February 5 marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year. Based on the lunisolar calendar, it follows the phases of the moon. The astrology corresponds one animal to every year of the 12-month calendar. In Chinese culture, pigs are seen as a symbol of wealth and good luck. It is said that people born in the year of the pig have similar traits. 2019 is the year of the pig and what better way to get to know some interesting things about the animal on this day. There are few pigs in the world who have achieved world records. Chinese New Year 2019: What Does It Mean to Be Born in the Year of the Pig?

Just like the world brings in the New Year on the night of December 31, it is a big event and a public holiday in China. The Lunar New Year is also celebrated in countries like Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines. The celebrations go on for 2 weeks. People born in the year 1971, 1983, 1995 and 2007, Chinese New Year 2019 is the Year of the Pig. Let us look at some pig records to mark the beginning of the Year of the Pig. Chinese New Year 2019 Wishes: WhatsApp Stickers for Year of the Pig, CNY Greeting Cards, Quotes and GIF Images to Wish Happy Lunar New Year.

Top 5 Record Holding Pigs in The World

Big Bill, The Largest Pig in The World: The heaviest pig so far is held by Big Bill from Tennessee. The Poland China breed of this pig weighed about 1,157 kg in the year 1933. In height, the pig was close to that of a 12-year-old girl. Big Bill even surpassed the largest wild pigs known.

Smallest Species of Pig: The smallest species of a pig is the pygmy hog. They are said to be a critically endangered species with a population of less than 150 or fewer. They are about  55 to 71 cm (21.5 to 28 in) long and stand at 20–30 cm (8–12 in). They weigh about  6.6–11.8 kg.

Highest Jump By a Pig:  A pot-bellied pig from Japan named Kotetsu created a world record by jumping 70-cm-high (1-ft 3.5-in) leap. He created the record in August 2004 at the Mokumoku Tedsukuri Farm in Mie Prefecture, Japan. Kotetsu was just 18 months old when he achieved the feat.

Hairiest Domestic Pigs: The Mangalica also spelt as Mangalitsa is a Hungarian breed of pig, which are the hairiest domestic pigs known. They grow a thick and woolly coat similar to that of a sheep. There are three breeds- blonde, Swallow-bellied and red. It is one of the most densely haired breeds of cattle in the world.

Oddest Looking Pig: The Warthog is one of the oddest-looking pig species in the world. They are found in South Africa grazing in grassland. They are also seen in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia. They have two tusks protruding from the mouth. They have a large head with a mane to the spine and middle of the back. They have long tails with some hair. Their hair coat too is sparse, which gives them an odd appearance.

These are some of the record-holding pigs in the world. From their looks to the kinds of species, pigs do have some records. As we start The Year of The Pig, we hope these facts add to your knowledge of this animal associated with wealth and good luck. Wish you all a very Happy Year of The Pig.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 05, 2019 02:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).