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Guinea pig, or guinea pig. A short history

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Guinea pig, or guinea pig. A short history

Guinea pigs are popularly bred in Poland and around the world. These small, furry rodents are found in many homes in Poland and around the world. Where does their name come from? How did they get to Europe?

Where does the name guinea pig come from?

A few years ago, newspapers and news portals reported that the guinea pig is no longer called "pig marine" in Polish, but "kawia domowa". The name change surprised many guinea pig enthusiasts. It seems that it will not be accepted in everyday language, but it was necessary for scientific reasons. It is worth adding that the Latin systematic name of the guinea pig is cavia porcellus. The word "cavia" comes from the Indian languages, the word "porcellus" means "little pig" in Latin. It is not entirely clear why these animals are called "pigs" in many languages. It may be related to the characteristic sounds made by guinea pigs or to their rounded posture.

Guinea pig sounds

The Polish word for guinea pig comes from the German word "Meerschweinchen". It means "sea piglet"; this is also what dolphins were called in Germany. After all, it was noticed that the sounds made by dolphins and guinea pigs can be very similar.

Guinea pig etymology

The history of the English name for guinea pig is also complex and controversial. Guinea pigs do not originate from Guinea, so the English name sounds only slightly less absurd than the Polish word "pig marine". The most likely explanation is a confusion between African Guinea and American Guyana. Another theory is that ships from America transported guinea pigs across the American coast and this led to the confusion. A third view is that in old English, all exotic, previously unknown goods were associated with Guinea. There are many other views, but none of them has strong support from the facts.

Guinea pig Peru and Ecuador

The Guinea Pig is one of the earliest domesticated animals. The Indians of the Andes, the highest mountains in America, bred guinea pigs as early as 7,000 years ago. This is evidenced by many archaeological finds, mainly prehistoric Indian buildings in Ecuador and Peru. Guinea pigs were bred in America not as companion animals, but for meat. However, their beauty was noticed: they often appear in the ancient art (painting, pottery and sculpture) of the Andean Indians.

Guinea pigs arrived in Europe early. At the turn of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, they were brought here by the conquistadors, the Spanish conquerors of America. Like many animals and plants of the new world, they quickly became fashionable. They were favored by aristocrats and even monarchs (e.g. Queen Elizabeth I of England). In the American homeland of guinea pigs, however, the situation did not change; the Indians continued to breed them mainly for their meat. The guinea pig, like the domestic pig, is an animal that is cheap to breed for meat, as it can feed on plant remains from the home and farm. Therefore, all farmers could afford them. Their popularity was increased by the fact that they were popular gifts, as well as their important role in the ceremonies of tribal Indian religions.

Guinea pigs have become, over time, not a slaughter animal; they are bred today as companion animals or ornamental animals. Due to the change in utility, dozens of new breeds have been developed. A similar process has occurred with other domestic animals: most dogs and cats, like most guinea pigs, are bred for personal pleasure and companionship.

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