LARGE STONES IN THE MANOR PARKS OF LATVIA

Abstract

Starting from the 18th cent., construction of manor castles and laying out of landscape parks developed in Latvia. The parks contained different structures; mostly transformations of terrain associated with parks and the large stones have survived till nowadays. These stones have not been previously dealt with in uniform research. Several park stones have been mentioned in different connections in a series of publications. Connection of manors with the large stones appears at least since the 15th cent. The article provides information concerning eight large stones of manor parks, with average dimension in one direction no less than 2 m. It must be assumed that a large stone, entwined by legends, might have been inspiring to lay out a manor park in its close proximity. Sometimes dated texts have been carved in the large stones (1768; 1798; 1845–1855). Two large stones are crudely shaped stone benches. Several of the large stones, as testified by folklore and hollows in stones, might be connected with sacrality. Part of park stones fall within the circle of Devil’s legends. There are also folklore subjects on buried treasure, tragic lovers, etc. Nowadays the large stones of manor parks are included in cultural movement again, this time more focusing on tourists and other visitors. Long ago recorded narratives are used, and new folklore is developed. Today, the large stones of manor parks and the crown of folklore around them, become part of the park landscape and keep up peculiar park atmosphere, retaining the presence of legendary ancient times.