Posted by
Scribbler on Monday, December 18, 2006 7:34:38 AM
Pigs! Pigs! Pigs! I kept finding then everywhere while doing a little research on Victorian New Year's cards. There would be a chubby child with a pig on a leash watching a clock as the hands near midnight. A virginal young lady with ruddy cheeks would be on a swing, one foot dangling daintily, and on the ground two smiling pigs.
We don't often think of pigs as cute or adorable and many of our pig-images are not flattering:eating like a pig, pig sty and so on. There are also dietary laws regarding eating pork in Judaism and Islam. But in Germany ,many years ago, the pig was a good luck charm and were often found in cakes, cookies, and candies. England, Belgium, and other countries thought pigs brought good luck too and included their pork presence on birthday cards as well. In ancient times, I learned, pigs were thought of as fertility symbols as they could produce several litters a year and they are hardy creatures.
This is all very appropriate as 2007 is the Year Of The Pig! If someone you know is having a baby in 2007, tell them those born in a Pig Year are strong, chivalrous, and gallant. They are quiet, studious, and loyal and can never be accused of being a "boor." I think I will make a New Year's resolution to eat less pork this year! This doesn't mean much--my resolutions hardly make it past Epiphany.