Eggs and Chicken Folklore and Cultures around the World

Some interesting nuggets of information:

In 1579, after the invention of the printing press, a number of country sayings, and stories were recorded in print. For example, “I would not have him count his chickens before they’re hatched.”

The expression “chicken”, used to define coward goes back to the Shakespearian era.

Long ago, thunderstorms were believed to spoil eggs.

People believed that to see two hens with their heads together as though in conversation was a sign you were being gossiped about.

In the British Isles, they thought it dangerous to keep egg shells because witches went to sea in them . . . they felt it made little sense to provide transportation to witches.

In Poland, when a woman gives a man a pair of eggs, it’s considered a token of love.

In Hungary, if a man is given a pair of eggs by his sweetheart, he knows she has fallen in love with someone else.

In France, during the 17^th Century, the bride broke an egg as she entered her new home. Eggs were considered to have magical powers.

In Slavonia, it is said that peasants smeared a mixture of eggs and flour on the soil to gain a good harvest.

The famous Faberge’ eggs were painted by Carl Faberge’, who emigrated from Switzerland to Russia. His masterfully designed eggs are mostly displayed in museums, and they are priceless.

In Czechoslovakia, and Hungary, the girls colored and decorated eggs for their sweethearts. If a man received a number of eggs on Easter day, he was considered “a good catch”. He would marry the girl whose eggs didn’t fade in color after a few days.

An old Aryan belief was that the sun rose on Easter day and its appearance was greeted with dancing and celebration. The new sun was symbolized by red and gold eggs, exchanged to commemorate the birth of Christ.

Ages ago in China, eggs were dyed to celebrate the spring season. In the Christian religion, eggs symbolize the Resurrection.

In Britain, during the 4^th Century, eating eggs during Lent was prohibited.

Sorry little bro', you were just too cute.  Couldn't resist.

Miscellaneous Trivia

The king and Queen of England in 1752 required anyone who raised poultry to have a Poulters Company (license) to do business. An apprenticeship was required first.

During the 6^th Century B.C, chickens were offered to Aesculapius, the god of medicine to:

·        Ward off disease

·        Thank the god for recovery from illness

·        On one’s death bed

Aristotle was the first student of the chicken. He opened eggs at each day of development and recorded the process of the embryo’s development.

The first book known to have been written about chickens was written in 1600, by Aldrovandi. It was translated from Latin to English in 1963.

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This has been just an overview of the important role chickens have played throughout history. If you’re a history buff like me, perhaps your appetite has been whetted and you’re eager to learn more. The relationship between humans and chickens is long, fascinating, and continues to evolve.