From Clay Pots to Porcelain Pigs
In homes around the world, the piggy bank has quietly held coins, dreams, and traditions for centuries. Though often gifted to children today, its history winds through ancient economies, medieval clay pots, and unexpected linguistic shifts.
The story of how the pig became the world’s default savings container spans continents and cultures—and includes both practical design and a touch of linguistic coincidence.
Saving Traditions Around the World
The oldest known pig-shaped money box was discovered in Java, Indonesia, dating back to the Majapahit era (13th–15th century). Made of clay and featuring a coin slot, it reflects a tradition of saving that associated pigs with fertility and wealth.
In Europe, the earliest pig-shaped bank comes from 13th-century Thüringen, Germany. Unlike modern piggy banks with removable plugs, early versions had to be broken open—leaving few intact examples for archaeologists to find.
Pig, Pygg, or Poor Man’s Bank?
One theory of the piggy bank’s origin lies in language. In medieval England, “pygg” referred to an orange clay used for making jars and pots—commonly used to store coins. After English pronunciation evolved during the Great Vowel Shift (circa 1400–1700), “pygg pot” became “pig pot.”
Eventually, craftsmen began shaping these pots into actual pigs, turning a phonetic misunderstanding into a centuries-long tradition.
Another theory connects pigs to rural savings practices. A piglet purchased in spring could be fattened over the year, then slaughtered in winter for meat and trade. For poorer families, this practice provided essential food and funds—creating a living, literal savings plan. The image of smashing a ceramic pig to access savings may echo this seasonal slaughter.
Why the Pig Endures
Pigs have carried multiple meanings across time. In many Western cultures, they’ve symbolized both greed and plenty. In Germany and Switzerland, pigs are lucky. In China, those born in the Year of the Pig are believed to enjoy comfort and prosperity.
These associations have helped keep the pig relevant, even as saving habits and materials changed. By the 17th century, pig-shaped money boxes were being made across Europe, and mass production began by the mid-19th century.
Though piggy banks are less common in the age of digital payments, their cultural presence remains strong. From traditional gifting during New Year celebrations to collector’s items and birthday decorations, the pig endures—not as a metaphor, but as a centuries-old vessel for value.
A small ceramic pig might seem like a simple gift, but its story spans centuries and continents.
From ancient Java to medieval Europe, and from misunderstood words to household tradition, the piggy bank’s past is far stranger than it looks on a shelf…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/CvBg1oZV3h
— Detective Tiger’s Stories (@TigerDetective) June 20, 2025