Our ancestors ensured ever-increasing prosperity by always performing the proper rites. This has nothing to do with superstition; we're guided by rational mysticism. There are three key events in the life of a Latvian ― he or she enters the world at birth, assumes responsibility of him/herself and the future generations by getting married and, finally, leaves this world convinced that life goes on in some other world.

In line with ancient traditions, the new generation of Latvians baptise their children in church or in a pagan rite, giving the new member of the family a name in a get-together that involves a lot of singing.

Weddings once again seem to be all the rage with the Latvians. On par with the traditions accepted all over the world, we have some of our own ― we abduct brides, put bridegrooms to the test with all sorts of tough challenges (make them chop wood, harness horses, strand ropes) and make sure brides are ready for married life (they have to darn socks and fill a hope chest).

Funerals are very important. There's only one excuse for not coming to a relative's funeral, and that's if you've died on the very day yourself. The merriest funerals are those held for an old Latvian who has lived his or her life to the full. Different generations of the extended family come together to recall all the good deeds, songs and the good personality of the deceased. We know exactly what has to be done ― the path has to be strewn with fir needles, the clothes of the deceased must be burnt and belongings distributed among the family. And by no means should anyone shed tears ― that would only make the departed suffer in the other world and eventually return as an apparition to haunt the living. For the peace of the souls of our departed we observe a Memorial Day. Not a light-hearted tradition that one, but that’s what we feel we have to do.