Egg.

The talent of decorating Lieldienu olas (Easter eggs) should be a requirement of becoming a citizen of Latvia in my opinion. Mainly because it’s fun. And Latvian. It’s a tradition that stems back a few centuries now and the country has ancient folk songs whose lyrics include many mentions of magical chicken merchandises which is a flash way of saying “egg” because I didn’t want to repeat the word too much.

This is what I learnt as a virgin Easter egg artist:

You need a pot FULL of onion skins. This is what gives the awesome colour. We went to the market and there were ladies selling shopping bags full but most Latvian people store the outer skin through the year so they have enough come Easter.

Push the skins down into water so they are immersed then put on the element and boil. Simmer for about 20 minutes and check the colour. It should be a rich brown...you might want to have a fan going or the window open because the scent is...savoury. Not unpleasant. Just oniony. Then cool the liquid - but don't throw out the skins!

While the liquid is cooling start sorting your eggs out. White ones work best but brown can also be used. Dip your egg in water so whatever material you use will stick to the shell...or semi-adhere. We used random herbs, rice, lentils and dried flower buds and an old Polish coin from 1969 I found in some dirt. Apparently hay and birch leaves were the norm, back in the day. Then carefully wrap in thin bandage and roll cotton around it. You don't have to tie the thread - it just sticks.

Once the liquid is tepid submerge eggs in the mixture. If the water is too hot your eggs will crack. Try and get eggs totally underneath. Bring back to the boil for about 20 minutes. Then turn off the element and leave. We abandoned them overnight because it was getting late and I have to say, it's likely they turned out better due to that reason. 

Easter breakfast in Latvian homes traditionally begins with an “egg-knocking” competition. 

With an egg in hand, each family member challenges someone to crack their egg and see whose is stronger. This continues until all the eggs are cracked. The egg which doesn't crack is the champion. And according to old beliefs, the one whose egg shell is strongest lives longer.