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Europe - Northern

Lucky Charms of Latvia

9 charms from this country

Charm Traditions in Latvia

Latvia has one of Europe's most carefully documented ancient folk-religion traditions, known as Dievturība (keeping of God), which was reconstructed from folklore in the 20th century. The Latvian sun cross (Auseklis) — a star pattern — and thunder cross (Pērkons' krusts) are ancient protective symbols that appear in amber jewelry, folk embroidery, and modern design. These geometrical protective signs (zīmes) are woven into mittens and embroidered onto clothing as active protective amulets.

Amber from the Baltic Sea — called the 'gold of the Baltic' — is one of Latvia's most distinctive lucky charms, made into necklaces and pendants. The Latvian Song and Dance Festival, held every five years, is itself treated as a collective protective and luck-renewing ceremony for the nation. The horseshoe, four-leaf clover, and ladybug are standard.

Popular Charms in Latvia