As the lyrics are dissected and analyzed, we realize that the rhyme’s origins may be less merry than the one we sing along to today. The first little piggy went to market, but not to buy groceries. Instead, to be sold. The other piggy stayed home to help keep the pig pen filled with other newborn piglets. The piggy that had roast beef needs to fatten up before it makes its own trip to the market. The other piggy needs to loose some weight before making its own journey to the market. As for the final piggy, there is a debate on it yelling “Wee, wee, wee”. One interpretation suggests that it’s out of fear at the prospect of going to market. While other interpretations suggest the rhyme is French in origin and the little piggy screams “Oui, oui, oui!” (Yes! Yes! Yes!), celebrating its escape to freedom!
Widely regarded as a counting game, in years past it was more likely used as a lesson for basic farming. To sell pigs at the market you had to know which ones to fatten up and which ones to keep in order to breed more pigs. Like all nursery rhymes, it offers us a lesson. While it may not be a moral lesson, it’s still catchy and memorable enough to keep singing and dancing along to today.
Small signature FTF prize!
You will have to bring your own pen to sign the log. Please respect the area. There are items to trade. If you take something, leave something. Please put cache back in a similar fashion as you found it. Happy Caching!