2128) "Lilac Flower - a Symbol of Luck" - Latvia: A Five Euro Silver coin issued by the "Latvijas Banka" (Bank of Latvia") depicting the association of the Lilac Flower, as a symbol of Luck, particularly in marriage: Date of Coin issue: 15.06.2021:
A lilac flower with five petals is one of the Latvian symbols of luck. As the local tradition has it, when finding a five-petal flower, one should make a wish and eat the flower or dry it and keep it at hand – between the pages of a book, in the pocket or wallet.
The key is in the knowledge that lucky five-petal flowers are mostly found in ungrafted lilacs.
One should, however, bear in mind that one such flower would do the trick. One should not risk "overeating".
Lilacs are commonly associated with good luck in love and hope for a bright future.
They are variously reflected in fine arts of the second half of the 19th Century (Lilacs in a Window by Mary Cassatt; White Lilacs in a Glass Vase by Édouard Manet), the first half of the 20th Century (The Lilacs by Mikhail Vrubel; Lilacs by Henri Matisse; Lovers in the Lilacs by Marc Chagall) and at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries (a series of lilac paintings by Latvian artist Īra Rozentāle, 2000–2002).
Latvia has its own "Father of Lilacs" – Pēteris Upītis who is well known for creating a large selection of lilac hybrids which can still be viewed in the Lilac Garden in Dobele every spring.
A brief history of lilac introduction and cultivation in Latvia:
The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is thought to have been introduced to Europe in the mid-16th century when it was brought over from Turkey.
It appeared in the territory of the present-day Latvia in the second half of the 18th century: first around manors and later around farmhouses as well.
Owing to their fragrance and diversity of colour, lilacs became popular ornamental shrubs in the second half of the 19th century and, particularly, at the beginning of the 20th century.
Lilacs have been cultivated in Dobele since the late 1860s when a park with rare tree and plant species, including deep purple lilacs brought from the priest's manor in Lielauce, was created around the priest's manor.
Presently, it is hard to find a place in Latvia without lilacs. Within a few centuries, they have become an important part of Latvia's cultural landscape.
So, the time has come for Latvijas Banka’s lucky lilac coin. Unlike a real five-petal lilac flower, the coin should not be eaten. Instead, it should be given as a gift or kept for oneself so that its owner always holds the energy of luck.
The Coin:
The Reverse and Obverse of the 5 Euro Silver Proof Coin presented side-by-side
Latvijas Banka (Bank of Latvia) has issued this silver collector coin titled "YES or YES" dedicated to marriage.
The designers' concept of the coin follows Latvian marriage traditions, two people are asked a question, expecting an affirmative answer.
This is a coin of an absolute affirmative, with its both sides happily saying "YES". The Obverse and the Reverse become one. They denote one belief, one answer, one being consisting of two individuals. Both sides of the coin are like each other's reflection, and there is no way knowing which was the first.
The golden answers are encircled by the edge of the coin in a golden circle – an ideal shape which is always at its beginning and on an eternal journey that never ends, just like love.
The gold plated edge of the coin with the inscription 2021 encircles the affirmative answer of both sides like a ring.
When flipping a coin, the choice between two alternatives is made depending on whether the coin lands heads or tails side up. This coin changes the rules of the game, as there is no room for failure. One just have to ask the right question.
On the Reverse of the 5 Euro Silver Proof Coin is seen a five-petal lilac flower in lilac colour print is featured in the centre of the coin. The numeral "5" is placed above the flower, and the inscription "E U R O" is semi-circled beneath the flower.
On the Obverse of the 5 Euro Silver Proof Coin is seen a lilac panicle, with an inscription "LATVIJA" arranged in a semicircle above it on the left side, and "2021" semi-circled at the bottom right.
The specifications of this Coin are:
Country of issue: Latvia; Year: 2021; Denomination/Face Value: 5 Euro; Metal Composition: .925 Fineness Silver (Ag); Weight: 22.00 grams; Diameter/Size: 35.0 mm; Shape: Round; Coin Quality: Proof; Mintage: 4,000 pieces; Edge: Plain; Minted By: "Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt" (The Netherlands), "Royal Dutch Mint", on behalf of the Bank of Latvia; Special Technique: Coloured Coin; Designers: - Coin design: Krista and Reinis Dzudzilo, Graphic design: Arvīds Priedīte, Plaster model: Jānis Strupulis.
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