Riga, Latvia

Folk culture on sale here! Popular culture on sale here! What's the difference and how does it manifest on the cultural landscape? In your own life, how do you blend the best of folk and popular culture? [2003]

Riga, Latvia

It is nothing more than a movie being filmed on the streets of Riga, but it does remind you of the unenviable fate of a small state trying to survive between two aggressors: Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. What's amazing is that all three Baltic States held out for so long, and are once again sovereign in their own right. [2003]

Riga, Latvia

What does his posture say? 'Proud to pose, but don't mess with me.' That is also what his country's posture said in the sesquidecade following the restoration of independence from the Soviet Union. In the background is the Latvian National Opera House, once again an anchor of nationhood. [2003]

Riga, Latvia

From big cities to small towns, the big treat about traveling anywhere in Europe is visiting the fruit and vegetable markets. They are everywhere. Surprised to see watermelon at this one? It originated in southern Africa, not the American South. [2003]

Riga, Latvia

Here's a monument that just exudes the Communist era. Although it is a reminder of Latvia's Soviet past, it is also a reminder of the heroism of the Latvian riflemen who stood up to an advancing German army in 1915 and then became part of Russian forces to fight the Germans in World War I. [2003]

Riga, Latvia

Every year, about this time, the Library of Congress adds another 25 films to the National Film Registry. It includes the most culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant films of all time. Guess what 1997 film, popular all over the world, was just added to the list. [2003]

Riga, Latvia

Just imagine getting married in a church where couples have been espoused for going on 800 years. That's almost forever! And the parishioners of St. Jacob's have been singing the mercies of the Lord for the whole time. With the fall of Communism, church weddings became popular once again. [2003]

Riga, Latvia

Lett's [sic] look at Latvia: not the modern landscape of Riga, but the ancient landscape of the Baltic littoral. Here's a glimpse of the pre-Christian world of folk creatures and forest spirits. Big head, no body, fat feet: What does it tell you about the Letts? And, what do you make of the living wreath on top and the sacrificial flowers below? [2003]

Riga, Latvia

Flowers are a part of every European city. Most are imported today, but the tradition grows out of Europe’s long summer days (photosynthesis maximized) and cool temperatures (wilting prevented): both the result of Europe’s northerly latitude. In the background are symbols of Latvia's bipolarity: a local hotel and a global chain. [2003]