Yes, a piggy bank is a type of money box. The tradition of using piggy banks for saving money is a centuries old practice that has origins rooted in a fascinating mix of language and history. It all began with a type of inexpensive, orange-coloured clay known as “pygg” used in medieval England. Commonly found in households, this clay was moulded into various containers for everyday purposes, such as jars and pots used for storing kitchen goods and, eventually, loose change. As a result, people referred to their coin holding jars as “pygg jars.”
As time passed, the English language underwent changes in pronunciation and spelling. By the 18th century, the word “pygg” had evolved phonetically into “pig,” and potters and artisans, who enjoyed adding playful and whimsical elements to their creations, began crafting money containers in the shape of pigs. This lighthearted reinterpretation led to the rise of “piggy banks”, an intentional pun that transformed a linguistic coincidence into a charming tradition.
Piggy banks quickly became a popular tool for saving money, particularly for children, as the pig’s chubby shape and cheerful demeanour lent themselves well to this role. The practice of giving piggy banks to young ones not only taught financial responsibility but also added an element of fun and novelty to the idea of saving money. The pig symbol came to represent prosperity, abundance, and growth, further cementing its status as an enduring emblem for accumulating wealth.
Over time, piggy banks evolved to include a variety of materials, designs, and mechanisms. Early versions were often made from clay or ceramic and required breaking to access the savings inside, symbolising a meaningful act of commitment to spending one’s hard-earned savings. Modern piggy banks, however, are often equipped with removable stoppers, making it easier to manage savings while preserving the decorative charm of the piggy bank itself.
