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Where did the piggy bank gets its name? |
Language
Contrary to popular belief, the "piggy" bank actually has nothing to do with bacon or oinking! Instead, the name comes from an old English term for a type of clay used to make household objects: "pygg." During the Middle Ages, before the invention of banks, people would store their money in dishes called "pygg jars" or "pygg banks."
As language evolved over the years, "pygg" became "pig," and an unknown person thought it would be funny to make a "pig bank" literally in the shape of a pig! Even when pig banks were no longer made from the clay it was named after, people continued to make them because they were so popular.
As language evolved over the years, "pygg" became "pig," and an unknown person thought it would be funny to make a "pig bank" literally in the shape of a pig! Even when pig banks were no longer made from the clay it was named after, people continued to make them because they were so popular.
Did you know?
One of the most famous piggy banks in the world is located in the Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington. Nicknamed "Rachel," this life-size (550 pounds!) bronze pig collects over $9,000 every year, all of which goes towards supporting the Market Foundation.
Common "cents!"
You don't need a piggy bank to be a smart saver — ask a grownup to help you decorate a special box or jar that you can keep coins you find in. How much do you save after a week? A month? A year? Perhaps you can donate what you save to a local charity, and put your spare change to good use!
- "History of the Piggy Bank." Corner Stork Baby Gifts. 21 Sep. 2009.
- "History of the Piggy Bank." Piggy Bank World. 21 Sep. 2009.
- "Photo Op: Rachel the Bronze Pig at the Pike Place Market." The Seattle Traveler. 21 Sep. 2009.
- "Piggy Bank." StateMaster.com. 21 Sep. 2009.
- McGrath, Sara. "Seattle history of a pig, a piggy bank, and pigs on parade." Examiner.com. 21 Sep. 2009.
Funny to think what it would be like if the clay used had been called someting else, like "bean" or "duck." We'd all have bean- and duck-shaped banks, instead of pigs!!