Did you know that traditional piggy banks don’t have a hole at the bottom? You have to break them to open them!
The original clay DIEGOS piggy bank is handcrafted by an artisan from Valencia, Spain. Made with locally sourced clay, each piece is a unique work of art, expertly molded by hand.
Dating back to the 13th century, this traditional piggy bank remains a cherished part of Spanish culture. Get yours today at https://diegos.com and enjoy the fun of breaking it!
Dating back to the 13th century, this traditional piggy bank remains a cherished part of Spanish culture. Get yours today at https://diegos.com and enjoy the fun of breaking it!
The concept of the "piggy bank" as a container for saving money has an interesting history, deeply rooted in culture and tradition. The idea of a piggy bank that must be broken to retrieve its contents originates from both practical and symbolic aspects. Here’s a brief history:
Origins of the Piggy Bank
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Etymology:
- In medieval Europe, a type of orange-colored clay called pygg was commonly used to make household items like pots and jars. These were often used to store coins. Over time, the term pygg jar evolved, and when people heard "pig jar," they began to associate it with the animal.
- In the 18th century, English potters began crafting coin banks in the shape of pigs as a playful interpretation of the word.
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Breaking the Bank:
- Early coin banks, including piggy banks, were made from ceramics or clay and didn’t have removable stoppers or openings. To access the saved money, users had to break the bank, symbolizing the end of a saving cycle and the transition to spending or investing the funds.
- This act of breaking also served as a deterrent to frivolous withdrawals, encouraging disciplined saving.
Symbolism and Tradition
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Pigs as a Symbol of Prosperity:
- In many cultures, pigs represent wealth, fertility, and prosperity. This symbolic association made the pig an apt choice for savings containers, further popularizing pig-shaped banks.
- In China and other East Asian cultures, pigs are often seen as symbols of abundance and good fortune, which aligns with the purpose of saving money.
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Transition to Modern Designs:
- By the 19th and 20th centuries, piggy banks evolved to include stoppers or openings to allow retrieval without breaking. This practical change preserved the decorative aspect of piggy banks while making them reusable.
Contemporary Impact
While modern piggy banks are more user-friendly and reusable, the tradition of breaking a piggy bank remains a nostalgic and symbolic act, representing the fulfillment of a savings goal. Today, ceramic "breakable" piggy banks still exist as novelty items, evoking a sense of commitment to saving and a dramatic reward when it’s time to access the money.
