The Namejs ring

 More than likely, you have sometime, somewhere in the world, seen a man wearing a heavy silver ring of an interlaced, distinctive design. If so, you have seen a Latvian, or someone close to one, because many Latvians, especially men, wear the Namejs ring. Nowadays it has become a kind of recognition symbol, a symbol of being Latvian.

The design of the Namejs’ ring is of an ancient origin going back to the 13th century. It used to symbolize the boys going into manhood. The four close braids of the ring symbolize the family bonds and the importance of being united. Fathers presented this ring to their sons on the day of their becoming of age. It was the only way how a man could get this ring.

Now it’s one of the most popular Latvian man jewelry piece and Namejs as a name is also favored among Latvians. There are several stories as to its origin and meaning. Here is one of them.

According to the legend, Namejs was the leader of the Semigallian tribes in Latvia during the invasion of German crusaders at the beginning of the 13th century. He was one of the last warriors fighting against foreign invasion at that time. During the battles, Namejs was forced to retreat to Lithuania together with his family and tribe. There Namejs ordered those rings to be made and gave them to his closest people as a symbol of friendship and trust.

Not every Latvian knows the original message of the Namejs ring. Anyway, this ring helps Latvians all over the world to recognize each other. So if you see somebody wearing a Namejs ring, he is probably Latvian!