Throughout history and across various world religions and cultures, the pig has held varying symbolic significance and played diverse roles, its impact ranging far beyond its traditional place within agricultural systems. In Abrahamic faiths such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, pigs hold a fraught position due to the dietary laws that have been interpreted from text found in whichever religion. In contrast, Eastern philosophies and religions present a different facet of this robust creature, often tied to cultural practices and regional attitudes.
The Pacific Islander and Native American traditions also have unique perspectives on pigs, which are woven into their ceremonial practices and mythological tapestry. In the modern era, the pig’s religious significance has evolved alongside shifts in societal norms, with changes in dietary practices, debates about animal rights, and ethical questions surrounding pig farming and consumption emerging.
“Pigs ina Poke”™
Collection
by D.
A. Hammond
Pigs in Abrahamic Religion
The Abrahamic Religion and Taboo of Pigs
Abrahamic religions, namely Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, have complex views on the pig, each of which is deeply rooted in their respective religious texts and traditions. These religions comprise nearly 55% of the world population, meaning the teachings of these faiths on pigs and pork drastically impact global cultural and dietary norms.
Pigs and Judaism
In Judaism, the pig is considered an unclean animal. According to the ancient Jewish dietary laws known as Kashrut, detailed in the Torah, the consumption of pigs is strictly forbidden. It is detailed in the Leviticus and Deuteronomy books that a kosher animal must both chew the cud and have split hooves. While pigs have split hooves, they do not chew the cud, thereby categorizing them as non-kosher. Pigs have thus come to symbolize impurity and immorality in Jewish teachings.
Pigs and Christianity
Despite stemming from Judaic tradition, Christianity harbors more lenient views towards pigs. The New Testament of the Bible contains instances where Jesus declares all foods clean in the eyes of God, a departure from Jewish dietary laws. Many interpreters take this to suggest that Christians are free to consume pork. However, some Christian sects, such as the Seventh-Day Adventists, still adhere to the dietary laws stated in the Old Testament and avoid the consumption of pork.
Pigs in Islam
Islamic teachings bear close similarity to Judaism when it comes to the status of pigs. In Islam, pigs are considered ritually unclean, and the Quran explicitly prohibits the consumption of pork in several verses. One of them, in Surah Al-Baqarah, declares that pork is impure, and it is sinful for Muslims to consume or touch it. This prohibition covers not just meat but also products derived from pigs such as gelatin or enzymes. The reason for this prohibition, as stated by Islamic scholars, includes the pig’s scavenger lifestyle and associated health risks. Plus, adhering to these dietary laws represents obedience and submission to Allah’s will.
Global Impact of Abrahamic Views on Pigs
The teachings of Abrahamic religions significantly influence global practices surrounding pigs. The prohibition of pork in Judaism and Islam impacts dietary cultures, animal farming practices, food processing, and international trade. These religions’ views also influence societal norms, where in some cultures, pig-related expressions and symbols are seen as offensive. The contrasting views on pigs among Abrahamic religions also contribute to broader interfaith dialogues and understanding.
Religious teachings that include references to pigs are often indicative of key moral and ethical principles within various belief systems. These principles highlight the importance of purity, obedience, and moderation. However, these religious perceptions can also present obstacles, especially for businesses that strive to cater to a diverse religious consumer base, or individuals who must navigate multi-faith societies.
Pigs in Eastern Philosophies and Religion
Pigs in Hinduism: Taboo and Caste System
In Hinduism, the world’s third-largest religion, pigs hold a different connotation. They are commonly associated with impurity and filth, partially because of their eating habits and habitats. This perception significantly influences Hindu dietary habits. The large majority of Hindus, especially Brahmins who belong to the highest Hindu caste, strictly abstain from consuming pork.
The Varaha Avatar, in which Lord Vishnu takes the form of a boar
However, in some regional folk traditions and tribal religions in India that branched out from mainstream Hinduism, the pig can have different associations. For instance, some tribes in North Eastern India revere the pig because it is a crucial part of their domestic economy.
Pigs in Buddhism: Beyond their Symbolic and Ethical Significance
In Buddhism, a major religion across East Asia, pigs are of particular importance. They represent the concept of “delusion”, characterized by ignorance and uncontrolled desire, and are one of the “Three Poisons” which are considered the main causes of suffering according to Buddhist philosophy. Hatred and greed make up the other two “poisons”. To symbolize this concept, pigs are frequently depicted in a Buddhist artistic representation known as “The Wheel of Life”.
Buddhism’s fundamental principle of Ahimsa, or non-violence, calls for the avoidance of harm to all sentient beings, including pigs. This commitment to non-violence often leads many Buddhists to adopt vegetarian or vegan lifestyles to minimize harm to animals. Nevertheless, the degree to which these dietary practices are embraced can differ greatly, often influenced by cultural interpretations or individual beliefs.
Pigs in Taoism: Symbolism and Energetics of the Pig
Taoism, a prominent Eastern philosophy and religion from China, views pigs differently. In the Chinese zodiac, the pig is one of the twelve animals, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. Contrary to the negative connotations in other religious beliefs, people born in the year of the Pig are regarded as generous, diligent, and compassionate in Chinese culture.
A Parade Float Celebrating the Year of the Pig
Despite these positive connotations, one must not ignore the fact that pigs, along with dogs and sheep, are considered to have negative ‘Yin’ energy in some Taoist principles. This belief can sometimes lead to Taoist practitioners avoiding pork in certain circumstances.
Cultural Practices and Regional Attitudes Related Towards Pigs in East Asia
In East Asia, cultural practices, local customs, and folklore often intersect with religious perspectives, shaping attitudes towards pigs. For instance, in China and Vietnam, pigs are deeply embedded in social and religious rituals, regardless of religious beliefs.
Pig sacrifices, in historic times, were common practices in many Asian cultures during religious festivals or ancestor worship rituals. Nowadays, although animal sacrifice is less common, symbolic forms of this practice may continue.
The symbolization and role of pigs within Eastern philosophies and religions are rather diverse. Pigs can be seen to embody characteristics such as ignorance or greed, act as an emblem for impurity, signify wealth or prosperity, or be viewed as carriers of undesirable energies. The variety of these interpretations reflects the multifaceted and intricate nature of Eastern religions and philosophies.
Pigs in Pacific Islander and Native American Religion
Pigs in Pacific Islander Religions: Sacred and Sacrificial
In contrast, within many Pacific Islander traditions, especially those in Polynesia, pigs are considered sacred and highly valued. They feature prominently in a variety of ceremonies and rituals, be it festive occasions, funerary rites, or matrimonial events.
A case in point is the conventional Hawaiian religion, wherein pigs are believed to be closely related to the Hawaiian deity of fertility and agriculture, Lono. Offering a pig as a sacred sacrifice during the annual Makahiki festival in honor of Lono, underscores its significant standing as a spiritual icon.
Similarly, ceremonial pig feasts were part and parcel of the customs of communities like the Tahitians and Maui, among other Pacific Islanders. These gatherings were seen as a medium to establish a connection between the mortal realm and the divine, allowing humans to converse with their gods and present gifts as tokens of their devotion, in the hope of invoking compassion and good luck in return.
Pigs in Native American Religion: Symbols of Nourishment, Resourcefulness, and Fertility
Contrasting with the Pacific Islander traditions, Native American views on pigs are more complex and variable, largely because there were no indigenous pig species in North America prior to European contact. Most Native tribes didn’t encounter pigs until the Europeans introduced them into the Americas. Thus, pigs are less prominently integrated into their long-standing religious mythologies.
However, once pigs were introduced, and as Native tribes were gradually exposed to European customs and religious traditions which often regarded pigs as dirty or sinful, they developed a varied range of interpretations on pigs.
Today, pigs are associated mostly with prosperity, resourcefulness, and nourishment in many Native American tribes due their noticeable ability to adapt and thrive in various conditions, as well as provide a substantial source of food. In certain tribes, pigs also symbolize fertility and sexuality, reflecting their rapid reproduction rates.
The Interwoven Relationship of Pigs and Religion
Across the globe, pigs hold varying religious significance based on many factors such as cultural heritage, environment, and social context. In Pacific Islander traditions, centuries of ritualistic practices have entrenched pigs with profound religious and cultural value. In contrast, the religious significance of pigs within Native American societies has been largely influenced by their colonial interactions, leading to a rich amalgamation of cultural reactions. This diverse interpretation underlines the intricate dynamic between human societies and pigs across various religious communities.
Pigs in Modern Religion Perception and Practice
An Overview of the Religious Importance of Pigs
Throughout history, pigs have played various roles in religions. They were revered as sacred creatures in traditional Celtic and Germanic religions, while being considered unclean and forbidden in the religious practices of Judaism and Islam. However, with the increase in secular societies, the religious connotations associated with pigs are morphing to reflect changes in dietary habits, debates over animal rights, and ethical issues concerning their rearing and consumption.
Changing Dietary Practices
With modern society becoming more secular, dietary laws once heavily influenced by religious norms, such as the prohibition against eating pork in Judaism and Islam, are sometimes less strictly adhered to, particularly in multicultural, diverse societies. For instance, while Orthodox Jews and practicing Muslims continue to avoid pork, a more relaxed approach is often observed amongst more secular or reform-minded individuals who may choose to consume pork due to changing personal beliefs, practicality, or societal influences. This development demonstrates the decreasing impact of religious doctrines on dietary choices dictated by broader societal shifts.
Role of Animal Rights Debates
The debate around animal rights and welfare has increasingly put the pig farming industry under scrutiny, with concerns over intensive farming practices and pig welfare. Extensive scientific research has demonstrated the intelligence and social nature of pigs, fueling debates among secular communities about the morality of their raising and consumption. These concerns intersect with religious thinking too, with specific faiths such as Buddhism and Jainism stressing the reverence for life and non-violence to animals. Hinduism, for example, encourages vegetarianism, protecting pigs from slaughter not for religious taboos but out of respect for animal life.
Ethical Concerns in Pig Farming
Modern farming practices and their impact on animals have become a significant topic of ethical concern in a globalized context. The large-scale, intensive farming of pigs often leads to public outcry due to welfare implications, leading some secular individuals to reduce or eliminate pork consumption from their diets. The organic and free-range farming movements, which advocate for better animal welfare standards, have gained considerable traction in many societies. In addition, the emerging trends of vegetarianism and veganism further reflect the societal shift away from pig consumption based on ethical considerations.
Interfaith Considerations and Dialogues
Interfaith dialogues also affect modern attitudes towards pigs. A good example took place in Denmark in 2016, when a proposal to enforce serving pork in public institutions sparked national debate. Supporters viewed the plan as upholding Danish heritage against Islam’s growing influence, while opponents saw it as stoking religious discord. The incident reflects how, even in secular societies, pigs can symbolize identity and difference and become a flashpoint for social and religious dialogues and contention.
Ritual Significance of Pigs
In some religions, the role of pigs has moved beyond the dietary to the ceremonial. Within a number of New Guinea societies, for example, pigs continue to hold significant importance in gift exchanges and ceremonial sacrifices despite the regions’ increasing Christianization. This blending of Christianity with traditional practices demonstrates a fascinating intersection between religious adaptation and local cultural retention.
Conclusion
As societies become more secular, the significance of pigs within religious contexts continues to evolve. Practices and perceptions surrounding pigs are now more influenced by dietary preferences, animal rights issues, ethical farming practices, and interfaith dialogues. These factors represent the complexity of societal attitudes towards pigs in the modern day.
Religion, culture, and societal norms around the world have painted an interesting and multifaceted picture of the pig. The examination of pigs within Abrahamic, Eastern, Pacific Islander, and Native American religious traditions reveals a tapestry of beliefs, practices, and symbolism that reflect the complexities of human cultural and spiritual development. As society continues to change and evolve, so too does our relationship with these animals, particularly in regards to dietary practices and the ethical implications of farming. The pig, in all its forms, is likely to remain an intriguing focal point at the intersection of faith, culture, and ethics, reflecting back to us our evolving worldviews and societal norms around animals and our environment.
