China and Western countries may have different cultural beliefs about certain animals, but when it comes to pigs, somehow we have the same idea that pigs are ugly and lazy.
But the truth is that pigs do have some finer qualities. And maybe there's m better time to clear their names than now, with the arrival of the Year of the Pig on Feb 5 this year.
For starters, science long ago proved that pigs aren't stupid at all. According to a research, "pigs are mentally (精神) and socially like dogs and chimpanzees. They like to play. They can remember things for a long time. And they can tell who treat them welt and who don't.
There are lovable pig characters in cartoons too. Peppa Pig, a UK animated television series that begin in 2004, has now become one of the most popular cartoons in 180 countries and areas. The four members in the cartoon's pig family teach children from all over the world to get on well with fiends. Their dally stories show that family members are the most valuable persons to cherish (珍惜). And in China, the adventures of McDull, a piglet who works hard towards his dreams even though he keeps failing, have been made into films since 2001. McDull is slow and patient, and not afraid of repeated failures. He has a heart of gold.
Perhaps these are the qualities of pigs to keep in mind when we celebrate this Chinese New Year—their intelligence (智力), cuteness, patience and innocence.
| Traditional ideas | China and Western cultural beliefs somehow an agreement on pigs. | |
| Truth about pigs | Pigs' intelligence is to that of dogs' and chimpanzees. Pigs have long-term memories. Pigs can tell who treat them well and who don't. | |
| Pig characters in cartoons | Peppa Pig | Her family teach kids friendship and the of family. |
| McDull | He works hard to his dream. | |
| New impressions | Pigs are clever, cute, and innocent. | |
