Basic symbols in latvian design

Dievs

 

Dievs - (God) is the supreme god. In ancient Latvian mythology, Dievs was not just the father of the Gods, he was the essence of them all. This symbol represents the sky, as a roof over the earth. 

 

 

 

 Mara      Mära - She is strongly associated with childbirth; children are said to enter the world "through the gates of M3ra". She is the    protector of women, especially mothers, and children. She is also the goddess of the hearth. Mara is also linked with death,    and often takes the form of black animals such as ravens or black hens. She is also the goddess who was responsible for    the  land, the waters, and every living thing.
 Laima    Laima - (Godness of Destiny) the name Laima derives from the word laime, which means "happiness" or "luck". Laima    determines whether one's life will be short or long, fruitful or poverty- stricken, carefree or worrisome. She also determines  the  moment of a person's death. The sign is thought to bring luck.
 Jumis    

Jumis - fertility and well-being are personified through Jumis He is associated with ,.double- plants," such as two corn stalks   or trees which have grown together and share a trunk or stem. The basic symbol appears on wraps and jewellery from the    Iron  Age.

 

 Usins      Üsins - was the god of horses, bees and light. On UsigS' Day, which falls in early May, the animals are let out to pasture for   the first time. His sacrificial offering was a prize rooster. ClsigS is said to drive the chariot of the Sun across the sky with his   two horses.
 Zalktis   Zalktis (Serpent) - symbolized a deity which was significantly connected with general well-being, judging from the popularity  of the symbol. This sign is very ancient, also dating from the Iron Age, and is seen often on the borders of shawls, on  jewellery, and leatherwork.
 Krusts  

Krusts, krusta krusts, Maras krusts - (Cross and Cross of Crosses) the oldest ornamentation in all cultures. It guards,  blesses and brings happiness.

 Ugunskrusts   Ugunskrusts - (Sign of Fire or Thunder Cross) the sign of thunder, is one of the most ancient symbols in the world and has  been used by all nations. The Latvian sign of thunder symbolizes light, fire, life, health and prosperity. No other nation has  used the swastika so widely, nor developed so many variations of it as the Latvians.
 Saule  

Saule - (The Sun) was the goddess of fertility, patron goddess of the unlucky, including orphans. The design was originally a  simple circle, which evolved over the years into many variations. Sun designs now usually consist of eight parts.

 Meness   Meness - (Moon) guards and helps warriors, protects orphans. The Moon Sign has been found on men's bracelets dating    back to the Iron Age. Sword embellishments also boasted Moon Signs. Found on pendants and pins, orphans clothing.
 Auseklis   Auseklis - (The Morning Star or Guardian Star) is the symbol of the morning star, the usher of the new day. Auseklis is  thought to protect people from the forces of evil which roam at night. He is represented by the complex eight-sided star,  which  must be drawn in one continuous line without lifting your hand to receive the benefit of his blessings
 Janis .......  Janis - (Summer Solstice Deity) was sometimes referred to as a son of God. His Midsummer's Night festival (which is called  "Jagi" and which takes place on the evening of June 23rd) is the most important festival of the year for Latvians. Once every  year, Janis at midsummer came to bring luck and fertility to the people of Latvia.