2021

Latvian ethnographic mitten knitting traditions and skills are included in the list of intangible cultural heritage

Knitting patterned mittens is an old tradition in Latvia. Knitting needles found in archaeological excavations date back to the 14th century, while fragments of knitted mittens date back to the 15th century. The oldest mittens found in Riga were knitted from white woolen yarn with bands of colorful patterns. The tradition of knitting honorary mittens from fine sheep wool yarn has been preserved for centuries. Only the technical techniques of decorating mittens changed and developed. The most beautiful, luxurious mittens were worn in special occasions, when going to church or visiting. Gift and ceremony mittens were specially knitted.

The year 2020 came with many restrictions due to the pandemic, so the march, organized together with the Latvian National Cultural Center, was held virtually for the first time, inviting participants to post pictures in national costumes on their social media accounts. In spite of the challenging times, an incredibly large number of participants took part in the virtual parade, as it was finally possible to participate from anywhere in the world - around 4,000 participants published their pictures in the virtual march.

This year the march will be virtual as well, inviting people to post pictures on their Facebook and Instagram accounts, but there will be some additional opportunities. Participants will be able to try on a VIRTUAL national costume in the form of Facebook and Instagram filters. And on the day of the march - May 4 - in Riga, Rātslaukums will be an environmental art object, celebrating the 3oth anniversary of SENĀ KLĒTS and the history of the march. Everyone is invited to view this environmental art object, while also respecting the epidemiological restrictions established in the country.

Every year, the march takes place thanks to both the organizing team and cooperation partners. At various times there has been cooperation with the association "Mans tautastērps", Culture and Folk Art Center "Ritums", Latvian National Culture Center, the event was financially supported by the State Cultural Capital Fund, "Latvijas valsts meži", various sponsors and informative supporters, for example, the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia. But above all, the event takes place thanks to the participants and their love for the tradition of wearing national costumes.

#senāklēts #manstautastērps #4maijs #tautastērpugājiens2021 #tautagodstērpi

The map of Latvian mittens

Knitted mittens are experiencing a renascence in Latvia, they are currently in fashion. Mittens are making a comeback both in everyday life as a comfortable and at the same time gorgeous, elegant piece of clothing, and also in the field of handicrafts, where the knitting of ethnographic mittens is proof of the skills and patience of the knitter. Most of us have a patterned pair of mittens at home, knitted by our grandmother, mother, or aunt. The patterns are very diverse. Mittens with unseen color combinations and unusual patterns arouse the greatest interest.

In order for knitters today to be more excited to knit their own special pair of mittens, we have created a digital mitten map, where you can find ethnographic mittens from different regions of Latvia. It is interesting to study the traditional mittens of one's native country and also to see some connections in the choice of patterns and colors in different counties.

The first digital map of Latvian mittens has been created thanks to the financial support of VKKF. The map is a storage of information and knowledge, where you can get to know the unique value of Latvian traditional culture - Latvian mittens. This important work has been done so that anyone interested can get acquainted with Latvian ethnographic mittens in a modern way - in the digital environment, as long as the Internet is available. 

We invite Latvian knitters to use the given opportunity and knit patterned mittens!

 Latvijascimdukarte.lv