It’s September, which means that we’ll soon say goodbye to another staggeringly fast-moving year while we rush headlong into 2019. And shortly after we ring in the New Year, the Chinese will be ringing in their own. In the Chinese zodiac calendar, 2019 is the Year of the Pig – the last sign in the ancient 12-year lunar cycle. The upcoming Year of the Pig has us thinking, is this sacred animal honored in any other cultures throughout the world?
Come to find out, pigs in their various forms – from wild boars to domesticated swine – have been used as powerful symbols of prosperity, wealth and abundance for thousands of years. So let’s take a walk through history and discover how the humble pig became a sacred icon in religion and culture all over the world.
Pigs in Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egyptian Priest kissing a pig before offering it as a sacrifice
In early Egyptian cultures, the pig was seen as the Great Mother, symbolizing abundance. The pig was sacred to Isis, the goddess of agriculture who personified fertility. It served as a sacrificial animal and votive to the gods throughout all of Ancient Egypt.
Pig symbolism in Ancient Greece
The sacrifice of a pig in Ancient Greece to the goddesses of agriculture
The Greeks would sacrifice pigs to agriculture and farming goddesses such as Gaia, Ares, and Demeter in order to ensure favorable growing seasons and successful crops. Aristotle himself wrote about pigs’ high intellect, calling them, “the animals most like people.”
Pigs were prominent in Celtic cultures
The obverse of a Celtic silver coin early 1st century BC
To the ancient Celts, the pig was an icon of fertility, strength, prosperity, and abundance. Celtic lore associated pigs with abundance because they were forever replenishing their numbers with large litters. Pigs were regularly sacrificed to the fertility moon goddesses Phaea and Ceridwen. On the other hand, the boar represented masculine power, courage, and strength in warriors, and the boar’s bristles were said to possess magical powers.
Native American pig totems
Native American Pueblo canteen circa 1875
Native American plains tribes considered the pig a harbinger of rain, which fertilized the earth. Therefore, the symbolic meaning of pigs in Native American culture is linked to, you guessed it, abundance, fertility, and agriculture.
Pigs in the Chinese zodiac
Chinese zodiac calendar
The Pig figures heavily in Chinese culture as a symbol of luck, prosperity, fortune, and wealth. The Year of the Pig is the last sign in the 12-year ancient Chinese lunar cycle. The birth years for people ruled by the Chinese Lunar pig include 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 and 2019. Those born in the year of this sign are said to be honest, loyal, and generous.
Which brings us to…
Our September giveaway!
Were you born in the year of the pig? If not, what Chinese zodiac sign were you born under? Commenting below will serve as your entry for our September giveaway. Submit your comment (one comment only please) by September 30th, and one winner will be randomly selected on October 1st to receive a 2019 1/20 oz Gold Lunar Year of the Pig coin from the Perth Mint!
In 1996, the Perth Mint began a series of gold coins celebrating the Chinese zodiac. The inaugural Year of the Mouse began a 12-year cycle featuring a new animal each year. The first 12 years were called the Lunar I series. In 2008, the 12-animal cycle restarted to create the Lunar II series. Meticulously struck in .9999 pure gold, this stunning 1/20 oz 2019 Year of the Pig coin features a domesticated pig standing among a beautiful foliage backdrop.
Good luck!
*(Inappropriate comments will be deleted and disqualified.)
Born 1947, year of the pig, Oink
I was born in the Year of the Pig and would love to have this coin in my collection.I always buy my coins and bullion from Provident metals.Almost always have the best price and very speedy shipping.Thanks for the chance
Year of the Rooster… gold pigs much better than the usual pink or black…is it a potbelly?
1977 Year of the Snake and I smell bacon!
I’m a Pig
Year of the rat 1960, thanks for opportunity of possible winning
I’m a year of the OX lunar.
Dog, 1970
I’m a 1960 rat Aussie living in the USA. Luv buying Aussie coins from Provident. Just purchased the 1/2 oz thru 5oz presale. 10 oz and 1 kg to come soon. Stick with Provident for your Aussie coins mates. Often cheaper than I can buy Down Under. I would luv a little Gold Piggie
1964 year of the dragon
Year of the Horse. Says I will make wise investments this year. 🙂 Thank you Provident!
Year of the Rat 1960 Ask Wilber I get first choice.
Year of the dog. Would love a gold pig… maybe by the hair of my chiny chin chin?
Year of the Goat, makes me remember and Adam Sandler skit.
year of the pig. I win!
1967 Year of The Goat
1967 year of The Goat. I have 1/20. of an ounce 2015 Year of The Goat Coin an 1/4 of an ounce colorized Year of The Goat Coin from The Perth Mint in our collection and would love to add a 2019 Year of The Pig to our collection.
Love me some pig!
Year of the horse ! Shoot thought I was born either the Lion or cheetah . My wife always says that I am a lying cheater . Peace , Love & Happiness
Leon Tucker
I was born in the year of the rabbit.
Year of the rooster
1961- YEAR OF tHE OX ,i believe.
One thing for sure, the “Perth Mint” Products have qualities of ALL the zodiacs.
Tiger — also good!
I’m a Rat. Thanks for the chance on the Piggy.
1955 Year of the Goat/Lamb. This is not really myself, because I’m a fish.
The pig is what i’m going to start my collection of Gold with and sure would
like my first to be free from financial burden.
1985 makes me an ox
Year of the Monkey for me.
Year of the Dragon
Tiger — also good
Year of the horse for me.