Daina (Latvia)

Daina (Latvia)

A daina or tautas dziesma is a traditional form of music or poetry from Latvia. Lithuanian dainas share common traits, however have been more influenced by European folk song traditions. Latvian dainas often feature pre-Christian themes and legends, drone vocal styles and can be accompanied by musical instruments such as the Baltic zithers (kokle). Dainas tend to be very short (usually four-liners) and are usually in a trochaic or a dactylic metre.