🐖 Why do we use roasted pigs for worship? Let us take a deeper look!

When it comes to traditional worship, the first thing that comes to mind, besides incense, candles, flowers, and fruit, is a red roasted pig . Whether it's a grand opening, groundbreaking ceremony, or wedding, a roasted pig is almost always a must-have offering. So why has the roasted pig become such a symbol of worship? What historical and cultural significance does it hold? Let's break it down in detail!

📜 The history of roasted pig

The practice of roasting pigs for sacrifice can be traced back to ancient Chinese agricultural society, when people regarded livestock as their most precious possessions, and offering a pig as a sacrifice symbolized the utmost sincerity.

• In ancient rituals, "sacrificial offerings" were one of the most important sacrifices. Pigs, cattle, and sheep were collectively called "Tai Lao" and were specifically used to offer sacrifices to heaven, earth, and ancestors.
• Pigs are particularly common in rural China. Because they are easy to raise and are the main source of meat, they have gradually become a common choice for sacrifices.
• Later it evolved into roasted pig (i.e. roasting a whole pig), with a golden and crispy skin, representing perfection and solemnity, and more suitable as an offering on important occasions.

🐷 Why "pig" in particular?

The pig has many symbols in Chinese culture:

• Abundance and harvest🌾 : Pork is the main meat consumed by the public, representing "having enough food and clothing".
• Sincerity and solemnity🙏 : A whole pig is more generous than other offerings, expressing respect for gods or ancestors.
• Strong reproductive ability👶 : Many piglets symbolize "a prosperous family" and "a large house with descendants."
• Auspicious and festive🎉 : The red roasted pig skin sets off the festive atmosphere and complements occasions such as Chinese New Year, weddings, and business openings.

🔥 The use of roasted pigs in worship

Roasting pig is commonly seen in the following important occasions:

• Opening/starting work : symbolizes prosperous business and huge wealth.
• Groundbreaking/Beam Raising : Pray for the project to go smoothly and safely.
• Ancestor worship : express gratitude and respect to ancestors and pray for blessings for descendants.
• Marriage : The man sends a roasted pig to the woman's family, which symbolizes courtesy and also implies "perfection" and "respect".
• Festivals/Deities’ Birthdays : For example, the birthdays of the Queen of Heaven and Guanyin, believers will offer roasted pigs to show their sincerity.

🍖 The symbolism of roasted pigs

Roasting pig is not only food, but also a symbol:

• Complete and intact : The whole roasted pig represents perfection and good things come in pairs.
• The pig skin is roasted red, and the meat inside is fragrant, which is a metaphor for sincerity.
• Good luck : Red symbolizes joy and good fortune.
• Sharing blessings : After the worship is completed, the roasted pig will be cut into pieces and shared with everyone, which means the gathering of blessings.

🎊 Transformation of modern society

While modern urbanites may not always raise pigs themselves, roasting pig remains a staple in various traditional rituals. Many roast meat shops and restaurants offer "roast pig pre-orders" for festive occasions and celebrations. Some families also substitute "suckling pig" for a larger roast pig, making it easier to carry and share.

😋 Editor's thoughts

I believe roasted pig isn't just for worship; it's also a symbol of human connection. I remember looking forward to the roasted pig skin after my worship service. It was crispy and fragrant, a true blessing after the ceremony. Looking back now, roasted pig isn't just a delicacy; it's a connection—a bond between humans and gods, ancestors, and even family and friends.

🎉 Summary

The practice of roasting pigs in worship stems from the ancient emphasis on sacrificial offerings, as well as the pig's symbolic meaning of abundance, sincerity, and good fortune. Roasting pigs is both an offering and a cultural symbol, embodying the Chinese people's reverence for the gods, gratitude to their ancestors, and hope for a better future.

👉 I'd like to ask everyone: What's your favorite part of roast pork? The crispy skin or the juicy meat?