They may also be planted in vineyards to protect the vines from bad weather, especially hailstorms. The eggs of owls, snakes, and toads were used by sorcerers in their wicked spells and it was believed that the only way witches could cross water was in boats made of eggshells. Isaiah compares the plots of the wicked to deadly vipers' eggs. Far from being nourishing, the eggs of the wicked bring death to their eaters. It was also thought that snakes could not cross a line made of eggshells.
Domestic eggs symbolize prosperity.
Mosaic law forbid Israelites who found a nest in the wild to eat or keep the mother bird along with her eggs. They could enjoy the eggs as they pleased but the mother was to remain free. The desolation and abandonment of a city was represented by the fact that wild animals now felt free to lay their eggs in it. Job felt it was meet that complaining accompany his afflictions just like salt accompanied egg whites. The king of Assyria arrogantly boasted that his conquest of the nations was as simple as the gathering of eggs.