The folklore and mythology surrounding multiple births is deep, wide and varied. In many places the birth of twins is an occasion to be celebrated and brings honor to the family; an indication of a blessed household. While this can not be said for all places, take for instance the story of the origin of the Welfs (Germany) and the historical representation of twin abomination in colonial Igbo society (Nigeria), much of the worlds' ancient people saw the births of multiples as a sign of virility and abundance.

Often cast as two halves of one whole, twins represent the balance of nature, light and dark, good and bad, masculine and feminine energy. The town of Igbo- Ora in rural Nigeria lays claim to the highest number of twin births in the world, a record it's held for as long as anyone has cared to count.