The pig or swine were one of the first animals that were domesticated by man in their quest to leave the roaming hunter/gatherer phase behind for a life of agriculture. Prior to domestication the pig was an important source of food for early humans, and a boar on the rampage was a fearsome thing.
In early civilization the pig was thought of as lucky, a symbol that brought prosperity and fertility.
As such the pig was often offered in sacrifice to the gods. The hunting of a wild pig was a great sport in many countries since they were such formidable opponents.
Because it was so tough to hunt, it was appreciated for its valour and courage. Often in the middle ages a boar’s head was used in heraldry to show a family’s bravery.
Pigs are also valued for their ability to sniff out truffles, the worlds most expensive and sought after fungus. The ability for a pig to provide sustenance to a family made it a symbol of abundance.
Not everyone saw the pig as a good thing. Jews and Islamic religions saw the pig as ‘unclean’, which also shows up in Christianity and Buddhism with references to the pigs undesirable traits. In these areas the pig represented sloth, ignorance, gluttony, lust and stubbornness. In many countries it became a popular insult to call someone a pig.
Smarter than a dog, loyal and entertaining, there was nothing that could keep the pig down. Most children, due to books and movies, view the pig as funny and loveable.
