EIGHT-POINTED STAR: IMAGES AND MEANINGS DURING FORMATION OF LATVIAN STATE (1905-1920)

Abstract

Images of eight-pointed star (regular octagram) play an essential role in history of Latvian culture. Eight-pointed star visual representations appeared during national awakening in late 19th and early 20th century, as it was extensively used in visual and decorative art in between wars, also it played a role in exile and restoring national independence in 1980s. In the formation of the State of Latvia ethnographic ornaments became widely used by many artists, so, as early as in the beginning of 20th century, eight-pointed star was perceived as Latvian ornament of importance. The star was represented visually, also attained a meaning in textual comments or in visual and cultural context. Thus symbolic meaning of eight-pointed star in Latvia was expanded and following meanings emerged: “typical Latvian ornament”, “ancient Latvian rituals” in J.Rozentāls wall mural “Spēks” (Power), “historical, true Latvian style” in J.Kuga’s scenography for J.Rainis “Uguns un nakts” (Fire and Night), “national-patriotic” in A.Cirulis Latvian Riflemen battalions flags and “Latvian historic regions” in A.Cirulis version of Latvian flag.