ZEME. In Baltic religion, earth (Latv., zeme; Lith., žeme) is sacralized. On this basis, the Latvian goddess Zeme and the Lithuanian goddess Žemýna (diminutive, Žemynele) evolved. Called in Latvian Zemes Māte...

A Latvian deity with somewhat indeterminate functions. In part it has the characteristics of a god of light, with special reference to the morning or the evening star; in part, again, it is connected with spring, and, finally, appears as a sort of...

(‘earth-mother’) Ancient Lettish earth- and mother-goddess. She takes an interest in man’s welfare, and looks after his fields and makes them fertile. However, she also plays the part of a ruler of the dead, merging here with →...

Old Latvian moon-god, husband of the sun-goddess (→ Saule) and tutelary god of travellers. He was invoked before setting out on a military campaign and at the consecration of a standard: that is to say, he had a military function as well. He also...

Latvian culture, along with Lithuanian, is among the oldest surviving Indo-European culture. Much of its symbolism (for example, the "fire cross" or swastika) is ancient. Its seasons, festivals, and numerous deities reflect the essential agrarian nature...