Have you ever seen a piggy bank? It's a special kind of pot where children keep their coins and bills to save money. But have you ever wondered why it's usually shaped like a pig? The story behind these treasured saving pots is quite old and interesting!
Many, many years ago, long before there were actual banks, people in England needed a safe place for their extra money. They often used pots made from a common, orange-colored clay. This specific type of clay was called 'pygg' clay. So, people would call their saving pots 'pygg pots' because of the material they were made from.
As time went on, and the English language changed, the word 'pygg' started to sound exactly like the word for the farm animal, 'pig.' Pot makers, who molded these clay containers, were sometimes asked to create a 'pygg pot,' but the people asking might have actually thought they meant a pot shaped like a pig! So, the pot makers began to craft pots in the shape of a pig as a fun surprise.
This idea became very popular! Pigs are also considered symbols of good fortune and prosperity in many cultures around the world. So, a pig-shaped bank became a happy way to encourage people to save. Today, these charming banks still help children learn an important lesson about keeping their money safe to buy something wonderful in the future.