National Pig Day is a holiday celebrated in the United States on March 1.

The history of National Pig Day dates back to 1972 when sisters Ellen Stanley and Mary Lynne Rave founded the holiday. The two sisters felt that pigs were underrated when it comes to all things animals. They started the National Pig Day "to accord the pig its rightful, though generally unrecognized, place as one of man's most intellectual and domesticated animals." 

History of Pigs in the United States

While pigs have been around for centuries, their role in the United States has changed over time. Pigs were brought over to Jamestown in 1607 and were integral in the early colonial economy. They were used for their meat, their hides, and their bristles (which were used for brushes). In the 1700s, pigs were also used as working animals, plowing fields and pulling carts.

It wasn't until the late 1800s that pigs began to be bred for their meat rather than their working abilities. This led to a surge in pork production, and by 1920, the United States was exporting more pork than any other country in the world. Pork has remained an important part of the American diet since then.

Ways to Celebrate National Pig Day

Learn about pigs

There are many different ways to celebrate National Pig Day. One way is to learn more about pigs—their history, what they eat, where they live, and how they are used.

Visit a local farm

If you live near a farm, visit and see the pigs up close. Ask the farmer questions about how they care for the pigs and what they do on the farm.

Watch a pig movie

Pigs are featured in many movies, both children's movies and grown-up comedies. Check out Babe, Charlotte's Web, or The Three Little Pigs for starters.

Famous Films Featuring Pigs

• Babe (1995) - A young pig, who doesn't quite fit in with the other farm animals, learns about life and love when he's taken away from the farm to become a pet.

• The Three Little Pigs (1933) - The classic story of three pigs who build houses of straw, sticks, and bricks to protect themselves from the big, bad wolf.
• Charlotte's Web (1973) - After being saved from being slaughtered, a young pig named Wilbur is adopted by a kind farmer and starts to grow up. When Wilbur becomes too big for the farmer's yard, he's sent to live with Charlotte, a wise spider who lives in the barn. Charlotte helps Wilbur make friends with other animals on the farm and convinces the farmer to let him stay.
• The Great Piggy Bank Robbery (1946) - A group of pigs decides to rob a bank in order to get money to buy food for their families. This is a classic tale of mischievous animals trying to outsmart humans.
• Pigs in Space (1973-1986) - A series of sketches featuring Miss Piggy and the rest of the Muppets crew exploring Space. These sketches are often wacky and nonsensical but always entertaining.

Make some pork recipes

There are endless recipes that include pork. From appetizers to desserts, there's something for everyone!

• Pork Chops with Apple Sauce
• Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
• Bacon-Wrapped Dates
• Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Gravy

Most Famous Pigs in History

• Wilbur, from the children's book Charlotte's Web, is a classic example of a pig who was famous for being very smart. He was able to learn how to spell many words and even had a conversation with Charlotte.
• Piglet from Winnie the Pooh is another beloved pig character. He is known for being very timid but also very loyal to his friends.
• Babe is perhaps one of the most famous pigs of all time. He was the star of the movie Babe, which told the story of how he learned to become a sheepdog.
• Miss Piggy is a well-known Muppet character who is known for being bossy and vain.
• Peppa pig is a cartoon character who is loved by children all over the world. She is a regular pig who loves to play and have fun.
• Three Little Pigs is a classic fairy tale that is famous for teaching children the importance of being careful with their money.
• Porky Pig is a Looney Tunes character who is known for being very clumsy but also very lovable.
• Pumbaa from The Lion King is a warthog who is best friends with Simba. He is known for being very funny and carefree.

Fun Facts About Pigs

And now, to conclude this blog post, here are the top 10 interesting facts about pigs! 

1. Although they enjoy rolling in the mud, pigs are actually clean animals. Pigs are extremely clean. They even have a toilet located a long way from their living quarters.
2. Because it keeps them cool, pigs enjoy getting covered in mud! Pigs have little sweat glands, so they find another method of cooling down, which is why they bask in the mud and roll about in it so much.
3. The Eurasian wild boar is the common ancestor of all pigs.
4. Pigs, like their wild cousins, are omnivores. Pigs will root around and consume everything from leaves and fruit to small reptiles and rodents in the wild! Pigs are omnivores, which means they'll eat plants as well as meat. They aren't choosy in general and will eat just about anything! Hint, they don't hunt!
5. The average full-grown pig weighs between 300 and 700 pounds, and the world record for the heaviest pig has not been surpassed since 1933. Tennessee's Big Bill weighed in at 2,552 pounds. That is one heavyweight hog!
6. Pigs are one of the most intelligent domesticated animals, surpassing even dogs! 
7. Pigs are smart, adaptable, and loyal. The pig is a symbol of good fortune, honesty, pleasure, virility in the Chinese zodiac.
8. Ever heard of the Tamworth Two? While on their way to the slaughterhouse, this brother and sister pair of pigs broke away and went on the run for over a week! They were eventually captured, but owing to public outcry, they were sent to a sanctuary in order to live out their days.
9. Pigs are vocal creatures that communicate with grunts, squeals, and squeaks. More than 20 distinct vocalizations have been identified from various pig populations.
10. A pig's memory is quite incredible. They can recall events for years and years, remember people and places, sources of food, and even how to utilize tools.