March 1 is National Pig Day!

National Pig Day recognizes and gives thanks to domesticated pigs. For some unknown reason, big, pot-bellied pigs seen in zoos, are often the symbol of the day. Pigs 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 pigs the respect that they deserve.


National Pig day is celebrated by zoos, too. Activities include Snort Offs, Pig Outs, and online Pig Chats. However you choose, do not miss celebrating this day.

The celebration was started in 1972 by sisters Ellen Stanley, a teacher in Lubbock, Texas, and Mary Lynne Rave of Beaufort, North Carolina. According to Rave the purpose of National Pig Day is "to accord the pig its rightful, though generally unrecognized, place as one of man's most intellectual and domesticated animals." The holiday is most often celebrated in the Midwest.

There is another pig holiday. Yellow Pig Day is a mathematician's holiday celebrating yellow pigs (is there such a thing!?!), and the number 17. But, that holiday is on July 17, so we’ll talk about that another day.