We've all heard the story: in medieval Europe, they used to make ceramic banks out of a type of clay called Pygg. Sooner or later, Pygg became Pig, and the piggy bank was born, ears, snout and all.
There's only one problem: they've been making clay banks in the shape of pigs for thousands of years in Indonesia.
And nobody is suggesting that the word 'Pygg' is Indonesian.
And indeed, the only reference I can find on the Internet to a type of clay called 'Pygg' is in numerous articles on the origin of the piggy bank.
So why do we make ceramic banks in the shape of cute swine?
The answer is so obvious that we have been overlooking it, taking it for granted.
Of course.
The pig, the greedy pig.
Eagerly eating his food, the perfect symbol of consumption.
The perfect symbol for money.
The real origin of the piggy bank.
For your consideration.
God loves you!
Sincerely,
David S. Annderson