There’s no denying the nutritional and cultural importance of the egg. In Western culture, they are a quintessential part of culinary and seasonal traditions—what would breakfast or Easter be without the egg?

Of course, eggs are an ancient food. They have been a valuable resource since prehistoric times, when early people domesticated birds in order to always have food. But the humble egg is not just important for its nutritional benefits—it’s symbolic as well. Just consider how the rising cost of eggs has been a topic of debate amidst the American public for the better part of a year—and, really, over the course of political history.

The symbolism of eggs

The egg has long been known as a symbol of rebirth. In cultures all over the world, the egg has been used to mark the return to life and is frequently found engraved on tombs. In pre-Christian times, the egg was used in spring rituals to celebrate the fertility of the earth. In ancient Egypt, eggs were decorated and given as gifts to the deities. In Christianity, the egg represents resurrection. And, in modern cosmology, the egg is associated with the cosmic creation myth.

Of course, science and biology are integral in this symbolism: The female reproductive cell is an egg, after all. Apart from mythology and religion, eggs are a part of the natural synthesis of life, representing health, domesticity, fertility, and even wealth.

The nutritional benefits of eggs

Eggs are the least expensive and most readily available source of protein in the world. While both the United States and Europe consume plenty of eggs, Asia actually consumes the most. In Hong Kong alone, 57 pounds of eggs are consumed annually per person, according to World Population Review.

Eggs are considered a complete protein food. In fact, they contain all nine types of amino acids that can be obtained through food. This is important because protein—which is essential for the body—is made up of various combinations of 20 amino acids, and the body can only synthesize 11 of them itself. The other nine must come from the diet.

For many nutritionists, eggs are therefore a golden food, and they are usually more affordable than many lean meats and fresh fish. In addition, eggs are versatile, transportable (if hard-boiled), and easy to cook. A single egg contains more than six grams of protein, which is considered high—especially for the amount of calories, which is around 70 calories total. Furthermore, eggs also contain both protein and fat, which increases a sense of satiety or feelings of “fullness.”