And this little piggy had a holiday ...

Happy National Pig Day! And no, it's not just a children's book. Celebrated on March 1st of each year, this holiday gives us the opportunity to go hog wild with our appreciation of the domestic Pig.

As it naturally goes with New Agers -- and neo-pagans of all stripes -- , animals hold a sacred place in our hearts. Perhaps it’s because we revere their capacity for unconditional love, their ability to consistently live in the moment and/or that their 6th sense remains undiminished. Whatever the reason, metaphysically oriented folks look to the animal kingdom for symbolic messages from spirit to help guide, inspire and heal us. In honor of all that animals gift us and sacrifice for mankind, today we pay homage to one of the most auspicious critters of all, The Pig.

Through all cultures and history, The Pig represents wealth and strength. Miss Piggy 10 kinds of adorable with her “HiiiiYA” but a real Boar in the wild is no joke. In fact, a Boar’s fighting skills, sheer tenacity and brute strength spawned many a Celtic legend and became the proud symbol on many a coat of arms.

Abundance is attributed to the symbolic meaning of pig as in poor countries only the wealthiest, luckiest and/or most successful people can afford enough food and have enough leisure time to grow 'fat as a hog'.

In the Chinese culture, The Year of the Pig/Boar is eagerly anticipated as the Chinese zodiac Pig is put on a pedestal, apotheosized for its saint-like qualities. The Year of the Pig is a time for kindness, generosity and great peace.

A few Pig facts to amaze friends and family with:

• Pigs are argued to be the smartest of barnyard animals. They are widely tested and accepted as being smarter than young children as well as dogs. [NB: See reference to Animal Farm below.]
• Pigs are extremely social animals. They form extreme emotional attachments to humans and other animals.
• Pigs are fastidious creatures. They will endeavor to keep their toilet area far away from where they lie down and eat. Even newborn piglets will leave the nest to go to the toilet within hours of birth.

Some Pig trivia to share on National Pig Day:
The Top 10 Most Famous Pigs:

1. Porky Pig (The Godfather of all Pigs. He'll make you a cartoon you can't refuse.)
2. Miss Piggy (2nd Diva of Pigs, Second to #10 on our list)
3. Piglet (If we have to tell you who Piglet is you are not fit to celebrate National Pig Day)
4. Babe (This movie had us all at “La La La”)
5. Pumba (Lion King. Can you feel the love?)
6. 3 Little Pigs (Original and from Shrek. Both funny stuff. And that's no huffing and puffing.)
7. Wilbur (Charlotte’s Web. Somebody hand us the tissues please?)
8. Hamm (Toy Story. To infinity and beyond!)
9. Arnold (Green Acres. It’s the place to be.)
10. Petunia Pig (1st Diva of Pigs)

We hope this holiday brings the kind of peace and prosperity that help you to be, well, happier than a pig in mud.

And, as The Godfather would say;
"Th-th-th-that's all folks!"
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Before you get too misty-eyed about pigs, you might want to recall the corrupt pigs in Animal Farm.