pigs

   Sailors and *fishermen commonly regard pigs as very unlucky; they will not say the word 'pig' at sea ('grunter' or 'porker' is used instead); those who meet a pig on the way to their boat will not sail that day; some will not allow pork or bacon on board (Clark, 1982: 151-60; Gill, 1993: 78-81). This fear is presumably based on the 'uncleanness' of pigs in the Bible, and perhaps more specifically on the Gadarene swine (Mark 5: 11-15; Luke 8: 22-3), who drowned. Some said marks on pigs' legs were caused by the pressure of the Devil's fingers, when he entered that herd.

   It is said that pigs can see the wind, and also (inaccurately) that they cannot swim, because they cut their throats with their own trotters. In Sussex, pigs are respected for their independent spirit and associated with the county's informal motto, 'We wun't be druv'. Perhaps because of 'piggy bank' money boxes, pig figures are lucky *charms.