National Pig Day and Yellow Pig Day
When is National Pig Day? This holiday is always observed on March 1
When is Yellow Pig Day? This holiday is always observed on July 17
National Pig Day recognizes and gives thanks to these domesticated animals, most often seen on a farm. For some unknown reason, big, pot-bellied pigs seen in zoos, are often the symbol of the day. 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.
Yellow Pig Day is a mathematician’s holiday celebrating yellow pigs (is there such a thing!?!), and the number 17. It is celebrated annually since the early 1960s, primarily on college campuses, and primarily by mathematicians. On campus, Yellow Pig Cake and Yellow Pig Carols are traditions!
If you are a mathematician, spend part of the day thinking and working in multiples of 17.
Another Pig Day? There are also some references to this holiday” on January 17th. The references are only found in online calendars and on Ecard companies. We did not find it in any published documents. We did not find any factual evidence supporting this day on January 17th.
Color of the Day: pink, of course for National Pig Day. Yellow, for Yellow Pig Day.
How to Celebrate These Days
- Adopt a pig as a pet.
- Go to a farm to see them.
- Draw pictures of them in school or at home. Don’t forget to draw their curly, squiggly tails.
- Use the number in mathematical formulas and equations.
- Do you know what 17 squared is? Calculate it in your head.
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.
History and Origin of Pig Days
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 an act of congress.
Yellow Pig
This day was the brainstorm of mathematicians Michael Spivak and David C. Kelly in the early 1960s. They were students at Princeton University, studying mathematics. History was made as they were listing interesting properties of the number 17 (can you imagine the interesting properties!?). During this thought wave, the yellow pig was born. Most likely, it had 17 toes, 17 teeth, 17 eyelashes, etc. The yellow pig and the number 17 have been linked ever since.
More About Today
Recipe of the Day: Dutch Spinach
Plant of the Day: Liatris
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