Focus on Latvian immigration and listen to the stories of Latvia: It is believed that the modern Christmas tree originated in Germany in the 18th century, was introduced to England in the 19th century, and then spread to North America, gradually becoming popular worldwide. However, the people of Latvia believe that only Riga, Latvia, is the true birthplace of the Christmas tree.
The world's first Christmas tree was born
The Christmas tree is a symbolic decoration of Christmas. Today, it has long departed from its religious significance and has become a symbol of family reunion and joy in Western countries. Latvia, a small Baltic country with an area of only 307 square kilometers, believes that only the ancient city of Riga in Latvia is the true birthplace of the Christmas tree.
In the Town Hall Square of the old city of Riga, Latvia, there is indeed an octagonal emblem, with a polished copper nail in the center, and the sides of the emblem are engraved with eight different languages (including Chinese): "In 1510, the first New Year fir tree was planted in Riga." This indicates that Latvia began to use Christmas trees to welcome the New Year as early as the 16th century. According to legend, the world's first Christmas tree stood at the very location of this emblem, nearly 200 years earlier than the widely popular German Christmas customs!
Near this octagonal emblem stands a large Christmas tree, adorned with decorations, ribbons, and lights. This Christmas tree not only represents Latvia's love for Christmas trees but also carries another layer of commemorative significance: to remember glorious history; to recall a humiliating past; to aspire for a beautiful future.
Historically, Latvia has suffered multiple instances of bullying and annexation by surrounding powers. To the south of the old town square where the Christmas tree is located, there is a group of tall dark red granite statues, with stern and majestic lines, known as the "Latvian Infantry Monument." It originates from the famous "Latvian Red Riflemen." This elite force resolutely supported the Soviet Bolsheviks during World War II and became a guard unit formed by Lenin, known for its bravery and numerous victories. This is a proud story for the people of Latvia to this day.
To the west of the Christmas tree stands a dark green square building, which represents a dark and humiliating chapter in Latvia's history, known as the "Museum of Occupation of Latvia." Inside, a large number of artifacts exhibit the occupation, destruction, and annexation of this country by Nazi Germany and a series of unequal treaties. On the outer wall of the "Museum of Occupation of Latvia" is inscribed a phrase that seems to be written in blood: "They took everything from us: the land of our homeland, our glory, and our name."
The "House of Blackheads" rebuilt in 1999
Strolling through the old city of Riga, one can feel the traces of its 800 years of history, from the early feudal principalities, the occupation by the German Crusaders, to joining the Hanseatic League, and later being forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union after World War II. Latvia has been annexed or divided by Sweden, Poland, Lithuania, Germany, and Russia. After various powers and dominations gradually faded away, a large number of uniquely styled churches, warehouses, castles, statues, and guild houses were left behind, from various classical wooden structures to the once-popular European Art Nouveau architecture, all exquisite. The entire old city of Riga is like a colorful open-air architectural museum, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
Starting from the Town Hall Square, adjacent to the Daugava River, there is a representative building known as the "House of Blackheads." The two buildings with triangular facades are made of orange-red bricks known as "Latvian Red."
The "House of Blackheads" was rebuilt in 1999. Historically, Latvia has been ravaged and ruled by foreign powers multiple times. The commercial alliance known as the Hanseatic League thrived in Northern Germany in the 14th century and subsequently monopolized the entire Baltic region. Besides its economic impact, the Hanseatic League also deeply influenced the urban landscape and cultural customs of Riga. The members of the Hanseatic League were often young single merchants who frequented overseas, and they regarded the black guardian saint, St. Mauritius, as their emblem.
Above the main entrance of the "House of Blackheads" is carved the following text: "If one day I collapse, please make sure to raise me up again!" The "House of Blackheads," which was destroyed by Nazi flames, was reborn from the ashes by the strong and unyielding people of Latvia, and today it has become a historical museum in Riga and a popular place for local citizens to celebrate Christmas in winter and enjoy outdoor music in summer.
The most well-preserved Art Nouveau architecture in Europe
In addition to a large number of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo medieval buildings, as well as modern styles such as Secessionist and Avant-garde architecture, there is a collection of Art Nouveau architecture developed in the late 19th century in the northern part of the old city of Riga. These buildings are not only unique in Latvia but also represent the most well-preserved group of Art Nouveau architecture in all of Europe.
Art Nouveau advocates the perfect combination of art and technology, using abstract curves that symbolize organic forms as decorative patterns. Through meticulous design, material selection, and exquisite craftsmanship of the exterior walls, the flowing and graceful lines, rhythmic floral and insect patterns, and voluptuous feminine figures express a romantic style of the era characterized by a "return to nature" through complex and programmatic combinations.
In the old city of Riga, there are over 800 Art Nouveau buildings located near the Elizabetes and Alberta streets, featuring a variety of styles and colorful tiles. No wonder British writer Graham Greene praised Riga as the "Paris of the North" after visiting. Today, many of these Art Nouveau buildings have been transformed into art galleries, high-end restaurants, various museums, and clubs, with bars and cafes scattered around the corners.
Between the Art Nouveau buildings and the old city stands a 42-meter tall "Freedom Monument," which is the most iconic building in Riga. At the top of the monument is a statue of a goddess holding three golden stars, representing the hardworking wisdom of the Latvian people and their hopes for peace and tranquility in the future.