Author:
Anda Beitane, Ruta Cibule
Oral traditions and their expressions, including language as a vehicle of intangible cultural heritage
Title
May Devotional Singing at Wayside Crucifixes in Northern Latgale (2020)
Singing by the crucifix in honour of the Virgin Mary
Geography
Northern Latgale (Balvi, Baltinava, Rugāji, and Viļaka Municipalities). Found to varying degrees with local variations across Latgale.
Northeastern Latgale (present-day Balvi, Baltinava, Rugāji, and Viļaka Municipalities), located in the transitional zone between the Adzele elevation of the East Latvian lowland and the Mudava lowland. In the east, the area is marked by the Latvian-Russian border and in the west by the marshy, underpopulated Daugava-Mudava watershed.
The ancient Latgalian lands of Purnova and Ābelene. During the first period of independence, it was part of the district of Abrene.
It is an area that in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries remained removed from major development and transportation corridors. Because of this, a large percentage of the population in this area remains Latvian (Latgalian) and retains living traditions and dialects.
This is Catholicism’s northernmost point in Europe with a population of people who are aware of their position in the world and willing to accept responsibility for nurturing their heritage. Almost all of the seventeen parishes in northern Latgale and the towns of Balvi and Viļaka have at least one singing group that practises May devotional singing.
Importance in Community Life
May devotional singing at crucifixes is an integral component of traditional culture in northern Latgale, as it is elsewhere in Latgale.
It is part of the wider Catholic musical tradition that also encompasses Lithuania and Poland.
Like other places where May devotional singing is practised, northern Latgale has its own distinguishing features. These are, of course, linked to the people, their individual life experiences, and their experience with tradition. Every village has a crucifix where singing place in honour of the Virgin Mary.
In reality, this is a story about many communities because, in the context of May devotional singing, each community has taken shape in relation to a particular crucifix and continues to develop as an entity unto itself.
Although all crucifix communities have characteristics in common, each also has its own local features that are expressed through the choice of repertoire, performance style, and associated customs.
Although devotional singing at crucifix sites was strictly forbidden during the period of Soviet occupation and subject to severe punishment, the fact that people continued to practise this tradition is evidence of the magnitude of its importance. There are documented cases of several singers who concealed crucifixes in their homes during this time.
There are several documented cases where crucifixes were concealed by singers in their homes.
Devotional singing at crucifix sites means much more to the singers themselves than just singing.
It is simultaneously prayer and worship which are an essential part of Catholic life in Latgale. The Church has not traditionally involved itself in devotional singing; it remains in the hands of the singing community.
Activities/Actions
Devotional singing usually begins with the recitation of the Rosary and a litany of the Holy Virgin Mary which are followed by other Dīva dzīsmes [songs of God], which is how singers refer to the songs found in Roman Catholic prayer books.
Since the entire month of May, including devotional singing, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, songs in honour of Mary (Marijas dzīsmes) are sung most often, although songs in praise of God are also sung.
Singing takes place from prayer books but these only contain the words. Newer editions sometimes include musical notation, but since most singers do not read music, this is of little significance. The melodies are passed on orally from generation to generation.
Each crucifix community has one (occasionally more than one) lead singer who selects the songs.
She usually also begins the singing and the prayers. Prayers may also be said several times between songs.
Singing most often takes place outdoors at crucifix sites, which are usually fenced-in enclosures with benches so that singers can sit down since singing lasts about an hour.
Crucifixes may be located in the middle of a village, another public place, at a roadside or a singer’s home. The crucifixes are beautifully decorated, usually by one of the community members. In some cases, devotional singing takes place at crucifixes in cemeteries, churchyards, or inside a church.
Beliefs, Rituals, Unwritten Rules
On occasion, the drawing of "znački" is also practised between songs.
“Znački” are assignments written on small pieces of paper that are to be completed in the next day, week, or month. Each participant draws a značka and reads it aloud. It might, for example, be an instruction to recite a particular prayer or perform a task.
It also specifies how the task must be performed, for example, to say five prayers while lying in the shape of a cross. These assignments are then conscientiously performed. The lead singer usually keeps the “značkas” in her prayer book and organizes the draw.
Inheritance and Transfer
Ways of passing on the element
1. Active practice, which inspires people who are not involved in the practice but regard it with respect and awe.
2. On occasion, projects are developed, for example, in Baltinava where meetings are arranged between tradition bearers of the older generation with youth during May devotional singing.
3. In some parishes (Medņeva, Vectilža, Tilža, Baltinava), specific groups travel to parishes that no longer have local tradition bearers at the invitation of culture workers or leaders of ethnographic groups who set the schedule in advance. These events are advertised well in advance and open to others participants.
History
According to Mārtiņš Boiko, not enough research has been done to determine how long May devotional singing has been practised. He believes it may have originated in the second half of the nineteenth century. “In Latgale and Augšzeme, they took shape as a local instance of a Catholic tradition that was already widespread in the nineteenth century” (Boiko, www.letonika.lv). Devotional singing in Northern Latgale took place every evening in May until the middle of the twentieth century.
Despite the efforts of the occupying Soviet power to eradicate this tradition by destroying the crucifixes and prohibiting devotional singing, May devotional singing persisted covertly, albeit with less intensity.
The practice continued either at homes where the crucifixes were hidden or at cemeteries. Many crucifixes were restored in the early 1990s.
After Latvian independence was restored, devotional singing also made a return. It no longer, however, took place every evening, rather, once or a few times weekly or even less often.
Today, May devotional singing continues to be an integral symbol of piety in Northern Latgale and a source of pride.
This is one of only a few forms of traditional culture that functions both outside institutional control and as an object of concern for municipal culture workers.
In the spring of 2019, 120 crucifixes were documented in Northern Latgale. Each of these has a distinct story both in terms of its appearance and the singing practices associated with it.
Devotional singing takes places at approximately sixty crucifix locations at least once a month. The frequency can vary. Singing takes place every day only at the crucifix in Kubuli parish, Balvi municipality.
As the rural population declines, the number of people in these singing groups also declines.
The Bērzpils parish in Balvi is an interesting example, which is a place where devotional singing takes place several times a week at eight of sixteen extant crucifixes.
Each crucifix has its own small, regular group which is not organized by culture workers or the municipality.
In the context of May devotional singing in Northern Latgale, this parish has been the least touched by institutionalisation.
In several other parishes, for example, Baltinava (Baltinava Municipality), Medņeva (Viļaka Municipality), Tilža and Vectilža (both in Balvi Municipality), the local folklore group and culture workers are involved in organizing May devotional singing.
This ensures that singing also takes place in locations where there are no permanent residents. There are also crucifixes where a single individual sings once a month and crucifixes where there is no activity.
Time has also brought change to the song repertoire. Less and less frequently, singers used the so-called “old books”, which are characterized by older forms of expression and contain older songs that are not found in the “new books”.
It could be said that the repertoire is becoming newer, as contemporary compositions enter the tradition often becoming popular and prevailing over the old songs.
There is also, unfortunately, a tendency for the multi-part singing that was characteristic of the Northern Latgale repertoire to disappear. Unison singing is on the increase.
Additional Information
The tradition is particularly cherished because of its ability to retain its deeper meaning and function without institutional participation.
However, time brings change. All four municipalities are involved with the element to varying degrees. These include Balvi Municipality, Baltinava Municipality, Rugāji Municipality, Viļaka Municipality, and their institutions.
Masters
1. Celīna Kaupera, Briežuciems Parish, Balvi Municipality,
2. Anna Pundure, Briežuciems Parish, Balvi Municipality,
3. Silvija Slišāne, Briežuciems Parish, Balvi Municipality,
4. Aina Logina, Briežuciems Parish, Balvi Municipality,
5. Anastasija Gabrāne, Briežuciems Parish, Balvi Municipality,
6. Marija Sīle, Briežuciems Parish, Balvi Municipality,
7. Silvija Dzerkale, Briežuciems Parish, Balvi Municipality,
8. Valentine Keiša, Briezuciema civil parish, prize municipality,
9. Valentine Kamzola, Briežuciems Parish, Balvi Municipality,
10. Leontīna Šakina, Briežuciems Parish, Balvi Municipality,
11. Alla Fjodorova, Briežuciems Parish, Balvi Municipality,
12. Līvija Ločmele, Briežuciems Parish, Balvi Municipality,
13. Ineta Apšeniece, Briežuciems Parish, Balvi Municipality,
14. Ināra Kamzola, Briežuciems Parish, Balvi Municipality,
15. Valentina Lochmele, Briezuciema civil parish, prize municipality,
16. Anita Pakalnīte, Briežuciems Parish, Balvi Municipality,
17. Skaidrite Pakalnīte, Briežuciems Parish, Balvi Municipality,
18. Maruta Ločmele, Briežuciems Parish, Balvi Municipality, Ošukalns,
19. Maruta Ločmele, Baltinava municipality, Surikova,
20. Genovefa Zelča, Briežuciems Parish, Balvi Municipality,
21. Marija Deksne, Briežuciems Parish, Balvi Municipality,
22. Līvija Cibule, Briežuciems Parish, Balvi Municipality,
23. Marianna Laganovska, Briežuciems Parish, Balvi Municipality,
24. Anita Platniece, Briežuciems Parish, Balvi Municipality,
25. Leontīna Slišāne, Briežuciems Parish, Balvi Municipality,
26. Ilze Erdmane, Baltinava municipality,
27. Sarma Sutugova, Baltinava municipality,
28. Anele Vizule, Baltinava municipality,
29. Iveta Gabrāne, Baltinava municipality,
30. Antoņina Krakope, Baltinava municipality,
31. Anastasia Lochmele, Baltinava municipality,
32. Antonija Toma, Baltinava municipality,
33. Valentīna Daukste, Baltinava municipality,
34. Elizabete Kaņepe, Baltinava municipality,
35. Lucija Ločmele, Baltinava municipality,
36. Anna Stranga, parish of Berzkalne, municipality of prizes,
37. March Corsala, the parish of Berzkalne, the municipality of prizes,
38. Irene Celle, parish of Berzkalne, province of prizes,
39. Anita Smite, parish of Berzkalne, province of prizes,
40. Silvija Strupka, parish of Berzkalne, municipality of prizes,
41. Elfred Abeltina, the parish of Berzkalne, the municipality of prizes,
42. Irene Jasinska, parish of Berzkalne, municipality of prizes,
43. Martin Bondarenko, parish of Berzkalne, municipality of prizes,
44. Skaidrite Saleniece, parish of Berzkalne, municipality of prizes,
45. Anna cibule, Berzkalne civil parish, prize municipality,
46. Anna Sudare, Berzpils parish, prize municipality,
47. Marijanna Jurkane, Berzpils parish, prize municipality,
48. Bronieislava feathers, Berzpils parish, prize municipality,
49. Biruta Bogdane, Berzpils parish, province of prizes,
50. A long story, Berzpils civil parish, the municipality of prizes,
51. Anna Sidelnik, Berzpils parish, province of prizes,
52. Aloizs Svelpe, Berzpils parish, prize municipality,
53. Veronica Ostina, Berzpils parish, prize municipality,
54. Anna Bitaine, Berzpils parish, prize municipality,
55. Inara Krivisha, Berzpils parish, prize municipality,
56. Aivita, the parish of Berzpils, the municipality of prizes,
57. Adria Shuster, the parish of Berzpils, the municipality of prizes,
58. Antoņina Dundeniece, the parish of Berzpils, the municipality of prizes,
59. Stephanie Kindzule, Berzpils parish, prize municipality,
60. Lucia Gaspažiņa, Berzpils parish, municipality of prizes,
61. Anna Poševa, the parish of Berzpils, the municipality of prizes,
62. Maria Siber, Berzpils parish, province of prizes,
63. Anna Jurkane, the parish of Berzpils, the municipality of prizes,
64. Helen Martuža, Berzpils parish, prize municipality,
65. Veronica Chudare, Berzpils parish, prize municipality,
66. Anna Kindzule, the parish of Berzpils, the municipality of prizes,
67. Ingrida Svelpe, Berzpils parish, prize municipality,
68. Peteris delveris, the parish of Berzpils, the municipality of prizes,
69. Zita Delvere, the parish of Berzpils, the municipality of prizes,
70. Curve Pugače, Tilja civil parish, prize municipality,
71. Anna Sisojeva, Tilja civil parish, province of prizes,
72. Anna Kaņepe, Tilja civil parish, province of prizes,
73. Inese Zelča, Tilja civil parish, province of prizes,
74. Anna Jermacane, Tilja civil parish, province of prizes,
75. Daiga Jēkabon, Tilja civil parish, municipality of prizes,
76. Inese Pujate, the municipality of Tilja parish,
77. Zane Pulcha, Tilja civil parish, prize municipality,
78. Inara Indriķe, Tilja civil parish, prize municipality,
79. Jolanta Kaša, Tilja civil parish, province of prizes,
80. Scene Zelch, Tilja civil parish, prize municipality,
81. Maria Gorshchale, Kubulu civil parish, awards,
82. Inara Pugeja, Kubulu civil parish, province of prizes,
83. Maruta oak, Kubulu civil parish, prize municipality,
84. Maria Books, Kubulu civil parish, prize municipality,
85. The municipality of Kozlovska, Kubulu civil parish, awards,
86. Inara Kaichenko, Kubulu civil parish, prize municipality,
87. May Osmane, Kubulu civil parish, province of prizes,
88. Adelaide Pipcāne, Kubulu civil parish, province of prizes,
89. Nellija Lielbarde, Kubulu civil parish, province of prizes,
90. Aija Pumpure, Squilbert parish, Vilaka municipality,
91. Ineta fox, Squilbert parish, Vilaka municipality,
92. Maris Pujul, Squilbert parish, Vilaka municipality,
93. Irina Husare, Squilbert parish, Vilaka municipality,
94. Inese Slišāne, Squilbert parish, Vilaka municipality,
95. Simona login, Squilbert parish, Vilaka municipality,
96. Aria Ruth, Squilbert parish, Vilaka municipality,
97. Estere Husare, Squilbert parish, Vilaka municipality,
98. Inata Pujule, Squilbert parish, Vilaka municipality,
99. Jānis zircenis, Squilbert parish, Vilaka municipality,
100. Laurita Lochmele, Squilbert parish Vilaka municipality,
101. Karina Romanova, Squilbert parish Vilaka municipality,
102. Karina Ruth, Squilbert parish, Vilaka municipality,
103. Christine fox, Squilbert parish, Vilaka municipality,
104. Janina fox, Squilbert parish Vilaka municipality,
105. Biruta Bebina, Kuprava parish, Vilaka municipality,
106. Velvet, Kuprava civil parish, Vilaka municipality,
107. Emerita Prancāne, Kuprava parish, Vilaka municipality,
108. Emerita Žabare, Kuprava parish, Vilaka municipality,
109. Edita Vilnius, Kuprava parish, Vilaka municipality,
110. Antonia Jermacane, Vectilža civil parish, province of prizes,
111. Inese Jermacane, Vectilža civil parish, province of prizes,
112. Sonora login, Vectilža civil parish, prize municipality,
113. Maria Lochmele, Vectilža civil parish, province of prizes,
114. Domicile login, Vectilža civil parish, municipality of prizes,
115. Marina login, Vectilža civil parish, prize municipality,
116. Antoņina White, Vectilža parish, province of prizes,
117. Marīte Lazorenko, Vectilža parish, prize municipality,
118. Maruta Arule, Vectilža parish, province of prizes,
119. Inta Zaharane, Vectilža civil parish, province of prizes,
120. Nathalie Shustov, Vectilža civil parish, province of prizes,
121. Solveta logina, Vectilža civil parish, prize municipality,
122. Iveta Zelča, Vectilža civil parish, prize municipality,
123. Elijah login, Vectilža civil parish, prize municipality,
124. Genovefa Jermacane, Vectilža civil parish, province of prizes,
125. Theresis Kaijere, Vilaka City, Vilaka municipality,
126. Vineta Zetkalne, Vilaka City, Vilaka municipality,
127. Anna Annushan, Vilaka City, Vilaka municipality,
128. Inita Raginska, Vilaka City, Vilaka municipality,
129. Guntars Skutel, Vilaka City, Vilaka municipality,
130. Lydia Brockana, Vilaka City, Vilaka municipality
131. Maria Pitkevich, Vilaka City, Vilaka municipality,
132. Evita Zaremba - Kruger, Vilaka City, Vilaka municipality,
133. Anita Zaremba, Vilaka City, Vilaka municipality,
134. Lydia, Vilaka City, Vilaka municipality,
135. Martha Dortan, Vilaka City, Vilaka municipality,
136. Valentine Dortan, Vilaka City, Vilaka municipality,
137. Lucia Saicane, Vilaka City, Vilaka municipality,
138. Aldis Pushpurs, Susja civil parish, Vilaka municipality,
139. Emerita Pranckune, Susja civil parish, Vilaka municipality,
140. Anna Machāne, Susja parish, Vilaka municipality,
141. Anna Gabrāne, Susja civil parish, Vilaka municipality,
142. Antoņina Kalinina, Susja parish, Vilaka municipality,
143. Indra Machāne, Susja civil parish, Vilaka municipality,
144. Valentina Romanovska, Susja civil parish, Vilaka municipality,
145. Biruta Bukovsky, Susja civil parish, Vilaka municipality,
146. Marita Pitkevich, Susja civil parish, Vilaka municipality,
147. Lucia Korneva, Susja civil parish, Vilaka municipality,
148. Vija Martuzane, Krišana civil parish, prize municipality,
149. Inese Zelča, Krišjana civil parish, prize municipality,
150. The scene in Lochmele, the parish of Krišana, the province of prizes,
151. Scene Zelch, Krišjana civil parish, prize municipality,
152. Vitalijs Pujats, Krišjana civil parish, prize municipality,
153. Inara head, Krišana civil parish, prize municipality,
154. Inara Zelch, Krišjana civil parish, prize municipality,
155. Valentina Pujate, Krišana civil parish, prize municipality,
156. Zenta Šakale, Krišana civil parish, prize municipality,
157. Lily Zelch, Krišana civil parish, prize municipality,
158. Lily Zelch, Madona, Madona municipality,
159. Sandra Lochmele, Mednevas civil parish, Vilaka municipality,
160. Helen Locane, Mednevas civil parish, Vilaka municipality,
161. Scene Prancāne, Medeņevas civil parish, Vilaka municipality, s
162. Valentine Babane, Mednevas civil parish, Vilaka municipality,
163. Marina River, Mednevas civil parish, Vilaka municipality,
164. River Anita, Mednevas civil parish, Vilaka municipality,
165. Zinta Babane, Mednevas civil parish, Vilaka municipality,
166. Sylvia Babane, Mednevas civil parish, Vilaka municipality,
167. Malvine Lochmele, Mednevas civil parish, Vilaka municipality,
168. Skaidrite Saicane, Mednevas civil parish, Vilaka municipality,
169. Yevgenia Rachāne, parish of ages, Vilaka municipality,
170. Anna Saundjeva, parish of ages, Vilaka municipality,
171. Velta login, age parish, Vilaka municipality,
172. Maruta Kokorevich, the parish of ages, Vilaka municipality,
173. Olga Kokorevich, the parish of ages, Vilaka municipality,
174. Irene Keate, parish of ages, Vilaka municipality,
175. Elizabeth login, parish of ages, Vilaka municipality,
176. The municipality of Kokorevich, the parish of ages, the municipality of Vilnius,
177. Janina Kokorevich, the parish of ages, Vilaka municipality,
178. Livia Kokorevich, the parish of ages, Vilaka municipality,
179. Valentine Keiša, Squilbert parish, Vilaka municipality,
180. Loretta Shakin, Squilbert parish, Vilaka municipality,
181. Gunita Shakin, Squilbert parish, Vilaka municipality,
182. Irmine Slišāne, Squilbert parish, Vilaka municipality,
183. Iveta login, Squilbert parish, Vilaka municipality,
184. Maria Supe, Squibenes civil parish, Vilaka municipality,
185. Irene Keith, Squilbert parish, Vilaka municipality,
186. Malvina Romka, Squilbert parish, Vilaka municipality,
187. Anna Keiša, Squilbert parish, Vilaka municipality,
188. Laura Books, Squilbert parish, Vilaka municipality,
189. Dainis Keiesh, Squilbert parish, Vilaka municipality,
190. Livia Supe, Squilbert parish, Vilaka municipality,
191. Valentine Mežaka, Squilbert parish, Vilaka municipality,
192. Aija Korneja, Squilbert parish, Vilaka municipality,
193. Anna Schtekele, Lazdukelna parish, rugar municipality,
194. Ivars Vītols, Lazdukalna parish, rugar municipality,
195. Peteris Jermacans, Lazdukalna parish, rugar municipality,
196. League Zizlāne, Lazdukalna parish, rugar municipality,
197. Regina Chudarane, Lazdukalna parish, rugar municipality,
198. Iveta Urshalska, Lazdukalna parish, rugar municipality,
199. Veronica Janisha, Lazdukalna parish, rugar municipality,
200. Vincentina bush, Lazdukalna parish, rugar municipality,
201. Emilia Bondare, Lazdukalna parish, rugar municipality,
202. Livia Lucas, Lazdukalna parish, rugar municipality,
203. Zita Kuzma, Lazdukalna parish, rugar municipality,
204. Aija Ikstena, Lazdukalna parish, rugar municipality,
205. Judīte Pasikova, Lazdukalna parish, rugar municipality,
206. Valda Šmagre, Lazdukalna parish, rugar municipality,
207. Rudīte Kuzmina, Lazdukalna parish, rugar municipality,
208. Silvia Decsne, Lazdukalna parish, rugar municipality,
209. Iveta Birkova, Lazdukalna parish, rugar municipality.
Agencies and Institutions
The prize council, the cultural division of the awards, the “river” of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, the association “river youth folklore set”, the municipality of Mednevas parish, “Rekova”, the cultural house of Baltinava parish, the People's House of Briezuciema parish, the Vectilža parish sports and cultural centre, the Central School of Viduči, the Baltinava secondary school.
Strengthening
1. In the 90 s of the 20 th century, the Cultural Division of the Prize of Prize publicly expressed the view that the May songs were an essential and important part of the People's culture and invited people to join the tradition. The crucifixes on which the singing are held were collected and published in the district newspaper.
2. In 2001, 2004 and 2006, the celebrations of May's spiritual music festival became an essential part of these festivals.
3. In 2003 and 2004, a project called “May singing at crucifixes” was carried out, which foresaw the introduction of singer groups, the documentation of songs, photo fixation and a seminar with analysis of the material produced and a forecast of the future perspective of the tradition.
4. Individual parishes, such as Briezuciems and Vīksna, attracted the FINANCING of THE CKF and LEADER programmes for the sorting of crucifixes.
5. A photo fixation of 108 North Latgale crucifixes was performed in 2008 and 2009.
6. In 2016, the VKKF project for the involvement of children and young people in the May singing was implemented in Baltinava municipality.
7. Every year, the North Latgale newspaper “Vadfire” for May's singing is at least one publication. Every year the museum shall perform at least one video documentation of the singing.
8. In 2019, the North Latgale crucifixes (120) were re-documented, details of the singer groups.
Traditions collectively do this without thinking about plans and perspectives, they simply do so without realising the uniqueness of the case and the priceless charm of their actions. Activities so far have helped them understand the importance of their activities. Publicity has allowed the issue to attract younger people, as well as support from parish leaders when necessary. Good and regular cooperation with Joseph Vitols Latvian Academy of music has developed, which means not only involvement of ethnomuzikologists and students, but also cooperation in international research and study programmes. The May singing visit is included in the content of JVLMA ERASMS student study programme, which in turn means widespread international publicity as students come from different countries around the world and take with them not only the experience of the May singing adventure (students usually engage in singing) but also the warmth of the heart of people in North Latgale.
The municipalities have always provided and provide their support to address the various organisational issues.
It is most often a transport provision for the arrival and removal of older wives to cross-country singing, events in a free museum or other activities where the May singing tradition is presented.
Municipalities are willing to participate in supporting documentation and research. This is reflected in the transport provision for local crossings, accommodation and catering provision, the preparation of the information base necessary for the preparation of research.
In some cases, municipalities engage in cross-border infrastructure management, but it is based on the Community's responsibility.
The financing of the projects has been attracted by the municipalities of Briezuciema and vines (the province of prizes) for the renewal and sorting of crucifixes.
On the other hand, there are several examples in the municipality of Batinava when the farmer who leases and treats the plot of land on which the crucifix is located assumes responsibility for restoring it.
In Vilaka municipality, Susja parish is an example when a private person restores a crucifix (Swapova, Eggkova) every year.
In the parish of Susukas and ages (Vilakas municipality), individual persons have invested funds to build crucifixes at the place of their villages, where people are no longer practically living, as well as organizing singers and transport to these places at least once in the month of May.
Individual enthusiasts are regularly updated and even supplemented by an already rich Award of Berzpils parish, a family of crucifixes. The beast crucifix (Berzpils parish, the province of prizes), at which regular singing is held, has also anticipated the participation of the restorers of the Rēzekne Arts and Design Secondary School in order to organize it.
North Latgale is not homogenous, but overall it is characterised by striking people's desire to take care of irrational things.
For the time being, this process does not require an artificially organized action. Positive communication and support are provided from local governments, when necessary.
Continuity/Development
To ensure the identification of the element:
1. Cooperation with traditional music researchers and students will be continued through regular documenting of the May songs. At least one full singing record will be performed every year with the aim of covering as many and different singing groups as possible.
2. Research results will be presented at local and international conferences as well as in researchers' publications.
3. In the North Latgale newspaper “Vadfire”, there will be at least one publication on the progress of the singing at one of the region's crucifixes every year. The development of the tradition is reflected in the “one-home” project of the society integration fund and media support fund.
4. The application of North Latgale Excellent Expressions will be continued TO THE CKF life scholarships and the recognition of appreciation and gratitude.
5. The collection, collection and publication of singer-life stories in the cultural history database of the Baltic region will be continued.
6. It is intended to continue active cooperation with “radio Marija”, which makes regular direct translations from Latgale crucifixes every year. Maintain the share of Ziemellatgale translations currently in force in the total range of broadcasts.
7. Do not impose imposing or conspicuous activities, but, in view of the processes, support requests from local government-side singing groups to address transport issues or infrastructure issues.
The aim of these measures is to maintain that they do not lose. Promote to attract new people. Study and document to avoid shallow. Do not interfere, but be adjacent to undistorted and undegraded.
Threats
The threat of May singing is caused by:
1. The dramatic decline in the population in rural areas, including North Latgale.
2. There is a potential threat to local form and version niveling in favour of any other, possibly a more popular singing option.
Applicant
Vilaka municipality municipality
Image Gallery
Audio Materials
Video Materials
Publications
Beitane, Anda. (2018). Notes from Latvia. Multipart Music in the Field. European Voices: audiovisuals 1. Compiled and Commented by Anda Beitane. Signal Processing and Mastering by Varis Current. Vienna and Riga: Department for folk Music Research and Ethnomusicology of the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. Jaseps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music.
Beitane, Anda. (2014). “Traditional Polyphony in the officium defunctorum in North-Eastern Latvia”. In Proceedings of the 6 th International Symposium on Traditional Polyphony. Rusudan Tsurtsumia and Joseph Jordania, eds. Tbilisi International Research Center for Traditional Polyphony of Tbilisi Vano Sarajishvili State Conservatoire, 2014, 238-245.
Cibule, Ruth. (2020). Knife with culturys radzamou. Conversation with Ruth Cibuli: [interview with Award Central Library Director Ruth Cibuli]/R.Cibule, S. Water// LaKuGa [e-magazine] - 11.02.2020.
Gabranov, Edgar. (2018). Live pi crucifixes: [on May singing at crucifix in Kurna, Kubulu parish]/E.Gabranov// Control. - ISSN 1407-9844. - No. 38 (2018, May 25), p. [1]: photogr.
Login, Zinaide. (2016). As a result of the vibrations of the soul, [the “radio Marija Latvija” radio station in Tilja/text is told by R.Miķelson, I.Laupace, A.Sisojeva, R.Cibule, puzzle. Z.login// Control. - ISSN 1407-9844. - No. 43 (2016, 3 June), p. 5; photo.
Login, Zinaide. (2020). In Latgale says, “the chievous pi krysta”: [about the May singing tradition at the time when the gathering together is restricted by the country-specific emergency]/Zinaide logina; the text says Ruta cibule, Helen Locane, Malvine Lochmele, Sylvia Babane, Anna Prancāne, Anita River, Lucia Gaspažiņa, Ingrida Svelpe, long writing, Bronieislava feathers, Maria Buksa, Tekla Kozlovska// Vadfire. - No 37 (2020, 19 May), p. 7, photo gr.
Pantel, Guna (2002). The tradition of May services in Eastern Latvia// materials on culture in Latvia. Riga, science, 2002.200-213
Radio Marie. (2017). The May singing in various Latgale provinces 2017. DVD/radio Marija Latvia. Riga: Radio Maria Latvia.
Ranana, Ann. (2003). If there is a cross, you must sing: [on Catholic tradition - May singing at the crossroads in Baltinava parish in Swapova and Lazdukalna parish in Mastar]/Anna Ranāne; AivarLiepiņa photo. - The text says the singer Baiba Supe and Anna Mežale from Baltinava parish and Anna Schtekele from Lazdukalna parish// day. - (Piel. Saturday) - ISSN 1407-1290. - (2003, 31 May), pp. 16-19: photogr.
Goldhill, Vineta. (2019). The Travel Cross tradition is alive: [on the preservation of the May singing to crucifixes in Vilnius municipality]/Vineta Goltkalne; the text says Pr. G. Skutel and M. Jeromane// Vilaka municipality. - No. 5 (2019, 28 May), p. 12: photo.
Goldhill, Vineta. (2015). How to preserve the tradition of May singing?: [the month of May is hurried, the most charming singers and the stories of traditions, sanctioned every day by God's honour at crosses, crucifixes]/Vineta Zeltkalne// Control. - ISSN 1407-9844. - No. 42 (2015. June 9), p. 8, photo.
Zinkovsk, Ingrida. (2016). Singing songs to God's honour: [about the May singing traditions in Baltinvas municipality]/text story psalm singer F.Avišāne, School M.Laganovska, head of the Prize Central Library R.Cibule, pierakst. I.zinkovska; photo A.Kirsanov// Control. - ISSN 1407-9844. - No. 40 (2016, 24 May), p. 8; photo.
Websites
http://balvurcb.lv/kb/index.php?CategoryID=32 - information on more than 100 North Latgale crucifixes
http://balvurcb.lv/kb/index.php?CategoryID=29 - for May songs in separate parishes, including with added publication lists
http://balvurcb.lv/kb/index.php?CategoryID=74 - for more than 100 catolic traditional music practitioners
http://balvurcb.lv/kb/index.php?CategoryID=60 - Latvian Radio Cora Expedition Materials in North Latgale in 2009, including May songs. Berzpils, Tilja, Cape, Vilaka
https://www.letonika.lv/groups/default.aspx?title=LKK%20resurss/22 - short historical insight into tradition