Lucky Pig, Europe

1985.52.1370

Transferred from the Wellcome Institute in 1985; 1985.52.1370
 
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries the pig was a popular lucky charm in France, England and Ireland, as well as Germany and Austria, where it was – and still is – known as Glücksschwein (‘good luck pig’). This little pig is made of painted enamel, but lucky pig charms were often made of silver or gold. Expressions such as ‘happy as a pig in the mire’, ‘a pig in clover’, and ‘you lucky pig’, reflect the association of pigs with happiness, financial prosperity and good luck. 
 
Connected Objects: Four-Leaf Clover