the hard work of countrymen and peasants. The themes depicted in these songs showcase a deep respect for the land, tools, and animals, providing insights into the cyclical rhythm of rural life.
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Presentation Transcript
Latvian folk songs in Zemgale IEVA ZELTI A LAURA VI UMA
Latvian folk songs Latvian folk songs are short, usually in quatrains. It may contain an observation, a conclusion, guidance, a description of a magical or practical activity, or emotion. Family or seasonal ritual songs are arranged in accordance with the ritual's scenario. Simultaneously the songs helped to organise the ritual and also provided an explanation toward the meaning of a certain activity.
Latvian folk songs When singing on other occasions the quatrains are mutually linked by association, using a theme, personage or word as a basis. The text is divided into sections when singing, which are either repeated or the repetition is replaced by a refrain. In some of Latvia's regions one or two melodies that were well known were used for all occasions. These songs were sung in a polyphonic bagpipe manner.
Themes Latvian folk songs provide a multifaceted glimpse of a farmer's life and worldview. They depict the cyclical passage of time in nature and the various work that must be accomplished at a certain time - ploughing, sowing, reaping and harvesting. The songs are dedicated not only to each type of work, but also to tools, everyday objects and domestic animals.
Themes Crossroads in everyday work life are marked by festivities and rituals and the songs that accompany them. Astronomical processes are also observed - especially winter and summer solstice. The largest number of songs is sung at J i (summer solstice). These songs reflect the ancient fertility rituals of the Latvian farmer.
Latvian folk songs in Zemgale Zemgale is known as most agriculture region. Most of eco food, provender and home made products are made in Zemgale. Since the beginning of Latvian culture Zemgale has been region where all the rich and prosperous farmers and peasants come from. Name of the region is derived from word zeme which means land, ground, earth.
Latvian folk songs in Zemgale Zemgale is region where most of folk songs about agriculture, farming, tillage, earthwork, digging and sowing came from. People from Zemgale always sing folk songs which honour countryman work in farm or peasantry. Ai, auzi as, j s' bij daudz, Kur bij man j sus likt? Lai m si a j s sama B rajam kume am. Oh, oats, had you a lot, where had I to put you? Let sister flour you To poor horse.
Latvian folk songs in Zemgale Ai, manu b leli , Tavu lielu rudzu lauku! Mali st v dama Otras malas neredz ju. Audziet, mie i, griezdamies Lielaj t rum ; Vec' ir mana m muli a, J em jauna l gavi '. Oh, my brother, Your big rye field! Standing on the edge Didn t see other one. Grow barley, while spinning In the biggest field; Old is mine mother, Should take young bride.
THANKS FOR WATCHING!
