Krišjāņa Barona jubilejas latviešu folkloristikā

Abstract

The birth and death remembrance anniversaries of Krišjānis Barons (31.10.1835–08.03.1923), editor of folk songs and publisher of “Latvju dainas” (Latvian Folk Songs, 1894–1915), received widespread attention already in the interwar period, both in the humanities and in Latvian society in general. Shortly after Barons’ death, in honour of his memory, several significant projects in the history of Latvian culture and scholarship were launched: the Barons’ Society (1924–1940) and the Archives of Latvian Folklore were founded (1924), and the Krišjānis Barons’ Prize was established (1926–1940). However, the most ambitious cultural memory activities are associated with the celebration of his 150th anniversary between 1981 and 1985. This anniversary promoted works of research, art, literature, and cinema, the emergence of new cultural sites, as well as encouraged the general public to strive for Latvian independence. Of lasting significance was the tradition of the annual conference of Krišjānis Barons, which began in 1981 by A. Upīts’ Institute of Language and Literature at the Latvian SSR Academy of Sciences. The aim of the article is to understand the construction of the memory of Krišjānis Barons in a diachronic aspect, using the theoretical approaches of memory studies and postcolonial studies for interpretation. Based on the archival and published materials, the article traces the history of Barons’ commemoration activities during the 20th century and provides an analysis of their role in the context of cultural policy, ideologies of their time, and the disciplinary history of folklore studies.