Baltics

A silver brooch with a red ribbon traditional Latvian dress

Brilliant Baltic Folk Art from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia

Baltic folk art has well-established traditions in folk culture and reflects the environment and beliefs of the peoples who originally developed them—with regional differences, of course! If you love folk art, especially Northern European or Eastern European folk art, the folk art of the Baltic countries of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia will delight you with …

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Tallinn seen from a viewing platform at night

The Beautiful Baltic Capitals: Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius

Looking for an inexpensive, beautiful, and safe travel destination? Look no further than the Baltic capitals. The capitals of the Baltic countries are Riga, Latvia; Tallinn, Estonia; and Vilnius, Lithuania. Each has its own character, history, influences, and style. Get to know the Baltic capital cities and explore this exciting travel region through food, culture, …

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Flags of the Baltic countries: Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia

Flags of the Baltic Countries: Meaning and History

The flags of the Baltic countries – Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia – represent these countries’ identities as independent states. They also tell of their history prior to and during occupation by outside sources and give us a hint about national values embedded in the symbolism of each flag. These flags are especially important if you …

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A man stands on a rock in the water at Lahemaa National Park in Estonia

Fun Facts about the Baltics

Facts about the Baltics often talk about each country separately. And while Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are fascinating individually, the Baltic countries share some similarities that make for surprising and fun information. Did you know the following facts about the Baltics? Baltic States Fact #1: Linguistically Different, Culturally Similar (Sort of) Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia …

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a fall leaf stuck in white snow

Baltic Paganism: Ancient Beliefs, Modern Spiritualism

Before Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia were Christianized, their people followed a pagan belief system. Polytheism—or the belief in multiple gods—nature worship, and sacrifice were a part of their religious rituals. Some leftovers of pagan times can be seen as a part of modern holiday customs—think decorated eggs. Furthermore, some holidays that come to us directly …

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