A "muddle" of guinea pigs!
Guinea Pig Day
Jul 16
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
"Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened". ~Anatole France
Named for the devisor's pet guinea pig, this dance is one of the special few devoted to the humble guinea pig. Imported to Europe in the 16th century, these native South American tailless rodents soon become beloved pocket pets. Today, there is a whole spectrum of special breeds created by guinea pig fanciers over the years that you may encounter. Along with the common American shorthair and long-haired Abyssinian, there are exotic hairless Skinny Pigs, Teddy Bear haired Teddies, the golden surfer-haired Californians, the sheep-haired Merinos, and the scraggy Werewolf breeds amongst others. All breeds, however, retain their distinctive "Wheek wheek" to alert humans to their need for treats! If you are so inclined, please visit my other page, Guinea Pigs in Art - A Pictorial Gallery to see the (often unexpected and centrally positioned) inclusion of guinea pigs in allegorical, religious, portraiture, and other still life genres, from the 1500s through mid-century modern art. 🐹🖌️🎨
Buckeye's Reel
Today is a day to appreciate the amazing cavia porcellus, the guinea pig. July 16th is Guinea Pig Appreciation Day.
Introduced into Europe from South America as exotic pocket pets in the 1500s, they soon became favourites amongst royalty and the rest of the populace and proved a favourite subject for artists.
Over time, guinea pigs have increased their profile in the arts and have been fictional subjects in both literature and have even made headway into prime time television, commercials and movies!
Written for a guinea pig, this is one of the two known dances written for this favourite of small pets.
Many animals have a classic name for multiples, and often, another more whimsical one. Guinea pigs are no exception. In the wild, a group of guinea pigs is called a herd, but their more fanciful name is a "muddle."
For the dance cribs, click the "muddle" of guinea pigs.
And for a look at the famous use of guinea pigs costumed as mini-bulls in a humourous Snapple commercial rendition of the running of the bulls at Pamplona (the real version of which takes place this week in Spain), click the costumed guinea pig.
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
