#kokles

[tazewild]

Got inspired by a guy I saw and created a very Latvian OC

[cryingyetcourageous]

This is how Raivis plays kokle.

I highly suggest listening/watching the whole thing to see how the song/technique transforms as it goes on, but if you're terribly impatient, skip to 1:45 to see it get truly wild.

[zhurawina]

Gusli (Гусли) it's the oldest East Slavic multi-string plucked instrument. It's roots lie in Novgorod. Gusli is related to Karelian/Finnish kantele, Latvian kokle and Lithuanian kankles.

Hi, long time no see :)

[askthelittlegenius]

Hello, everyone! My name is Raivis Ozoliņš. Liechtenstein told me about this website during a meeting, and I've decided to test it out!

Here's some things about me ↓(„• ֊ •„)

• I represent the Republic of Latvia

• I play the violin & kokle (A Latvian instrument)

• I have two pet rabbits named Bernadette & Little My!

• I play CRK, Reverse: 1999 & Animal crossing!

• I enjoy stop motion animations

• I draw & dream to become an animator someday !

• My favorite food and drink are Lauku Torte & milk tea

• I love poetry and romance movies especially tragic love ones

Anyways, that should be all! I hope you all treat me well

[alteredsilicone]

In the Operator timeline Eir became a famous composer, but he still liked to play the piano and the kokle. He started out playing a folk instrument before moving on to academic music but he always held his family traditions close to his heart, even if he couldn't be open about them when representing the Empire.

[unhonestlymirror]

The scale of russian misinformation is so huge that I've even seen Lithuanians using "Illya Muromets" as a derogatory insult because that legendary warrior is considered to be russian... but Illya is Ukrainian, actually!😭 His real name was Illya Murovets but russia stole it and renamed after the russian city "Murom" which isn't even close to Kyiv, but it sounds so similar to "Murovets", no one would care enough to notice!

The same happens among Ukrainians. I've seen plenty of times how Ukrainians use "gusli" to make fun of russians... but it's not actually an instrument of a russian origin! It's Finno-Baltic, Lithuanians use "Baltijos psalteriumas" as a common term for all these sort of musical instruments because it has a lot of names: Kokles in Latvian, kūkles in Latgalian, Kandla in Livonian (Livs), Kanklės in Lithuanian, Kanele in Estonian, Kantele in Finnish/Karelian Finnish and Kusli in Volga Finnish!

N.B. If it was in the 6th century A.D., it's highly unlikely those people were "Baltic Slavs": here is the original text (allegedly, because it is translated from Greek to russian, and we all know how russians love misleading people):

"They replied that they were Slavs by tribe and lived at the end of the Western Ocean (Baltic sea); that the Khagan had sent ambassadors as far as the local [tribes] to gather military forces, and had tempted the elders with rich gifts. But they, having accepted the gifts, refused him an alliance, assuring him that the length of the journey was an obstacle for them, and sent them, captured [by the emperor], to the Khagan with apologies: after all, the journey takes fifteen months. But the Khagan, forgetting the law [protecting] ambassadors, began to create obstacles for their return. They, having heard that the tribe of the Romans, if one may say so, is very famous for its wealth and philanthropy, went to Thrace, deceiving [the Khagan] at an opportune moment. And they carry citharas, they say, because they are not trained to carry weapons on their bodies; for their country does not know iron, which makes their life peaceful and unperturbed; they play the lyre, not familiar with the singing of trumpets. For those who have never heard of war, it's naturally, as they said, to engage in simple musical exercises. Autocrat, [hearing] all that was said, admired their race and, having honored the barbarians themselves who came to him with hospitality and marveling at the size of their bodies and the enormity of their body parts, he transported them to Heraclia."

Either the author confused something because there could be only Baltic tribes living next to the Baltic sea in the 6th century (Western Europe could never care less about whatever the hell happens in Eastern Europe, even nowadays, with all the Internet sources, they dare to call us "Slavic" and "post-soviet"🙄) or those were ancient Belaruthians (Gudija) who are technically Baltic Slavs who had more or less nice relations with their neighbours, or... russia just made it up, and there was no "slavs" mentioned at all. In any case, the full description really suits Baltic tribes (and even reminds me of Lāčplēsis a bit).

In russia (since it was born somewhen between Ivan the Terrible and Peter the First times) this instrument which is now called "gusli", came through Baltics then Finnish tribes. In Baltic tribes, psalteriumai have a sacral meaning, people there have a lot of festivals with kankliai, and they don't associate this musical instrument with russia... so I don't think Ukrainians should, too.

We should fight back russia not because for its clothes or music, but for their awe in killing and raping people en masse. We should also educate ourselves better about our neighbours.

[cockroachshop]

[israrcash]

SESI KOKLE

[ainews]

According to Latvian folk legends, the Easter Bunny was once a mythical creature known as "Lieldienas kaza" or "Easter goat" in English. This goat-like figure was said to bring springtime fertility and abundance to the land.

In ancient Latvia, top-hats were worn by farmers as a symbol of wealth and fertility. The tall, pointed shape of the top-hat was believed to represent the horns of the Easter goat, and therefore, it became associated with the holiday.

As Christian traditions spread to Latvia, the Easter goat gradually transformed into the Easter Bunny. However, the top-hat remained a staple accessory for this beloved holiday figure.

In addition to its symbolic meaning, the top-hat also serves a practical purpose for the Easter Bunny. In Latvia, where winters are harsh and snowy, a top-hat helps to keep the bunny's ears warm and protected from the elements while delivering Easter eggs.

Moreover, the color of the top-hat is significant in Latvian culture. In many old Latvian tales, the Easter goat or bunny is described as wearing a red top-hat. Red holds great significance in Latvian culture, representing vitality, strength, and good luck. This is why many Latvians still choose to decorate their homes with red Easter eggs.

But why specifically a top-hat, rather than any other headwear? This is believed to be because of the resemblance between the shape of a top-hat and the traditional Latvian headdress, the "Kokles lielauksta cepure," which is also tall and pointed.

Though many countries have their own version of the Easter Bunny, the tradition of wearing top-hats can be traced back to Latvia and its rich cultural heritage. Today, Latvians continue to celebrate Easter with colorful eggs, traditional foods, and of course, the iconic top-hat-wearing Easter Bunny. So, if you happen to spot a bunny wearing a top-hat this Easter, you'll know it's a nod to Latvian tradition and folklore.

[cryingyetcourageous]

It's almost Ligo and Jāņi which means it's time to share my absolute favorite video of Latvian folk music. The sheer joy of seeing multiple generations come together is overwhelming. There are so many songs I love but this video gets to me.

[portlandlac]

Lapkričio 18-ją Latvija šventė jos Nepriklausomybės paskelbimo 103-ąsias metines

Kelias, kurį Latvija nuėjo per nepriklausomybės metus, yra pasididžiavimo ir įkvėpimo šaltinis daugeliui tautų.

Nuo 1915 m. Latvija buvo užimama tai Vokietijos, tai Rusijos. 1918 m. lapkričio 18 d. Latvijos liaudies taryba paskelbė Latvijos respublikos nepriklausomybę. Lapkričio 25 d. Latvijos nepriklausomybę pripažino Vokietija. Rusija Latvijos nepriklausomybę pripažino tik 1920 m. balandžio 11 d.

Latvijos nepriklausomybė truko iki 1939 m. J. Ribentropo - V.Molotovo pakto, po kurio ji vėl tapo priklausoma nuo Tarybų Sąjungos. Latvijos nepriklausomybės atkūrimas vėl paskelbtas 1991 m. rugpjūčio 21 d.

Latvijos vėliava yra viena seniausių pasaulyje. Legenda pasakoja, kad vienos latgalių genties kovos metu mirtinai sužeistas karo vadas buvo įvyniotas į baltą audeklą, kuris permirko nuo jo kraujo. Kariai pakėlė šį kruviną audeklą kaip savo vėliavą, ji įkvėpė narsuolius mūšyje ir padėjo iškovoti pergalę.

Vietos Portland’o Latvių Bendruomenė rinkosi paminėti Latvijos Nepriklausomybės Dieną, Lapkričio 19-ąją. Labai smagu, kad Portland’o Lietuvių Bendruomenės atstovai irgi buvo pakviesti į šią labai svarbią ir brangią kiekvieno latvio širdžiai šventę.

Susirinkusiuosius garbingus svečius ir Latvijos bendruomenės narius šiltai pasveikino vietos Latvių Bendruomenės pirmininkė Ieva Dexter, vėliau sekė Latvijos Prezidento Egils Levits internetinis sveikinimas, o tada brolius latvius sveikino ir nuoširdaus ilgamečio abiejų tautų bendravimo pratęsimo dar daug metų į priekį linkėjo vietos Estų Bendruomenės pirmininkas Kalev Sepp ir mūsų Lietuvių bendruomenės pirmininkė Giedrė Babarskienė bei kiti garbingi svečiai.

Vėliau šventės svečiai ir dalyviai buvo supažindinti su ko gero seniausio ir populiariausio Latvijos liaudies muzikos instrumento - Kanklių (latviškai - Kokles) atsiradimo, vystymosi ir populiarinimo ne tik Latvijoje, bet ir visame pasaulyje,- istorija. Pranešėja, viešnia iš San Francisko, CA - Mara Linde – labai išsamiai ir įdomiai, pasitelkusi daug sukauptos metų metais medžiagos, papasakojo apie šį muzikos instrumentą.

Kuoklės (latv. kokles) arba kuoklė (kokle) – senovinis latvių styginis muzikos instrumentas, drauge su lietuvių kanklėmis, lyvių kandla, estų kanele, suomių bei karelų kantele ir rusų guslėmis įeina į Baltijos sritims būdingų ir giminingų instrumentų šeimą. Pirmieji archeologiniai kuoklės radiniai Latvijoje siekia XIII a., yra išlikę XVII a. rašytinių šaltinių, kur jos minimos, o pirmoji žinoma kuoklių melodija užrašyta 1891 m. Kaip tradicinės kultūros vertybė, kuoklės ir skambinimas jomis įtraukti į Latvijos kultūros paveldą. 

Maloniai nustebino ir sužavėjo jungtinis Latvių kanklininkų ansamblio pasirodymas ir Latviškų folkloro dainų atlikėjų dainos. Scenoje, užburtos melodingų garsų ir tautinės dvasios, tarsi susiliejo į vieną nedalomą visumą trys kartos: senoliai, jų vaikai ir vaikaičiai, įrodydami tą seną, iš kartos į kartą perduodamą tiesą: kas tau buvo duota tavo tėvu ir protėvių,- perduok tiems, kas ateis po tavęs, neleisk užgęsti gražioms tradicijoms, išnykti mūsų prosenelių taip brangintam tautiniam paveldui…

Koncertinės dalies pabaigoje visi vakaro dalyviai buvo paraginti drauge sudainuoti keletą latvišku dainų: “Daugav’ abas malas” ir “Pūt vėjini”. Buvo tikrai labai smagu ir įdomu kartu su latviais dainuoti jų gimtąja kalba,- ypatinga, pakili nuotaika apėmė visą salę.  

Na, o po visų ilgų kalbų ir gražių dainų Latvių Bendruomenės pirmininkė Ieva Dexter pakvietė visus pasivaišinti, bet mes jau skubėjome į kitą renginį, į Giedrės ir Vilmano Babarskų namus, kur nedidelė grupelė Portland’o Lietuvių Bendruomenės drauge žiūrėjo visai šeimai skirtą režisierės Agnės Marcenkevičiūtės nuotykių juostą „Lobis“. Jos pamatu tapo to paties pavadinimo knyga, kurią parašė Renata Šerelytė.

Nelabai apsidžiaugusi žinia, kad suplanuotą laiką teks praleisti ne vandens parke, o kaimo sodyboje pas senelius, dešimtmetė Austėja pakviečia kartu su ja važiuoti savo geriausią draugą Martyną. Ir nors bičiuliams atrodo, kad jų viešnagė apsiribos vien tik nuobodžiai praleistu laiku gamtos apsuptyje, jie visiškai nenutuokia, jog netrukus įsivels į tikro lobio paieškas. 

Maloniausia šiame filme yra tai, kad jis skleidžia tik pačius pozityviausius jausmus bei yra skirtas ne vien vaikams, bet ir vyresnio amžiaus žiūrovams. Tad suaugęs žmogus, stebėdamas šios juostos siužetą, galės mintimis sugrįžti į tuos laikus, kai vaikyst�� buvo leidžiama pas senelius. Ir nesvarbu, ar tas laikas buvo kaime, ar bute, bet pats nostalgijos jausmas leidžia pasinerti į šį pasakojimą su šypsena veide.

„Lobis“ – malonus ir neprailgstantis, šiltas ir nostalgiškas bei smagus ir įtraukiantis visai šeimai skirtas lietuviškas nuotykių filmas, kuris turėtų suteikti vaikams pakankamai pozityvią pramogą, o tėveliams padovanoti savotišką kelionę laiku į jų vaikystę.

Ačiū Giedrei ir Vilmantui už suteiktą galimybę pasižiurėti šį Lietuvišką filmą jų jaukiuose namuose, o tiems, kas nesuskubo to padaryti drauge su mumis,- linkime būtinai pamatyti šį filmą.

Gražina Kazilienė,

Portland’o Lietuvių Bendruomenės atstovė spaudai ir ryšiams su visuomene

[askthelittlegenius]

Can you teach me how to play the kokle...? It looks fun.

@ask-the-spherical-nation

Oh, of course I can teach you how to play one of my instruments, and it is fun! Sorry if I get too excited, it's just I've never been asked this question for.

[bates--boy]

It was true: three days was not enough time for them to catch up and hang out; and even less with the preparations for the next show. What could they even do in such a short time, anyway? They couldn't have the sleepover, nice as that sounded, due to the call Peter was expecting later and the need for privacy. And Raivis could only give Peter a tour of his neighborhood so many times before they came across some of the same places and rendering a tour pointless. Taking a handful of cookies and setting his bag on the floor, Peter eased down into the sofa and proceeded to munch on them as he thought. The best idea he could come up with was planning another visit once the tours ended for the year, or there was a long enough stretch of a break in-between shows and events, maybe a week.

He had finished with his first handful of cookies without realizing it, and reached for another -- just one, he wasn't going to be a pig! -- until it hit him. My home is always open to you. He stared at the other, uneaten snack in his hand, suddenly flooded with the warmth of those words. Sure, Peter had managed to visit others in their homes, but there was a way that Raivis had invited him. It wasn't I'm feeling charitable, let the mangy mutt in or Come on, you silly little boy, I'm in the mood for a good laugh. It was, You are my family.

And the thing that made him sick was a sinking, chilling feeling that followed as Peter worked to crushed that warmth. Because he couldn't have that, and he couldn't allow himself to think that he could have that, not after learning his place in life.

His head snapped when the clinking of the tray snapped him back to the present, and he let a bright grin spread across his face, so Raivis wouldn't catch on that Peter was half-listening after being thrown for a loop. He lounged back into the couch and listened, fully this time, and even managed to pluck some activity ideas from Raivis's list of going-ons. His ears had particularly picked up on choir practice, reading, and kokle... Whatever that was.

Peter bit into his cookie and looked up at the ceiling, the teasing tone turning his grin cheekier. He shrugged. "Pretty well. Album sales good, book sales good, a lot of my fans are really, really sweet, too. I do some brand deals and photo shoots here and there, but whatever the company gives me to model I end up giving away. I'm doing shows with this drag theatre company and they're going to make me a member. I'm looking at this old theatre near my neighborhood, maybe buy it and renovate it. Once I'm finished with my current duology and all this other stuff, though, I might take a quick break. Take a trip to Nigeria or something."

He straightened up and turned to Raivis, tucking a leg underneath him. "Hey, tell me more about your choir practice! How did you get into that?" Because it was such a forward thing for someone as anxious as Raivis, to sing in front of people, and if it was as Peter had imagined it, it made Peter proud to know that Raivis was putting himself out there like that. "And, uh... what's a kokle?" He had to ask; it was going to bother him all week, or at least until he can google it.

He had his next concert gig in three days, which meant three days to breathe. Everything was planned and booked in advance, from rooming accommodations and noted shops to visit, to the venue that charged a quarter off to book their place for the afterparty and autograph signing. It was going to be a daunting night, only for Peter to have to prepare for the next show and fly off to the next big city and do it all over again.

Only two things shone brightly through the tumultuous mulch that was his tight schedule. One was the planned video chat he and Ashira agreed on, the slice in the day where he could see the darling face of his child. The other, which was a bit unplanned, was visiting Raivis. Unplanned because although he loved Raivis like a brother, Peter usually tried to slip in and out of all of his touring cities undetected by the avatars of both city and nation (sans Scandinavia) -- less hassle for all parties. But it hadn't felt right that Peter would stop by Riga without calling, even if he was sure that Raivis wouldn't have known, anyway, so that was what he did.

And that was how Peter ended up in the general neighborhood, gazing around the confusing as hell buildings trying to find the right one.

[text: Rai Bread] hey yo, i think im by your apartment? what does the buildling look like again?

@cryingyetcourageous

[balticpsalteries]

Time to relax. #relax #relaxtime #relaxmusic #musically #dream #nature #forest #balticpsalteries #balticpsaltery #gusli #kantele #kokle #kokles #kannel #kanklės #psaltery #zither #lyre #harp #guzheng #koto #kanun #dulcimer #autoharp #guitar #musicalinstrument #music #song https://www.instagram.com/p/CCLqY0fA6uz/?igshid=ifyls3w7uhn1