National Pig Day
When is National Pig Day? This holiday is always observed on March 1
National Pig Day recognizes and gives thanks to these domesticated and social animals, most often seen on a farm. This is a March 1 holiday that we celebrate annually. For some unknown reason, big, pot-bellied pigs seen in zoos, are often the symbol of the day. Chiefly, they are clever and intelligent animals. But, most people are unaware of this high level of intelligence. They can be taught to do tricks. Some people even keep them as pets. Today is a day to give them the respect that they deserve.
This day is celebrated by zoos, too. Activities include Snort Offs and other events However you choose, do not miss celebrating this day.
Color of the Day: Of course the color for today is pink. Wear a pink shirt or dress, stream the Pink Panther cartoon, and look for all things pink.
Did You Know? Pigs are one of the smartest animals on the planet. Not surprisingly, they rank fourth, behind humans, apes, and dolphins.
Piggy Trivia and Fun Facts
Here are some great pig trivia and fun facts. Use them to impress your friends on all things piggy.
- A wild boar is a wild pig native to Eurasia and North Africa.
- In fact, they have a keen sense of smell, despite often living in a sty.
- A pig can drink up to 14 gallons of water a day. They need water to properly digest their food.
- Pig iron is a raw, unrefined form of iron. It is created by first smelting the ore in a blast furnace.
- Do you know a gross or contemptable person? Then, you know the other meaning of a swine.
- “Big Bill” holds the Guinness World record as the largest boar in the world. He weighed 2,552 pounds and once stood an amazing five feet tall at the shoulders.
- Canadian bacon comes from the pork loin of a pig. It contains less fat than American bacon. It is sometimes called back bacon or rashers.
How to Celebrate National Pig Day
Without a doubt, Miss Piggy will celebrate these two holidays to the fullest. Here are some ways you can join in on the fun:
- Adopt a piglet as a pet. Then, see what tricks you can train them to do.
- Go to a farm to see them.
- Draw pictures of hogs in school or at home. Don’t forget to draw their curly, squiggly tails.
- Use the number 17 in mathematical formulas and equations.
- Do you know what 17 squared is? Calculate it in your head.
- They are astronauts! In 2009, China sent a pig into space as part of a research project.
Did You Know? The term “A pig in a poke” is an old English saying that means “buyer beware”.
Thought for Today
Retirement is when a man who figured out he’d go fishing seven days times a week, finds himself washing the dishes three times a day.
Our Favorite Saying: “When pigs fly”.
History and Origin of National Pig Day
Ellen Stanley, a Texas art teacher created this day in 1972. She intended to recognize and be thankful for pigs as intelligent domestic animals.
There is no evidence to suggest that this is truly a “National” day, which requires either an act of Congress or a presidential proclamation.
Definition of “National” Days – Learn why it is important to distinguish true National holidays.
This Day in History
While this is certainly an important and fun holiday, there are other notable happenings on this date. Here are another couple of happenings on this date:
- The U.S. Congress authorizes $30,000 to study the feasibility of using camels for military purposes. (1855)
- A Congressional resolution makes the “Star Spangled Banner” the official U.S. anthem. (1931)
- Ron Howard, actor, director, “Opie” on TV series “Andy Griffith” was born on this day in 1954.
Related Holidays
Additionally, people who like National Pig Day will also like:
More March 1 Holidays
Besides National Pig Day, there are more March 1 holidays for you to celebrate and enjoy:
More About Today
Recipe of the Day: Dutch Spinach
Plant of the Day: Liatris
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Did You Know? In addition to National Pig Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. Many of these holidays are new. Despite the proliferation of new holidays, people and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.