Today, the piggy bank is an international symbol of saving, understood regardless of culture or geographical location. It has become a metaphor or part of sayings in many different languages. How did this endearing farm animal become associated with finance?
Piggy banks weren't always pigs
Archaeological discoveries show that people have sought ways to store coins at home since at least ancient times. Of course, it's difficult for archaeologists today to determine our ancestors' intentions when hiding money in clay, ceramic, and eventually glass vessels – whether it was to conceal them from envious eyes or to save for a specific purpose. However, it's a fact that containers of various forms with hidden treasures inside are found at excavation sites worldwide.
Did these early money boxes resemble animals? No, they typically didn't take on a specific shape – they were simple and inconspicuous. The answer to why money boxes are shaped like pigs is far more surprising.
Pigs as a symbol of abundance
Another similarity among different cultures worldwide is the symbolism of the pig. This is not surprising – it's an animal that always provides an abundant meal for the entire community. In the past, its meat was consumed on special occasions. Although it gained weight quickly and was relatively easy to raise, owning one was a sign of wealth. Not everyone could afford to buy one, which is why each animal was so cherished.
Among the Chinese zodiac signs, the pig symbolizes wealth and prosperity. In the Far East – just like in Europe – owning this animal signified great fortune and happiness.
Should we therefore look here for the answer to why money boxes are shaped like pigs? Not at all – the real reason lies elsewhere.
Piggy banks then and now
Storing coins in vessels, especially clay ones, continued into the Middle Ages. In England, they were called "pygg jars," where "pygg" referred to the special material they were made from. And, as with many words, "pygg" evolved over centuries into "pig" in the language. Perhaps due to a misunderstanding, or perhaps as a joke or for profit, at some point "pygg jars" began to take on the shape of the modern piggy bank.
The simple association with abundance made people love them. In the 19th century, piggy banks began to conquer Western Europe and the United States. They appeared in stores, not just toy stores. Just like today, they were not only containers for storing coins but also decorative elements in rooms.
Over time, the piggy bank also evolved into an important educational tool, through which parents and teachers could show children the value of saving. The fun of putting coins into it and then breaking it open when a goal was achieved was satisfying and educational. It appeared in songs, films, cartoons, and books. This object, a childhood companion for almost everyone, became entrenched in the collective consciousness of generations and became a universal symbol of saving.
Unintended saving
It's worth having at least one item at home for loose change that appears in wallets, pockets, and bags. Instead of pigs, you can also use glass bowls or other containers. Such a solution can become a stylish money box where found coins are casually tossed. Over time, a significant sum will accumulate, allowing you to fulfill small or large dreams – without breaking anything.