Adam & Eve And Original Sin  

What are your thoughts on what the original sin was? Was it the actual act of temptation from the snake, or eating from the tree itself (disobedience of God's will) or was it the consequences of the act in knowing and being aware of their surroundings and their nakedness. What is the symbolics behind the actual story of Adam & Eve or an explanation of free will?

My theories are that is was meant to be a symbolic interpretation of free will. The act of knowing of their nakedness was symbolic of knowing and being aware of their surroundings and self awareness. Aware of their being and sexuality - that we are creatures free to chose our paths in life. That everything we do is action and reaction. What we say and do has cause for an equal and opposite reaction. An interpretation of "do no harm, do as ye will". That things come back to you as you put them out there (the basics of Karma). It is a story telling of the consequences of our actions and words and to own them as ours. To concede when we are wrong and to correct wrong doings in an adult like manner.

Take for example the symbol of the apple tree - in many cultures the apple is a symbol of abundance, fertility and desires (both physical and emotional, spiritual ect). While the snake is darker desires and wants. The eternal struggle of doing right and doing wrong - between good deeds and bad ones. The symbology of becoming aware of the self is (to me) the coming of age and knowledge of the physical humanity, being aware of nakedness is being aware of our selves and bodies as a whole. The covering of the nakedness being the knowledge of societal "standards" and "norms" - what is viewed as right and wrong within a civilized society, what is acceptable in a sense.

Thoughts? Comments?