Why are piggy banks so often shaped like actual pigs

From Earthenware to Oink: Why Are Piggy Banks So Often Shaped Like Actual Pigs?

Have you ever paused to consider why that charming, coin-filled container on your child's dresser, or perhaps a nostalgic piece from your own youth, is almost invariably shaped like a pig? It’s a design so ubiquitous that we rarely question it. Yet, the story behind the piggy bank's porcine form is a fascinating journey through linguistics, history, and a touch of serendipity. This isn't just a whimsical design choice; it's a tradition rooted in a peculiar linguistic coincidence and reinforced by cultural symbolism. This blog post will delve into the historical and etymological reasons behind why these beloved savings keepers so often resemble our farmyard friends, offering a clear look at the origins of this iconic design.

The Linguistic Twist: Unearthing "Pygg" Clay

The most widely accepted explanation for the pig-shaped bank has less to do with the animal itself and more to do with the material once used to make household items.

The "Pygg" Jar Connection

Centuries ago, during the Middle Ages (roughly the 15th century) in England, metal was expensive and not readily available to the average person. A common, affordable material used for making pots, jars, and other household receptacles was an orange-colored earthenware called "pygg" clay. People would store their money in these pygg jars, much like we use coin jars today.

Over time, the term "pygg jar" became a common descriptor for any container where money was saved. According to etymologists and historical accounts, the pronunciation of "pygg" (the clay) was very similar, if not identical, to "pig" (the animal). This phonetic similarity is believed to be the crux of the matter.

An Accidental Sculpting?

The transition from a "pygg jar" (a jar made of pygg clay) to a "pig bank" (a bank shaped like a pig) seems to have occurred gradually, likely in the 19th century. As English potters received requests for "pygg banks," some, either through a misunderstanding or a playful interpretation of the term, began crafting these money-saving devices in the literal shape of a pig. The novelty and charm of these pig-shaped banks likely caught on, and the design stuck. It was a visual pun that became a tradition.

More Than Just Mud: Pigs as Symbols of Abundance

While the "pygg" clay theory provides a strong linguistic origin, the enduring popularity of the pig shape may also be supported by the animal's historical symbolism in various cultures.

• Prosperity and Wealth: In many cultures, pigs have long been symbols of wealth, prosperity, luck, and abundance. For agricultural societies, owning pigs meant a ready source of food and, therefore, a sign of good fortune and financial well-being. This positive association could have helped solidify the pig as an appropriate and appealing form for a device meant to encourage saving and accumulate wealth.
• Fertility and Abundance: Pigs are known for having large litters, further associating them with fertility and plenty. This imagery aligns well with the idea of savings growing over time.
• Cultural Examples:
  • In Germany, the "Glücksschwein" (lucky pig) is a common symbol of good fortune, especially around New Year.
  • Chinese culture also views the pig as a symbol of honesty, diligence, and prosperity, being one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac.

This pre-existing positive symbolism may have made the pun-inspired pig shape even more readily accepted and embraced by the public.

An Enduring Shape: Practicality Meets Tradition

Beyond linguistic origins and symbolism, the pig shape also offers some practical advantages for a coin bank:

• Hollow Form: A pig's naturally rounded, hollow body is well-suited for holding a substantial number of coins.
• Stability: A four-legged design provides good stability, preventing the bank from easily tipping over.
• Appeal: The cheerful, familiar shape of a pig is appealing, especially to children, making it an encouraging tool for teaching the habit of saving.

The combination of its accidental linguistic origins, the positive cultural symbolism associated with pigs, and its practical, appealing form has allowed the pig-shaped bank to endure for centuries as the quintessential money-saving icon.

Conclusion: A Tale of Clay, Coins, and Coincidence

The reason why piggy banks are so often shaped like actual pigs is a delightful blend of etymological accident and cultural resonance. What likely began as a simple "pygg jar" made from earthenware clay morphed, through a linguistic misunderstanding or a potter's whimsy, into the iconic pig-shaped bank we recognize today. This design was then further cemented by the pig's long-standing association with prosperity and good fortune in many cultures.

So, the next time you see a piggy bank, remember that its shape tells a story stretching back centuries—a tale of language, craftsmanship, and the happy accident that gave us one of the most endearing symbols of saving. It’s a small reminder that sometimes, history’s most charming traditions arise from the most unexpected origins.