National Pig Day, observed on March 1st each year,
is a testament to the significance of these animals in our lives and their
underappreciated role in society.
Origins of National Pig Day
The origins of National Pig Day date back to 1972 when two sisters,
Ellen Stanley and Mary Lynne Rave, established March 1st as a day to recognize
the importance of pigs in everyday life.
The goal was not just to designate a day for festivities, but rather to
elevate the status of pigs in human consciousness. According to the founders,
the pig deserves recognition for its intelligence and domestication –
qualities that are often overlooked by many.
Celebrating
pigs
National Pig Day is celebrated all over the world but is most commonly
celebrated in the American Midwest, where the holiday holds special
significance.
In Illinois, a
state with a 1.9 billion dollar pork industry, communities come together to
honour the pig’s contribution. Meanwhile, even urban centres like New York City
embrace the spirit of National Pig Day, welcoming pot-bellied pigs into the
Central Park Zoo for special events.
The purpose of National Pig Day
Despite the commercialization of pork products associated with National
Pig Day, true enthusiasts of the holiday advocate for a more respectful
approach. They believe that it is important to give pigs a break and refrain
from eating pork products on this day.
According to Mary Lynne Rave
the purpose of the National Pig Day is “to accord the pig its rightful, though
generally unrecognized, place” as one of the most intelligent domesticated
animals.
Unique characteristics of pigs
Pigs are fascinating animals with many unique characteristics such as
intelligence, emotional depth, and surprising abilities that often go
unnoticed. Here are some special attributes and intriguing facts about pigs:
Intelligence
Pigs
are considered to be one of the smartest domestic animals, comparable to dogs
and even some primates. They can learn tricks, navigate complex
environments, and even play video games with more focus and success than some
primates.
Social animals
Pigs are highly social creatures. They form close bonds with other pigs
and humans, communicate with each other through various noises, and show
empathy for other pigs in distress.
Memory
Pigs have excellent long-term memories. They can remember objects,
recognize other individual pigs and humans, and remember tasks they’ve learned
for years.
Sensory skills
Pigs have an exceptional sense of smell. They can root in the ground
with their snouts to find food buried deep underground, including truffles, a
highly prized type of mushroom.
Cleanliness
Despite popular belief, pigs are quite clean. They keep their toilet
area far away from where they eat and sleep. The misconception that pigs are
dirty comes from their need to cool off in mud because they cannot sweat.
Swimming
Pigs are capable swimmers and enjoy water. There’s even a famous beach
in the Bahamas known as “Pig Beach,” where wild pigs swim alongside tourists.
Versatile diets
Pigs are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. In
the wild, their diet can include leaves, roots, fruits, rodents, and small
reptiles.
Medicine
Pigs are valuable in medical research due to their physiological
similarities to humans. They have contributed to advancements in organ
transplantation, dermatology, and cardiovascular research.
Pig communication
Pigs communicate using more than 20 different vocalizations, ranging
from grunts to squeals, each with its own meaning. They can convey alerts, food
signals, and mating calls among many other messages.
Emotions
Pigs display a wide range of emotions and have been observed to
experience joy, sadness, and even grief. They enjoy playing, exploring, and can
get bored, stressed, or lonely if not given adequate attention.
Economic value
Pigs are highly valued in many parts of the world for their agricultural
and economic contributions.
They are efficient converters of feed into meat, and their meat (pork)
is one of the most widely consumed meats globally. Their by-products are also
used in various industries, from pharmaceuticals to cosmetics.