The aim of this survey is to find out about those who live outside Latvia and have Latvian tattoos. Who is getting them? Is it only Millennials and Gen Zs who are getting them or are previous generations now coming on board too? Are more men than women getting Latvian tattoos or viceversa? Why are Latvians living abroad getting a Latvian tattoo? And what do their friends and family think of this? Are tattoos replacing Latvian jewellery as a symbol of ethnic belonging?
During the Latvian Song Festival many Latvians who live abroad and have Latvian tattoos were visible on the streets of Riga. Some were very prominent on their wearers’ bodies, others were only visible on hot short-sleeve shirt days. This led to my interest in finding out more about Latvians (of all generations) living abroad and their interest in Latvian tattoos and what these tattoos mean to them.
If you live anywhere outside Latvia, are of Latvian descent (1st, 2nd, 3rd or even 4th generation), or have an affiliation to Latvians and have a tattoo which you consider to be a Latvian tattoo (or plan to get one), please fill out this survey! Please complete the survey by October 10th, 2023.
https://forms.gle/Q7SQDYYrFUtVinjRA
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I have a tattoo of a saulīte on my inner left ankle. I got it in Montreal when I was 18 or 19 years old (1990ish)
I have two two tattoos
One on my forearm of a Auseklis and on my ankle the design Laima
If I was ever to get a tattoo it would only be a latvian symbol like Jumis. I would want something timeless and to show my family roots. I am 60 plus
I’m of Latvian heritage in Australia
25 years old and have an auseklis tattoo on my wrist
I have a tat of a Latvian flag crossed with the Royal Australian Navy ensign on my left shoulder. I g
Had it done in Riga, the girl doing it said that she had never done a Latvian flag. When I expressed surprise she responded with ” mums tādi patrioti šeit nav”! I was 60 years old at the time. I’m in Australia.
I’ve an auseklis on my left shoulder
I am a 43 year old woman and my father is 100% Latvian. I obtained a large Latvian tattoo on my back at the age of 18. It symbolizes strength, which was perfect at the time because I was going through a very hard living transition. I liked that it looked tribal, was meaningful and was part of my heritage.
I have one on my forearm
My grandparents came from dougapiels in 1941, the last name was pincers
I have had shoulder tattoo since 90’s just redone and considering to embelish with Latvian ornament next time in Riga
Esmu latviete (54g.v.) gan at tetovējumiem, gan ar latviskiem tetovējumiem. Neredzēju aptauju laikā.