9-16-09 Idea Post

Eggs have been consumed by humans long before the birth of recording history mostly because they are easily obtained, but also because they can be cooked in a vast variety of ways. Long associated with social/religious symbolism and tradition, they have stood for an object of fertility, spring, rebirth, resurrection, long life, immortality, and even Earth's creation. The Hindu description of the birth of the world consisted of an egg breaking into two halves with one half becoming the earth and the other the sky. The outer membrane became the mountains, the veins became rivers, and the whites became the ocean. Still in other cultures the yolk of an egg is equated with the sun.

Eggs were also consumed for reasons other than survival. By eating eggs, it was thought in many societies that one could absorb the egg's power. In 17th century France, new brides broke an egg when they first entered their new homes, and Slavic and German communities eggs were smeared on hoes and farming equipment in effort to transfer fertility to the soil. Early Chinese tribal groups believed in the egg's power to foretell the future. They painted, boiled, and read cracks in the eggs to determine divinity. Ancient Egyptians hung eggs in temples to infuse the environment with fertility and new life.

A more present look at associations with eggs brings up salmonella. The disease originates in the hen when Salmonella enteritidis infects the animal's healthy ovaries and contaminates the eggs before the shells are even formed. Chickens are also used as a classroom tool to teach younger children about the development of life and birth. [I remember having an egg incubator in my classroom several years in elementary school]

The coloring of eggs is still used in celebration of Easter. The most famous decorated eggs are the Faberge eggs made by the House of Faberge (1885-1917). They are made of precious metals and decorated with enamel and gem stones.


Eggshells are rich in nutrients and can be crushed and added to anything from animal feed to orange juice. If ground finely enough, they can even be used as a substitute for pulp in paper. The thin membrane on the inside of the egg (collagen) is the same expensive material used in the production of skin grafts, tissue replacement, plastic surgery, and cornea repair. Eggshells also make a great fertilizer for any home garden.

In response to an earlier comment of obtaining an already fertilized egg and continuing my scanner exploration, I have researched photos. Most of them are pretty disgusting (perhaps right up my alley), but I have no idea where to obtain them. Nor do I want to be the cause of death for any animal.