Tragically, overcollection to provide turtles for the markets threatens many species. The eggs and meat from sea turtles are also consumed by humans. Considered aphrodisiacs in Mexico and Latin America, the eggs of many endangered sea turtles are still collected by poachers. Turtles also have an important place in human mythology, religion, and folk medicine. In Europe, stories such as The Tortoise and the Hare credit turtles with determination and persistance.
Folk tales relate the legendary longevity of turtles.
The ancient Chinese believed that a turtle named Kwei created the universe and determined China's fate. The Chinese Book of Rites labeled the turtle as one of the four benevolent spirit animals. Turtles were regarded as symbols of righteousness. Bones from turtle shells were used to tell fortunes and the future. Hindu myths imagine the universe being upheld by four elephants standing on a turtle's back.