Latvian Banner

This patchwork banner is part of the Museum's Community Banners project 'Memories and Dreams'. It is symbolic of Latvian immigrants' experiences in South Australia.
The combination of colours represents different stages in the history of the Latvian people. The dreams of those who came to Australia are symbolised in green and yellow. A mosaic of colours, including those of the Australian flag further emphasises life in the new land. The Latvian national colours in the centre of the banner provide the essential link between memories of life in the old country and hopes for the new.
Colour sections - from bottom left are as follows:
Light colour represents childhood, the black, red, grey flowers represents war, living in other countries and hardship. Brown represents the end of war and an unknown future.
Black and white represents immigration to other continents. White/red and white and wine red represent Latvia and are the national colours of independent times.
Green flowers symbolise the beginning of a new life in Australia. Yellow butterflies represent the owning of property, our best years in life, raising children, schooling etc. At the top left are the colours, navy, white and red representing sunburnt Australia and the flag colours. Latvia S.A. is painted in white at the bottom of the banner. The banner is backed with turquoise and white, with a turquoise gusset at top.