‘Lustūzis’
In earlier times, ‘Lustūzis’ was known as the ‘Temple Hill’ or ‘Cave Rock’. The Cave Rock takes its name from the unique features of ‘Lustūzis’, as a significant number of caves and cellars were excavated here, making it the only place with cellars arranged even in two levels. Local residents still use some of these cellars to store their winter supplies.
In the late 19th century, a small gazebo, locally called ‘Lustūzis’, was built at the summit of the rock. It served as a gathering place for people to relax and socialize after work. Long-time paper mill worker Kristīne Baidiņa recalls that young people would gather at the top of the hill after work to sing songs: ‘We would go there every spring to celebrate May. The singing would always start with ‘Let’s come together and sing’. We would work until seven in the evening and then head to the ‘Lustūzis’ hill, where we would stay until midnight.’ Later, musicians from the Līgatne Brass Band would also spend their weekends at the hilltop with their families, relaxing and making music. Musical activities on the ‘Lustūzis’ hill ceased during the Soviet era but were revived in the early 2000s, when the Līgatne Brass Band resumed performing there during Easter, Town Festival, Paper Festival, and on other occasions.
The song with which the young people from the paper mill once welcomed spring from ‘Lustūzis’ was written by the poet Ernst Dünsberg and composed by Friedrich Silcher. It goes as follows:
‘Let us come together and sing our song,
Let our voices rise and melodies flow strong,
For through it, both heart and mind find joy along.
As we wander through life’s path each day,
Hearts lift in cheer when we sing in our way,
Songs sung with honour ring out sweetly today.
When work seems tough and weighs us down,
When worries plague the heart and it feels like we drown,
It’s through singing that relief is found.
Now let us sing this song with cheer,
Let old shadows give way to light without fear.
May our people’s happiness once more appear!’
