The Persistent 'Pygg' Myth

For years, a popular anecdote claimed that the term 'piggy bank' originated in medieval England from an orange-colored clay called 'pygg,' supposedly used to make household pots for saving money. The story goes that over time, as language evolved, 'pygg banks' became 'pig banks,' leading potters to shape them like the animal. While widely circulated, particularly after a 1989 book popularized it, this charming tale lacks historical evidence and is largely considered a folk etymology or misconception.

Ancient Roots of Money Boxes

The concept of a dedicated container for saving money is far older than the pig-shaped vessel itself. Archaeological findings show that money boxes existed in ancient civilizations, with one of the oldest Western examples being a miniature Greek temple-shaped money box from the 2nd century BC, found in Priene, Asia Minor. Similar receptacles, often made of various earthenware, were also used by Romans and throughout medieval Europe to store coins at home before the advent of modern banking institutions.

The Eastern Pig's Early Appearance

The actual origin of pig-shaped money containers dates back to the 12th century on the island of Java, in what is now Indonesia. These ancient earthenware vessels, known as 'cèlèngan,' were shaped like wild boars. The Javanese term 'cèlèngan' literally translates to 'likeness of a wild boar' but also serves as a general term for savings or a money-saving vessel, reflecting a long-standing association of pigs with wealth, power, fertility, and generosity in that culture.

Pigs Go West: Symbolism and Spread

While the Eastern tradition of pig-shaped banks is ancient, the pig's association with good fortune also took root in the West. In Germany, pigs have long been symbols of luck and prosperity, leading to the custom of gifting 'Glücksschwein' (lucky pigs). The oldest known German piggy bank dates to the 13th century. By the 18th and 19th centuries, English potters began crafting money banks in the shape of pigs, possibly influenced by European traditions or as a playful, evolving interpretation of the word 'pig' in relation to money containers.

Breaking the Bank: An Early Saving Strategy

Historically, many early money boxes, including pig-shaped ones, were designed without an opening for coin retrieval. This meant that to access the saved funds, the container had to be physically broken, a practice that enforced disciplined saving and symbolized the culmination of a saving cycle. This 'breaking the bank' tradition served as a practical deterrent against impulsive spending, encouraging people to save until a significant amount was accumulated.