Latvia Claims Original Christmas Tree

[Äike]

Yes, now fir-trees are maybe growing in Tallinn. But how was in medieval times?

There were even more forests and trees in Estonia, during the medieval times.

Don't worry, it's just another Latvian attempt to tease an Estonian

Even an Italian would look less foreign in Latvia, than you.

[Matuo]

There were even more forests and trees in Estonia, during the medieval times.

Good for you

Even an Italian would look less foreign in Latvia, than you.

Ej dirst ar savu uzbraucienu

[Äike]

Ej dirst ar savu uzbraucienu

What? I do not understand a single word of Latvian.

This is the Eesti section, please speak Estonian or English.

[Matuo]

What? I do not understand a single word of Latvian.

This is the Eesti section, please speak Estonian or English.

OK, I will not write anymore. Good that you didn't understand

[Äike]

OK, I will not write anymore. Good that you didn't understand

I would appreciate a translation.

[The Ripper]

I think google translator doesn't know the naughty words.

[Groenewolf]

There is however evidence pointing to the habit of putting up trees during Christmas as far back as at least 1184. And some times later there are references to trees decorated with apples and paper flowers. Also there is evidence that the custom can be traced to pre-Christian times. So in the case I would say that is more the question in which region it survived the longest or was revived the earliest.

[Wyn]

Also there is evidence that the custom can be traced to pre-Christian times.

Yes, I thought this was the case and associated it with pagan German(ic)s and assumed it was one of those traditions that was Christianised and then spread to other cultures. Links to Estonia and/or Latvia are quite a surprise.

[Äike]

Yes, I thought this was the case and associated it with pagan German(ic)s and assumed it was one of those traditions that was Christianised and then spread to other cultures. Links to Estonia and/or Latvia are quite a surprise.

The tradition itself has pagan origins, the local bishop wasn't very pleased, when the townsfolk was dancing around a big "Christmas" tree, 569 years ago in Tallinn. But afterwards it was Christianized.

The only thing linking this to Latvia, is the fact that they tried to do something similar 69 years after the tradition had started in Tallinn, Estonia.

[esaima]

Indeed, the most common tree around Tallinn is pine but it is the most common tree in Riga area as well I think.So, the situation is same.