Latvian Wedding, Three Rivers, MI, 1991

Singing constantly, Latvians are known for their dainas, a multitude of folksongs on every subject from birth to death. During the feast, friends of Elisa and Kalvis sing to them, after which the newlyweds respond in song.

Katrina Thomas's notes: Despite long periods of foreign domination, these Baltic people have maintained a distinct national culture, characterized by dainas, their folk songs of which more than 60,000 have been collected. Most Latvians in the U.S. are Lutheran and, still speaking their language, preserve ancient customs. Wedding receptions that keep traditions are distinguished by the use of oak leaves and constant singing, particularly toward the end when the micosana, a pre-Christian rite, is performed. At this time, the bride's maiden wreath is removed and replaced by a matron's cap or wimple, and the bridegroom may receive a hat and pipe, testifying to his change of status. One wedding I photograph is a double celebration, occurring on the day Latvia declares its independence from the USSR.