While we won't have another Year of the Pig until 2031, we have the excuse every year to celebrate our favorite porcine pal on National Pig Day (March 1). Here are seven swell snippets in support of the swine.

The pig is last on the Chinese zodiac

As you may know, the Chinese zodiac has 12 animal signs, and the poor pig comes last. Legend says this is because the pig was the slowest in the race the Jade Emperor held to determine the order of the animals on the zodiac. Depending on who you ask, he stopped for either a nap or snack along the way. We've definitely been there, and last is anything but least in our book.

People born the Year of the Pig are hardworking and generous

While pigs in western culture may be considered greedy layabouts, those born in a pig year couldn't be more different. They're diligent and show great concentration and calm, even in tough circumstances. They’re also compassionate, generous, and always willing to help others. At the same time, they can be gullible and may be easily tricked. 

Not sure if you were born in a pig year? Check out this handy website.

The Japanese prefer the boar

In the Japanese version of the Chinese zodiac, a boar replaces the pig. Those born in the Year of the Boar are thought to be brave, strong, honest, and humble, but also impetuous at times. In Japanese culture, the boar represents a kind of reckless courage.

Pigs symbolize prosperity

There's a reason why gold piggy banks are so popular. In Chinese culture, pigs are believed to attract wealth and prosperity. There are a couple of theories as to why. It could be that their round bellies represent abundance or the idea that owning a pig implies one is affluent.

Dreaming of pigs is good too

Pigs are considered auspicious in Korean culture as well. If you dream of a pig coming into your house, that's believed to mean wealth may be coming your way. Even better is if you catch or are holding a pig. Not good is dreaming of a retreating or injured pig. The former may mean that you'll be losing money while the latter may point at sadness or trouble in the future.

There's a pig museum in South Korea

In Icheon, about an hour south of Seoul, is the Pig Museum. Founded in 2011, the museum features about 5,000 pig-related items from 18 different countries. Visitors can also see pigs in action, hold cute piglets, and — gulp! — see how the sausage is made.

There's a pig memorial to a queen in Thailand 

If you're ever in Bangkok, keep your eye out for a shrine dedicated to a golden pig. Called the Sahachat Memorial, it was built in 1913 in honor of the 50th birthday of Queen Sri Phatcharinthra, the Queen Mother of Thailand at the time. Her royal highness was born in — you guessed it — the Year of the Pig. In fact the royal family members who commissioned the memorial were all born in pig years. Nowadays the Sahachat (which translates from Thai as "pig monument") is both an homage to this queen and place for all those born in pig years to make offerings.