Where did the Piggy Bank come from? [ 2006-04-24 09:41 ]
The piggy bank made
its debut in Western Europe between the sixteenth and
eighteenth centuries, and replaced the clay jars that once
housed spare change.
People named the pig-shaped bank after the orange
clay, "pygg," from which it was crafted.
The bank retained its name long after artisans stopped
using the clay to produce pottery, and eventually the name
"pygg" assumed the name "pig bank," and then the name "piggy
bank."
The individual who formed the first lump of "pygg" into the
shape of a pig either had a sense of humor, or saw symbolism
in using the pig as a model. One school of thought insists
that the piggy bank is fed the "leftovers" of a
ones money until it is fat enough to be smashed, and
the money harvested.
Years ago, in German speaking countries, craftsmen gave
their apprentices piggy banks to reward them for years of
learning their respective trades.
To this day, in the same countries, it is customary to give
piggy banks as gifts. Because the belief that a pig brings
luck still holds true, at New Years, the so-called "Lucky
Pigs" are still exchanged as gifts. The "Lucky Pig," however,
cannot be found throughout the world.
One will not find piggy banks in non-pork eating cultures,
because pigs are considered filthy, and it is against the
peoples' religion.
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debut: 初次露面
leftover: 剩余物、剩飯菜 smashed: 打碎 | | |
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