A Tale of the Pig - How the Piggy Bank Developed
Many people wonder where the concept of the piggy bank originated. No one
knows for sure but many think that it may originate from name from the clay,
pygg from which many believe it was first created in Europe. Over 500 years
ago (a time referred to as the Middle Ages) common folk would use wide necked
jars to store things like salt and even money which were made from the pygg
clay. The common theory is that the pygg jars became piggy jars and eventually
adopted the corresponding animal’s form to evolve into the quintessential
piggy bank.
However, before we become too set on that theory, know also that a version
of a piggy bank was discovered in Bali that is over 1,500 years old!
Early piggy banks were ceramic and had no hole in the bottom, so the pig had
to be broken to get the money out. I guess that would prevent any ‘sneaking’ of
monies out of the jar but what a shame to have to break a bank.
Piggy banks may have originated as pigs have been viewed as good luck icons
by a number of eastern and western European countries. Pictures incorporating
pigs can be found depicted pigs as good luck charms for Christmas, New Years
and even birthday celebrations.
Whatever its past, the piggy bank’s future is certain. These precious
pigs will always be early savings instruments and great collector items. Check
out our wide array of piggy banks and give a good luck gift to someone you
love.
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