Untitled Document
 Do
you have a piggy bank at home? I'm sure many of you have one. But
let me ask you some questions. Did you ever wonder why it's called a
piggy bank? Why do we save our coins in a piggy
bank? And who invented the piggy bank?
If you don't know the answers, you'll just have to read on to find out. The answers will
surprise you!
The origin of the piggy bank
is a little uncertain. But historians think that the
concept of a piggy bank started
in England during the Middle Ages in about the 15th Century. At this
point in history, metal was seldom used. This was because
it was very expensive. In fact, common people didn't own any metal cooking utensils at home.
Instead, dishes and pots were made of clay called pygg.
In England, people often kept their spare household coins in one of
their clay pygg jars. These jars became commonly known as a "pygg
jar" or a "pygg bank." Several centuries later, the
name changed into a "piggy bank."
In the 19th Century when English potters received requests for piggy banks,
they produced banks shaped like
a pig. This is how the first piggy banks were made. Of course, people
loved the new piggy banks! Eventually, the piggy bank
became popular throughout England as a great
money-saving tool for young children.
Today, many people all around the world are using piggy banks to save
money. Piggy bank saving isn't just for kids. Adults can do it, too. Many
people have a piggy bank for their spare change. Do you think it's
not a big deal? Then, think again.
An average person can save more
than 600 dollars a year simply by saving their spare
change!
Americans and Europeans are not the only ones who cherish piggybanks. South
Americans, Asians and Africans also have their own piggy bank traditions.
- America: Piggybanks are given to children to encourage saving money.
- China: Piggybanks are considered a lucky charm for children
that encourage them to save money.
- Europe: Piggybanks are thought to bring good luck and fortune.
- Germanic Countries: "Lucky
Pigs" are given as gifts at the start of the New Year. |
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