patch TREE OF AUSTRA

• Carefully designed while listening to Baltic pagan metal
• Produced locally in Latvia
• approximately 6 x 6 cm
• sew-on application

Tree of Austa is a local representation of the world tree - a motif that is common in the folklore and ornament of many cultures. It represents the structure of a 3-part word – the roots reach down into the underground, the branches spread toward all four corners of the world and the trunk reaches upward to the sky and sun.  While this is a more minimalist example of the ornament, in 19th century traditional Latvian embroidery it can be seen in very elaborate forms. The Lithuanian trees also often depict birds sitting in the branches. 

Latvian and Baltic ornaments are a crucial part of the Baltic culture and have deep symbolic meanings and can be worn as amulets. Perfect for your jacket, battle vest, bag, or as a collectible. Each patch comes with a description of the symbol’s meaning and magic protection - wrapped in paper inscribed with Latvian protective travel spell as recorded in Vecmuiža, Jēkabpils district, at the beginning of the 20th century.