Puzuri Masterclass

Puzuri—ornaments of various shapes made from reeds, rye or wheat straw, eggshells, goose feathers, or wood shavings—have long been known in Latvia and across Northern and Central Europe. Their original meaning comes from pre-Christian cultural traditions. They are also among Latvia’s oldest Winter Solstice decorations, symbolising joy at the coming return of light and the sun. Puzuri helped people endure the dark season, but at Easter or the Summer Solstice they were burned to neutralise the negative energy accumulated in them. They were made anew each year. Puzuri were also made for many other celebrations.

Puzuri masterclasses on 14 November, 11:00–15:00, at Aspazijas māja, Z. Meierovica pr. 18/20.

PUZURI–ĶISTS MAKING MASTERCLASS
A ķists is one of the traditional forms of festive interior decoration. Like other puzuri, a ķists is hung from the ceiling so that it can turn freely. It was made from straw; those made from oat straw were said to be especially beautiful and golden. Ķisti are decorated with small strands of brightly coloured yarn or pieces of cloth. Today, coloured yarn is most often used. Ineta Sproģe’s masterclass will offer the opportunity to work with the traditional material for a ķists—straw—and learn to make a ķista sun ornament.

WOVEN PUZURI MAKING MASTERCLASS
Woven puzuri are one type of hanging garland. To make a long garland, wool yarn warps, tablet-weaving tablets and straw are used to create spiral straw twists, which can be hung vertically from the ceiling or arranged horizontally as room decorations. They were hung both in the corners and in the middle of a room, so that their turning would gather all the negative energy and energetically cleanse the space. In Agnija Saprovska’s masterclass, participants will be able to learn how to make woven puzuri and work as a team.