Getting Piggy With It
Lucky Pigs? Let's Pig Into It
So, how did pigs get the reputation of being dirty (they’re actually quite clean) and a good luck charm? These plump pals have been bringing good vibes for ages. Back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, our potbelly buddies were the go-to good luck charm in France, England, Ireland, Germany, and Austria, where they were (and still are) known as Glücksschwein, meaning "good luck pig." Pigs became the OG symbol of good fortune and prosperity, linking back to a time when having a pig meant having a solid source of meat, and meat meant your family wouldn't go hungry. Ah, the original blue checkmark.
Pigs in the Bank
Ever wondered why we call it a "piggy bank"? Well, collecting coins in a piggy bank was a tradition that reinforced the association between pigs and wealth. Saving up those pennies wasn't just about financial responsibility; it was a nod to the longstanding belief that pigs bring prosperity.
Feasting on Luck
Fast forward to today, and we've got a tradition worth celebrating. Some folks believe that kicking off the year with a feast of roast pork brings good luck. Why? Well, pigs move forward when foraging, and that forward momentum can set the tone for your year, like catching a favorable wind in your sails. Don't worry, even if you're not a carnivore, you can still partake in the piggy festivities.
Marzipan Pigs and Holiday Cheer
Around the holidays, a sweet custom developed – people started gifting each other pigs made of marzipan (or sometimes bread). Pigs became holiday card celebrities, sharing the spotlight with other good luck symbols like four-leaf clovers, horseshoes, gold coins, and toadstools. Expressions like 'happy as a pig in the mire,' 'a pig in clover,' and 'you lucky pig' were born, reflecting the age-old association of pigs with happiness, financial prosperity, and good luck.
A Toast to Swine Luck!
So, here's to the curly-tailed champions of luck, the pigs! As you clink your glass filled with Lucky Sign Spirits, may the pig bring you prosperity, good vibes, and maybe even a surprise truffle or two.