National Pig Day

National Pig Day which is celebrated annually on March 1, is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the fact that pigs have become a part of American culture. We can see pigs everywhere such as in artwork, costumes, stuffed animals, collectibles, piggy banks, movies, and books or on the dinner table. Pigs have lived on farms and zoos for many years and even in our homes as pets!

History of National Pig Day

The fossil record shows that pigs roamed the Earth 40 million years ago, and the descendants of this animal are thought to have been first domesticated around 9,000 years ago in what is now China and western Asia regions. Then, about 3,500 years ago, the Romans introduced pig farming. Pork consumption was banned in parts of Asia and the Middle East, however, Europeans continued to refine purported pig breeds until the 1500s.

It was around the time when domesticated pigs first laid their paws on North American soil. Christopher Columbus is said to have raised eight pigs on his journey while traveling to Cuba in 1493 after his first voyage to the "New World". Columbus's successor in the discovery of the Americas, Hernando De Soto, brought 13 of the animals with him when he first landed in present-day Tampa Bay, Florida, creating the first pigs to be domesticated in what would become the United States of America.

The first time of National Pig Day was in 1972 when Ellen Stanley and Mary Lynne Rave made a decision that this day was time to give the pig the rightful, though often unrecognized, place as one of the most intelligent animal species and tamed of man.

The first official celebration took place that year with the purpose of the holiday being to honor the pig instead of serving it as the main meal. Later, all cities have been preparing plan for interesting events like a snort contest, pig parades, and pig-themed arts and crafts activities.

Like dogs and cats, bellies have become great pets and today there are more than 1 million animals throughout the United States and Canada. For most people, the most frequent interaction with pigs is actually at the dinner table. Pork is the most popular meat worldwide with more than 80 million tons produced each year, representing 40% of total meat consumption. It is remiss if we do not to remind our appreciation for all things pork as we celebrate National Pig Day.

Fun Facts about Pigs

Do you know that pigs are clean animals? Sure, they can roll around in the mud, but they don't poop where they sleep and they usually bathe in water to get rid of the sweat!

Contrary to popular belief, pigs are also very intelligent. Evidence of training dates back to 1772, where a trained pig called Learned Pig entertained crowds by counting, telling the time and performing a variety of other clever tricks. .

There are estimated 2 billion pigs in the world, you should take the time to honor their place on earth with us.

So on National Pig Day, try to learn other fun facts about pigs and think of them as more than just stupid farm animals or something to eat at our family barbecue.

Celebrating National Pig Day

National Pig Day celebrations take place around the world but are most commonly celebrated in the Midwestern United States, and that certainly makes sense since this is the home of the holiday. In the Central Park Zoo of New York, there is an invasion of belly pigs into the zoo on National Pig Day.

 If you happen to live on Long Island, they celebrate it in a slightly different way, they honor the pig by not eating it and organize a particularly large National Pig Day meal... including a special dish for pork belly for those families who own one.

However, whether you live or stay anywhere, you also can celebrate National Pig Day in your style.

National Pig Day is a great opportunity to study and get knowledge about the importance of good pigs and have a great time learning about how we resemble our pig friends, so come to the library, check out pig related sites online or ask your Amazon Alexa (or other smart device) for some interesting facts about pigs.

Getting a new pig friend is easily the best way to celebrate this holiday if you can. Moreover, you can go to your local zoo, hug a pig in your arms and tell him you raise how wonderful they are! When planning your meals for Pig Day, you may want to limit your hot dogs and dedicate something non-meat related on these most respectful days to good animal friends. If you own a lovely pig, why do not you celebrate a party for your companion by your style, with pig-friendly food they're bound to scoff at.

And entertain at home with Babe and Charlotte's Web double bill. Catch up on your reading, perhaps with original books based on those popular movies, or by immersing yourself in the world of A.A. In addition, let celebrate through craft, maybe by making pigs from paper knives or crafting handmade masks for your family to wear.

In the words of Spider-Man Charlotte (from Charlotte's Web), pigs are wonderful, radiant, and humble. So whatever you do to celebrate National Pig Day, remember the great qualities they hold. Cherish them, observe them, and even cuddle them. No matter you do anything on this day, please don't 'drop the pig' and eat one!