Folklore and Myths about Eggs from around the Globe

Myths and folklore have numerous stories, created to explain how the world was created, alongside other explanations. Myths about eggs have been widespread throughout different countries and cultures. 

For centuries, eggs have been part of humans’ diets, and their cultural history. Different cultures around the globe have developed and shared stories and myths about eggs for hundreds of years. Let’s discover some of the fascinating myths about eggs that have been passed down from generation to generation, and shaped our understanding of the world throughout the centuries.

The Cosmic Egg

Eggs have been linked to the creation of the world in many mythologies. The notion of the “cosmic egg” has been found across various cultures and geographical regions, forming part of the creation stories of a diverse range of cultures including Babylonian, Polynesian, Indian and Egyptian.

Across many of these creation myths, the egg motif forms a critical part of the myth. In many cases, a divine being emerges from an egg, born into darkness and chaos.  This creator, once released from the egg, goes on to create the universe.

In the Finnish tradition, their creation myth suggests that the creation of the world was started from the fragments of an egg. A duck laid six eggs on the knee of Ilmatar, the primordial sea goddess. These six eggs then fell into the sea and broke, creating the sun, stars, sky and land.

Myths about eggs are also found in Hindu myths and tales. According to Hindu myths, one collection of Sanskrit texts compares the egg to creation. The eggshell is seen as symbolic of the heavens and the yolk the earth.

Eggs as a symbol of fertility

In Western societies, eggs have served as a symbol of fertility and birth for many years. Eggs were a frequent addition in rituals meant to encourage fertility for both humans and mother nature.

In Germany, farmers used to rub eggs on their ploughs during springtime, in a rite that was meant to encourage a healthy and abundant crop.

Eggs as a symbol of rebirth

In ancient times, the Greeks and Romans regarded eggs as a sign of life after death. As such, they had a practice of leaving eggs next to tombs or buried alongside their dead.

In certain Christian traditions, this connection between eggs and rebirth has remained. Eggs have remained a symbol of rebirth, and are commonly used to celebrate Easter, symbolising the rebirth of Christ.

As a symbol of light

In traditional Australian Aboriginal culture, eggs were linked with light. In their myths, an Emu egg from the nest of Dinewan the emu, was launched into the air by Brolga the dancing bird. As the egg soared, the eggs yolks hit a piece of wood, caught alight and ultimately became the sun.

For more interesting facts about eggs, take a look at some of our other blogs.