The egg has always been a main food staple for man and in ancient times it also acquired a deeper mystical significance. It was naturally regarded as the source of life and, therefore, came to be associated with many traditional Lithuanian folkloric customs. In earlier times in Lithuania, eggs were decorated and exchanged not only at Easter, but also on the feast of St. George and during Whitsuntide (Sekmines). The egg was believed to be a charm which offered protection against evil spirits, spells, accidents, sickness, death and other misfortunes.

When eggs were colored and decorated, they were imbued with additional power and meaning. For example, the color red was believed to protect man from evil spirits. The patterns used to embellish the eggs symbolized the sun, moon, stars, love, devotion and more. Since decorated eggs were systematically collected in Lithuania for the first time only in the 19th century, the true meaning of the various patterns can now only be conjectured. However, these early collections reflect patters which had been passed down from generation to generation and have very ancient roots. It is these patterns which serve as the basis for the designs that I have created.  R. P.

Although the gallery displays a large number of Ramute’s decorated eggs, there are many variations in color and design which she created.