For many New Englanders the Eastern States Exposition or “Big E” heralds the turn of seasons as it places the bounty of early autumn on display. This is New England's largest fair. Top name entertainment, major exhibits, history and agriculture, animals, rides, shopping, crafts, a daily parade and foods from around the world for 17 glorious days - September 17th – October 4th,
Holding strongly to its agricultural roots livestock still takes front stage for many of the scheduled events. Dairy judging, milking contests, oxen-pulls, sheep, poultry and horse shows and dog herding demonstrations abound. But over the last few years a new animal has been infiltrating New England agriculture – the Emu. And while you may not catch site of the birds themselves you will have the opportunity to learn a bit more about them and sample their products from some of the exhibitors.
Vermont Prime Emu Producers (VPEP) staffs a booth in the Vermont building where you can purchase a large assortment of emu oil products for health and beauty. The booth is manned by friends and family of the 4 farms which banded together to form VPEP. Representatives from Riverside Emus, Emus of Vermont, Bob-O-Link Farm, and Neshobe Farm are always happy to talk about the birds and emu farming. Just be warned their products have become so popular that it is not uncommon for a long line to form before their booth.
In the Massachusetts Building, the Chili Station, producers of award winning chili have specially crafted a new chili for this year – Emu Chili. Proprietor Jeff Belkin says that he is very “pleased with the taste of this new recipe and loves the heart healthy nature of the meat”. The ground emu comes from Songline Emu Farm of Gill MA.
On Massachusetts day, Thursday, Sept 24th, the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture will be giving awards to the winners of the 2010 Agricultural Calendar photo contest. 12 winning photos have been selected to be displayed in a beautiful calendar which represents the vitality and diversity of the Commonwealth’s farms, crops and products throughout the seasons.
One of the winning photos was taken by Dee Dee Mares of Songline Emu Farm in Gill MA showing 2 adorable emu chicks and an emerald green egg. Calendars will be available for sale inside the Massachusetts building.
So attend the fair, enjoy the beauty of this season and keep an eye out for the emus.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Jenny McCarthy - Author, Actress, Activist, Comedian, Model Uses Emu Oil
Jenny McCarthy recently thanked emus for her beautiful complexion. Quoting from Entertainment Today
"The 36-year-old star is a huge fan of the unusual beauty product – which is made from the fat of the giant birds – and is convinced it helps her fight the ageing process.
A source told the National Enquirer magazine: “Jenny loves the oil because it sinks deeper into the skin than other oils – and it’s so incredibly potent at fighting off wrinkles, she applies it just once every two days.”
Emu oil has long been lauded for its anti-ageing properties, and is also said to help wounds and burns heal.
Jenny is not the only star said to be enamoured with the moisturiser - Goldie Hawn and Demi Moore are also said to be fans.
‘High School Musical’ star Zac Efron also stocked up on jars of the cream after having his appendix removed last year.
A source said at the time: “Zac applies emu oil daily to a scar he got from his appendectomy earlier this year. He can't handle having imperfect abs and the oil, which is made from the bird's fat is said to fade scars. It is already working.”
I would also like to take a moment to bring one of Jenny's passionate interests to your attention. She has teamed up with Jim Carey to create an organization called Generation Rescue. This is an international movement of scientists and physicians researching the causes and treatments for autism, ADHD and chronic illness, while parent-volunteers mentor thousands of families in recovering their children. Watch this quick video intro by Jim and Jenny.
Jenny has also recently co-authored with Dr. Jerry Kartzinel a new book "Healing and Preventing Autism Today"
If you know someone with an autistic child please refer them to this book and organization. There is alot of help out there for them.
"The 36-year-old star is a huge fan of the unusual beauty product – which is made from the fat of the giant birds – and is convinced it helps her fight the ageing process.
A source told the National Enquirer magazine: “Jenny loves the oil because it sinks deeper into the skin than other oils – and it’s so incredibly potent at fighting off wrinkles, she applies it just once every two days.”
Emu oil has long been lauded for its anti-ageing properties, and is also said to help wounds and burns heal.
Jenny is not the only star said to be enamoured with the moisturiser - Goldie Hawn and Demi Moore are also said to be fans.
‘High School Musical’ star Zac Efron also stocked up on jars of the cream after having his appendix removed last year.
A source said at the time: “Zac applies emu oil daily to a scar he got from his appendectomy earlier this year. He can't handle having imperfect abs and the oil, which is made from the bird's fat is said to fade scars. It is already working.”
I would also like to take a moment to bring one of Jenny's passionate interests to your attention. She has teamed up with Jim Carey to create an organization called Generation Rescue. This is an international movement of scientists and physicians researching the causes and treatments for autism, ADHD and chronic illness, while parent-volunteers mentor thousands of families in recovering their children. Watch this quick video intro by Jim and Jenny.
Jenny has also recently co-authored with Dr. Jerry Kartzinel a new book "Healing and Preventing Autism Today"
If you know someone with an autistic child please refer them to this book and organization. There is alot of help out there for them.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
How Emu Oil Relieves Muscle and Joint Pain
Pure emu oil alone has shown the ability to relieve pain and decrease the inflammation associated with many conditions from arthritis, burstitis, tendonitis to injuries and fibromyalgia. The potency of the anti-inflammatory effect from Emu Oil is similar to ibuprofen without the negative side-effects frequently common with non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) or corticosteroid based anti-inflammatory medications.
One of the most impressive studies was one done by Drs. Whitehouse and Ghosh in Australia. Each of these clinicians has over 25 years of experience and published extensively on the evaluation and development of drugs used for arthritis. They applied straight emu oil over a 14 day period to participants with chronic pain due to arthritis, joint swelling and bone abrasion due to lack of cartilage. Day 1 showed 1% improvement, day 4 – 30%, day 5- 50%, day 11 – 82% and by day 14 - 100% pain reduction. Swelling was also measured. Day 1 – 2% improvement, day 6 – 22%, day 12 – 40%, and by day 14 – 100%.
For people with allergies or skin sensitivities I recommend massaging pure emu oil into the muscle or joint a couple of times a day. The oil will work to reduce inflammation. This process will build on itself and best results will be seen in 5 - 7 days.
If a person is not allergic or sensitive to mint or pepper plant derivatives like menthol or capsicum I recommend trying a formulated pain cream using emu oil as the base carrier. Emu oil’s strong transdermal abilities allow it to penetrate deep through multiple layers of skin, muscle and cartilage while taking other encapsulated compounds along for the ride. This process has been coined by Doctors as “the emu oil express”. Formulations which mix emu oil with other natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds like arnica oil, menthol, capsicum, MSM, willow-bark, witch hazel etc. can be very powerful.
Formulated emu pain relief creams work in a twofold manner. First the mint or pepper plant derivatives work to quickly override nerve signals to the brain. The person will feel coolness or warmth as a “mask” instead of the pain. This alone doesn’t offer a long term solution to a chronic condition – but it feels better instantly and reminds one to reapply the cream a few times a day.
Then the other ingredients like the emu oil, arnica, willow bark, witch-hazel, MSM etc. work to increase blood flow, so that toxins and waste materials can be removed from the site to reduce inflammation and swelling while providing nutrient materials and oxygen to encourage new cell growth.
Watch for emu oil content - some products have only 5% emu oil. Studies indicate that a minimum 12-15% emu oil appears necessary to maintain the oils anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally some products propose to carry compounds such as chondrotin and glucosamine through the skin. Initial studies indicate that these molecules are too large to pass through the skin and are more effective when taken orally. This too is an area requiring more research.
Additionally for those with chronic inflammatory pain issues I recommend taking emu oil as a dietary supplement. A few drops a day can be mixed into food or your smoothie. It is not unpleasant tasting – just a bit “oily”. Some people prefer to take gel caps. Emu oil provides a blend of Omega 3, 6 and 9 essential fatty acids, which have been proven to not only reduce inflammation but also greatly improve cholesterol levels, skin conditions and elevate mood and energy levels.
Some studies have indicated that certain ratios of the Omegas are better for optimal results. Because of that you may see Emu Oil blended with other oils like Flax Seed for an Omega 3 boost. Ingesting emu oil in either fashion can replace fish oil in your diet with the same or better results and no fish burps.
You will find that most members of the American Emu Association offer a money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied with the results. This has been fairly standard in our industry to encourage consumers to feel comfortable trying a new product and because we believe so strongly in the oils properties. So give emu oil a try you have nothing to lose but the pain.
One of the most impressive studies was one done by Drs. Whitehouse and Ghosh in Australia. Each of these clinicians has over 25 years of experience and published extensively on the evaluation and development of drugs used for arthritis. They applied straight emu oil over a 14 day period to participants with chronic pain due to arthritis, joint swelling and bone abrasion due to lack of cartilage. Day 1 showed 1% improvement, day 4 – 30%, day 5- 50%, day 11 – 82% and by day 14 - 100% pain reduction. Swelling was also measured. Day 1 – 2% improvement, day 6 – 22%, day 12 – 40%, and by day 14 – 100%.
For people with allergies or skin sensitivities I recommend massaging pure emu oil into the muscle or joint a couple of times a day. The oil will work to reduce inflammation. This process will build on itself and best results will be seen in 5 - 7 days.
If a person is not allergic or sensitive to mint or pepper plant derivatives like menthol or capsicum I recommend trying a formulated pain cream using emu oil as the base carrier. Emu oil’s strong transdermal abilities allow it to penetrate deep through multiple layers of skin, muscle and cartilage while taking other encapsulated compounds along for the ride. This process has been coined by Doctors as “the emu oil express”. Formulations which mix emu oil with other natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds like arnica oil, menthol, capsicum, MSM, willow-bark, witch hazel etc. can be very powerful.
Formulated emu pain relief creams work in a twofold manner. First the mint or pepper plant derivatives work to quickly override nerve signals to the brain. The person will feel coolness or warmth as a “mask” instead of the pain. This alone doesn’t offer a long term solution to a chronic condition – but it feels better instantly and reminds one to reapply the cream a few times a day.
Then the other ingredients like the emu oil, arnica, willow bark, witch-hazel, MSM etc. work to increase blood flow, so that toxins and waste materials can be removed from the site to reduce inflammation and swelling while providing nutrient materials and oxygen to encourage new cell growth.
Watch for emu oil content - some products have only 5% emu oil. Studies indicate that a minimum 12-15% emu oil appears necessary to maintain the oils anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally some products propose to carry compounds such as chondrotin and glucosamine through the skin. Initial studies indicate that these molecules are too large to pass through the skin and are more effective when taken orally. This too is an area requiring more research.
Additionally for those with chronic inflammatory pain issues I recommend taking emu oil as a dietary supplement. A few drops a day can be mixed into food or your smoothie. It is not unpleasant tasting – just a bit “oily”. Some people prefer to take gel caps. Emu oil provides a blend of Omega 3, 6 and 9 essential fatty acids, which have been proven to not only reduce inflammation but also greatly improve cholesterol levels, skin conditions and elevate mood and energy levels.
Some studies have indicated that certain ratios of the Omegas are better for optimal results. Because of that you may see Emu Oil blended with other oils like Flax Seed for an Omega 3 boost. Ingesting emu oil in either fashion can replace fish oil in your diet with the same or better results and no fish burps.
You will find that most members of the American Emu Association offer a money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied with the results. This has been fairly standard in our industry to encourage consumers to feel comfortable trying a new product and because we believe so strongly in the oils properties. So give emu oil a try you have nothing to lose but the pain.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
What Is So Special About Emu Oil?
Emu oil has been used for thousands of years by the Australian aborigines for the treatment of burns, wounds, bruises, and as a pain reliever for bone, muscle, and joints. Labs are currently analyzing the oil to determine how it works. Studies conducted have shown:
Emu Oil has highly trans-dermal capabilities. Emu Oil gets through skin, nails and hair. Skin is your body's largest organ. Its job is to keep foreign elements out of your system. Emu oil penetrates the skin only because it is so chemically similar. First it is comprised of almost 100% triglycerides (fatty compounds also called lipids); second none of the lipids contain phosphorus, and third a large number of these fatty compounds are oleic acid, also known as Omega 9. Your skin has abundant triglycerides and so recognizes the Emu Oils essentially similar nature. Being phosphorus deficient your skin blocks any compounds which contain phosphorus - Emu Oil's lack of the mineral means that blocking responses are not triggered (most petro based oils contain phosphorus); and finally Omega 9 in Emu Oil works as a carrier to encapsulate other ingredients and bring them through the skin.
Emu Oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown emu oil to aid in the relief of joint and muscle pain and inflammation. The potency of the anti-inflammatory effect from Emu Oil is similar to ibuprofen without the negative side-effects frequently common with non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) or corticosteroid based anti-inflammatory medications.
One of the most impressive studies was one done by Drs. Whitehouse and Ghosh in Australia. Each of these clinicians has over 25 years of experience and published extensively on the evaluation and development of drugs used for arthritis. They applied straight emu oil over a 14 day period to participants with chronic pain due to arthritis, joint swelling and bone abrasion due to lack of cartilage. Day 1 showed 1% improvement, day 4 – 30%, day 5- 50%, day 11 – 82% and by day 14 - 100% pain reduction. Swelling was also measured. Day 1 – 2% improvement, day 6 – 22%, day 12 – 40%, and by day 14 – 100%.
Emu Oil appears to “fine tune” the body’s healing and reduces scarring. Emu oil contains eicosanoids, hormone like compounds that trigger your body to increase blood flow and oxygenation down to the cellular level. Eicosanoids also affect membrane and even cell permeability. This assists the body to bring in oxygen and new raw materials and take away toxins. Additionally, swelling of injured tissue brings in extra collagen and fibroblasts (connective tissue cells) which add to platelet aggregation and begin the scarring process. By keeping the pathways open emu oil speeds the healing process and reduces scarring.
These same processes appear to relieve symptoms of many inflammatory skin ailments like eczema, psoriasis and other dermatitis.
Emu Oil is biostatic. Bacteria, virus and fungus will not grow in emu oil. By using AEA certified oil you can feel comfortable that you are not bringing unwanted organisms to open and soft tissues like the inside of your mouth or an open wound.
Emu Oil has deep moisturizing properties. Emu Oil does more than just hydrate the skin – it delivers collagen, elastins, hyper-oxygenating eicosanoids and other nutrients to the deepest layers of tissue where new skins cells are created. This helps your skin regain lost elasticity and stimulate the collagen fiber network to regain tone and firmness. Studies have shown that emu oil applied twice a day for a 14 day period can thicken skin up to 30%, with an overall group average of 14%.
The remaining X-factor. As if all of these properties are not enough, there is still another enhanced healing and rejuvenation mechanism that renowned researcher and author Dr. Barry Sears has termed the "X" factor. It is not known if some particular unidentified compounds or specific ratio of compounds is creating enhanced healing. We will let you know when the researchers have more information on this unknown aspect of Emu Oil.
Emu Oil has highly trans-dermal capabilities. Emu Oil gets through skin, nails and hair. Skin is your body's largest organ. Its job is to keep foreign elements out of your system. Emu oil penetrates the skin only because it is so chemically similar. First it is comprised of almost 100% triglycerides (fatty compounds also called lipids); second none of the lipids contain phosphorus, and third a large number of these fatty compounds are oleic acid, also known as Omega 9. Your skin has abundant triglycerides and so recognizes the Emu Oils essentially similar nature. Being phosphorus deficient your skin blocks any compounds which contain phosphorus - Emu Oil's lack of the mineral means that blocking responses are not triggered (most petro based oils contain phosphorus); and finally Omega 9 in Emu Oil works as a carrier to encapsulate other ingredients and bring them through the skin.
Emu Oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown emu oil to aid in the relief of joint and muscle pain and inflammation. The potency of the anti-inflammatory effect from Emu Oil is similar to ibuprofen without the negative side-effects frequently common with non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) or corticosteroid based anti-inflammatory medications.
One of the most impressive studies was one done by Drs. Whitehouse and Ghosh in Australia. Each of these clinicians has over 25 years of experience and published extensively on the evaluation and development of drugs used for arthritis. They applied straight emu oil over a 14 day period to participants with chronic pain due to arthritis, joint swelling and bone abrasion due to lack of cartilage. Day 1 showed 1% improvement, day 4 – 30%, day 5- 50%, day 11 – 82% and by day 14 - 100% pain reduction. Swelling was also measured. Day 1 – 2% improvement, day 6 – 22%, day 12 – 40%, and by day 14 – 100%.
Emu Oil appears to “fine tune” the body’s healing and reduces scarring. Emu oil contains eicosanoids, hormone like compounds that trigger your body to increase blood flow and oxygenation down to the cellular level. Eicosanoids also affect membrane and even cell permeability. This assists the body to bring in oxygen and new raw materials and take away toxins. Additionally, swelling of injured tissue brings in extra collagen and fibroblasts (connective tissue cells) which add to platelet aggregation and begin the scarring process. By keeping the pathways open emu oil speeds the healing process and reduces scarring.
These same processes appear to relieve symptoms of many inflammatory skin ailments like eczema, psoriasis and other dermatitis.
Emu Oil is biostatic. Bacteria, virus and fungus will not grow in emu oil. By using AEA certified oil you can feel comfortable that you are not bringing unwanted organisms to open and soft tissues like the inside of your mouth or an open wound.
Emu Oil has deep moisturizing properties. Emu Oil does more than just hydrate the skin – it delivers collagen, elastins, hyper-oxygenating eicosanoids and other nutrients to the deepest layers of tissue where new skins cells are created. This helps your skin regain lost elasticity and stimulate the collagen fiber network to regain tone and firmness. Studies have shown that emu oil applied twice a day for a 14 day period can thicken skin up to 30%, with an overall group average of 14%.
The remaining X-factor. As if all of these properties are not enough, there is still another enhanced healing and rejuvenation mechanism that renowned researcher and author Dr. Barry Sears has termed the "X" factor. It is not known if some particular unidentified compounds or specific ratio of compounds is creating enhanced healing. We will let you know when the researchers have more information on this unknown aspect of Emu Oil.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Where does Emu Oil come from and how is it processed?
The emu has a large pad of fat across its back, as well as some internal fat. Farm grown emu have anywhere from 15 – 30 pounds of fat at 14 months of age. When the bird is processed for its heart healthy red meat, the fat is usually vacuum packaged and frozen for shipping to an oil rendering facility for processing.
The basic steps to processing emu oil are to melt it, filter it and deodorize it. Oil rendering facilities strive to conduct these steps in a way that does not compromise the unusual properties of the oil.
Variables in the melting process are heat and oxygen flow. Lower heat and lower oxygen flow appear to produce reasonably clear and usually low peroxide oil. The lower the peroxide level the more stable the oil is and the longer its shelf life.
The filtering step is important for a couple of reasons. If the rendering is done carefully there should be very little water left in the oil. Filtering removes any excess water and protein molecules. Some fat processing facilities use sodium hydroxide to filter the oil. This helps bind the free fatty acids within the fat to strip them away all together. The question is – does this also strip any properties of the oil and is all of the sodium hydroxide removed or is any left behind?
Some facilities use a chemical called hexane in processing the oil. Hexane is used in the processing of approximately 95% of the vegetable oils on our supermarket shelves. The question arises again – is all of the hexane removed during the process and what possible ramifications exist if it is not. Other facilities avoid chemicals and use a silica-based fine clay. The fat is filtered down to .2 microns which eliminates bacteria and produces fine clear oil.
Further fractionation (or physical separation) can be done by cooling the oil. This allows the clear oil to rise to the top and the thick, creamy oil to fall to the bottom. Oil is then decanted to produce two finishes. Fatty acid analysis done on the two samples reveals they are virtually identical, so it may be that physical separation is purely cosmetic. However – since so little is actually known about how emu oil works, or what exact compounds, in what ratio are most effective it is possible that separation reduces the oil’s over all effectiveness. Further analysis and studies are needed.
The final step is deodorizing. This is typically done with a burst of steam through the oil. Again lower temperatures produce better oil. Soybean oil requires up to 550◦F to deodorize. This high a temperature would create a large number of trans fatty acids which would decrease the shelf life of emu oil. If emu fat has been handled properly – immediately frozen, rendered at low heat with low oxygen it should not require more than 300◦F to deodorize the oil. Some facilities use a vacuum deodorizer which allows even lower heat and still insures sterilization against bacteria, viruses and molds.
It is the decision of the processor at the end of the rendering process whether to add an antioxidant which slows the oxidation process. Many popular antioxidants including BHA and BHT which are petrochemical products and can cause irritation. The friendliest is vitamin E.
Processing facilities have special proprietary processes that they have developed which go by different terms – triple refined and winterized are basically processes that physically separate lighter from heavier oil. Some facilities blend the oils to produce a creamy product with no separation. Molecular distillation is another process which evokes disagreement. Some processors belief it produces higher quality oil, others believe that the natural triglycerides are lost in the process. Further studies are needed to clarify this.
Probably the easiest thing to determine is whether or not the oil you use has passed through a certification process created by the American Emu Association. This process ensures batch testing by a lab to analyze free radicals and other component of the oil and to allow tracking of all oil to a specific batch number if issues occur. This stamp of approval enables more consistent product and experience by the consumer. Look for emu oil which carries the American Emu Association Certified Fully Refined Seal.
The basic steps to processing emu oil are to melt it, filter it and deodorize it. Oil rendering facilities strive to conduct these steps in a way that does not compromise the unusual properties of the oil.
Variables in the melting process are heat and oxygen flow. Lower heat and lower oxygen flow appear to produce reasonably clear and usually low peroxide oil. The lower the peroxide level the more stable the oil is and the longer its shelf life.
The filtering step is important for a couple of reasons. If the rendering is done carefully there should be very little water left in the oil. Filtering removes any excess water and protein molecules. Some fat processing facilities use sodium hydroxide to filter the oil. This helps bind the free fatty acids within the fat to strip them away all together. The question is – does this also strip any properties of the oil and is all of the sodium hydroxide removed or is any left behind?
Some facilities use a chemical called hexane in processing the oil. Hexane is used in the processing of approximately 95% of the vegetable oils on our supermarket shelves. The question arises again – is all of the hexane removed during the process and what possible ramifications exist if it is not. Other facilities avoid chemicals and use a silica-based fine clay. The fat is filtered down to .2 microns which eliminates bacteria and produces fine clear oil.
Further fractionation (or physical separation) can be done by cooling the oil. This allows the clear oil to rise to the top and the thick, creamy oil to fall to the bottom. Oil is then decanted to produce two finishes. Fatty acid analysis done on the two samples reveals they are virtually identical, so it may be that physical separation is purely cosmetic. However – since so little is actually known about how emu oil works, or what exact compounds, in what ratio are most effective it is possible that separation reduces the oil’s over all effectiveness. Further analysis and studies are needed.
The final step is deodorizing. This is typically done with a burst of steam through the oil. Again lower temperatures produce better oil. Soybean oil requires up to 550◦F to deodorize. This high a temperature would create a large number of trans fatty acids which would decrease the shelf life of emu oil. If emu fat has been handled properly – immediately frozen, rendered at low heat with low oxygen it should not require more than 300◦F to deodorize the oil. Some facilities use a vacuum deodorizer which allows even lower heat and still insures sterilization against bacteria, viruses and molds.
It is the decision of the processor at the end of the rendering process whether to add an antioxidant which slows the oxidation process. Many popular antioxidants including BHA and BHT which are petrochemical products and can cause irritation. The friendliest is vitamin E.
Processing facilities have special proprietary processes that they have developed which go by different terms – triple refined and winterized are basically processes that physically separate lighter from heavier oil. Some facilities blend the oils to produce a creamy product with no separation. Molecular distillation is another process which evokes disagreement. Some processors belief it produces higher quality oil, others believe that the natural triglycerides are lost in the process. Further studies are needed to clarify this.
Probably the easiest thing to determine is whether or not the oil you use has passed through a certification process created by the American Emu Association. This process ensures batch testing by a lab to analyze free radicals and other component of the oil and to allow tracking of all oil to a specific batch number if issues occur. This stamp of approval enables more consistent product and experience by the consumer. Look for emu oil which carries the American Emu Association Certified Fully Refined Seal.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
What is an Emu?
Emu is the second largest bird on earth, standing around 6 ft tall and weighing 120.-150 pounds as adults. The emu is a member of a family of flightless birds called Ratites. It is one of the oldest living beings on the planet outside the ocean. Research suggests they have been on earth in their present form for some 80 million years and evolved from a line of feathered dinosaurs that go back hundreds of millions of years. Emu are native to Australia.
The word Ratite is derived from a Latin word meaning flat or raft-like. It refers to the unique flat shape of their breastbone. This structure is an indication that these birds were never on an evolutionary path towards flight and never developed the keel bone structure and breast muscles of a winged bird. Other Ratites are the Ostrich from South Africa, the Rhea and Tinamou from South America, the Kiwi from New Zealand and the Cassowary from Australia.
Emu have basically docile and inquisitive natures. Their main defense is their speed – adults have been clocked at up to 40 miles an hour in bursts and able to maintain an average of 30 miles an hour over long distances. When cornered an emu can use its powerful legs and dinosaur like feet to kick.
The word Ratite is derived from a Latin word meaning flat or raft-like. It refers to the unique flat shape of their breastbone. This structure is an indication that these birds were never on an evolutionary path towards flight and never developed the keel bone structure and breast muscles of a winged bird. Other Ratites are the Ostrich from South Africa, the Rhea and Tinamou from South America, the Kiwi from New Zealand and the Cassowary from Australia.
Emu have basically docile and inquisitive natures. Their main defense is their speed – adults have been clocked at up to 40 miles an hour in bursts and able to maintain an average of 30 miles an hour over long distances. When cornered an emu can use its powerful legs and dinosaur like feet to kick.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Emu Creation Myths
The emu is prominent in Aboriginal mythology. One of my favorites is a creation myth, of which I’ve read many versions. Here is my melded interpretation.
In the Dreamtime, (the time outside of time – where all things can happen at once) emu spirit was a sky-bird that never touched the earth. As emu flew in the heavens she looked down upon the newly created earth and marveled at the beauty. There were rivers, mountains, plants and animals of incredible variety. Yet the earth only had the faint light of the stars as illumination because there was no sun.
Emu thought to herself – there is too much beauty here to be lost in such darkness – and so she sacrificed one of her glorious emerald eggs by tossing it into the sky, then tapping it with her beak. As the egg split in half the golden yoke flew across the sky and became the first sunrise on our world.
Genesis 1:3 – “Let there be light.” Maybe it was an emu?
In the Dreamtime, (the time outside of time – where all things can happen at once) emu spirit was a sky-bird that never touched the earth. As emu flew in the heavens she looked down upon the newly created earth and marveled at the beauty. There were rivers, mountains, plants and animals of incredible variety. Yet the earth only had the faint light of the stars as illumination because there was no sun.
Emu thought to herself – there is too much beauty here to be lost in such darkness – and so she sacrificed one of her glorious emerald eggs by tossing it into the sky, then tapping it with her beak. As the egg split in half the golden yoke flew across the sky and became the first sunrise on our world.
Genesis 1:3 – “Let there be light.” Maybe it was an emu?
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