1780-1850

The pig signifies the successful scholar. In the Tang dynasty, the names of candidates who passed the final civil service examination were inscribed on the wall of the Yan Ta Pagoda of the Ci'en Si Monastery in the capital, Chang'an. The phrase Yan Ta timing (Having one's name inscribed on Yan Ta) became a metaphor for gaining the highest academic achievement. As the practice evolved over the centuries the successful scholars' names were inscribed in red (zhu), and candidates about to undertake the examinations were often treated to braised pig feet (zhuti) for good luck. The words pun on the expression for an aspiring scholar who hopes to have his name (ming) inscribed (ti) in red (zhu). Models of pigs convey best wishes (see K.B. Tsang, "A Look at the Pig in the Year of the Pig", JICSBS, Spring 1995, pp. 12-20).