Lilacs are in full bloom
The Lilacs are just another reminder that it is Spring here in Latvia. The cold weather broke on Sat with warmer temps and some sunshine. We spent the morning working on molds and then took an excursion in the afternoon. The Symposium Artists, Visiting Professors and Pedvale Officials went to Roja, a fishing village on the Baltic coast. Along the way to Roja we stopped at an ancient sacred tree from Pagan times.
Sacred Lime Tree
The people of ancient Latvia were Pagans and they believed that very old trees indicated places of spiritual power. These trees are still revered in Latvia and are protected by the government. We made one more stop on the way to the coast at another ancient site. This time we visited a Viking burial. These tombs were made of stones arranged in the shape of the Viking long boat. Relatively rare in Latvia, these burial sites are found throughout the areas populated by the Vikings.
Viking Long boat tomb
The locals call this “The Devil’s Boat”
Passengers
killer.
Wow – the long boat site is amazing! Have been reading about Medieval art a lot this summer to prep for my Art History Survey I course – but you are living it!