November 2, 2005

Food & History

Latvians have fought for freedom

Jeff Cheek

A national language can be a powerful weapon. The Latvians have lived in their 25,000-square-mile northern European homeland, wedged between Russia and the Baltic Sea, for more than a thousand years, but have been an independent nation for only 34 of those. By clinging to their own language, Latvians maintained their ethnic identity during two centuries of Russian domination.

They even adopted a national anthem, “Dievs, Sveti Latviju” (God Bless Latvia) long before independence. Composed by Karlis Baumanis in 1873, it was immediately banned by the Russian czar. It used the forbidden word: Latvia.

“Bless Latvia, Oh God; Our verdant native sod;

Where Baltic heros once trod; Keep her from harm.”

The long simmering patriotic fervor burst out in 1918. Czarist Russia was torn apart by the October (Communist) Revolution. Latvia declared its independence on November 18, 1918. At last, the forbidden “God Blass Latvia” could be sung in public. It was the national anthem of a free nation.

Independence lasted only 20 years. The infamous Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact of August 1939 doomed Latvia. In return for Russian neutrality, when he attacked Poland, Hitler agreed to give them eastern Poland and the Baltic states of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia. On Sept. 1, Germany invaded Poland, starting World War II. Russia occupied Latvia a few weeks later, absorbing it into the Communist Soviet Union.

This second Russian occupation lasted 51 years, from 1940 until 1991. As the Russian-dominated Soviet Union crumbled, Latvia again declared its independence on August 21, 1991. The United States had never agreed to the forced annexation of Latvia by the Soviets, and quickly granted diplomatic recognition to the newly-born nation on Sept. 2. Russia recognized Latvia on Sept. 6, and their petition for United Nations membership was granted on Sept. 17.

This second half-century of Russian occupation had upset the racial balance in the new country. In 1940, four of five of their people were Latvians. Russia had exiled thousands of them and resettled over half a million Russians in Latvia. By 1991, the ethnic balance was roughly 55 percent Latvian and 45 percent minorities, mostly Russian.

The new government could not deport half a million Russians. They promulgated a fair and equitable compromise. Once again, the Latvian language was an essential piece of the solution. Non-Latvian immigrants could remain if they had lived in the country for five years.

But there were conditions. First, these minorities must take a loyalty oath. Second, they must have a basic knowledge of Latvian history. Third, they must speak Latvian, the official language of the Republic of Latvia. More than three-fourths of the immigrants chose to cast their lot with the new nation.

The Latvian embassy provided details of the history of their national hymn which were appreciated. However, I could not find any recipe that was exclusively Latvian. This recipe for Baltic Pea Soup could have come from any of the three Baltic nations.

Baltic Split Pea Soup

1 1/2 cups dry split peas

2 quarts water

1/2 pound lean salt pork

1/2 pound stewing beef

1 large onion, chopped

Salt and thyme to taste

Wash peas and soak overnight in two quarts water. Bring to boil in same water. Cut meat into cubes and add to soup. Add onion and seasoning, cover and simmer until peas are tender, about 80 to 90 minutes. Serve.