They may not have a speaking role, but the cute, pink piggies in Pursuit of Jade certainly managed to oink their way into your attention.
While the love story between Xie Zheng and Fan Changyu takes center stage, these adorable piggies deserve their own moment of fame, too. From the Chinese title to their multiple appearances throughout the drama, let’s take a look at how these little pigs quietly left their footprints all over the show!
1. The character 逐 from Pursuit of Jade’s Chinese title 逐玉
You’re probably quite familiar with the character 逐. But how about 豕? Take a closer look at the image below and see if you can spot the resemblance:
逐 has several meanings, but in this context, let’s focus on the first one: to pursue or chase after something or someone. 豕, on the other hand, refers to a pig or boar. Notice how 逐 actually contains the character 豕 (pig)? Perhaps it was a nice coincidence that the Chinese title has an indirect reference to pigs!
To understand why the character 逐 (chase) contains 豕 (pig), you’ll have to trace back to the oracle bone scripts. This video by Glazemud.language may help shed some light on the origin and evolution of this Chinese character: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/udhBYGlB-OI
2. Xie Zheng hiding in the pig sty
This iconic scene needs no further explanation but let’s not forget that Xie Zheng’s hiding spot was a pig sty.
3. The most romantic way to say “I love you”
“我杀猪养你!” — I will slaughter pigs to feed you — is the new declaration of love.
Who knew pig-slaughtering could sound so romantic?
4. The most memorable squad name
Winner of best squad names goes to: 镇西北杀猪小队 — Northwest Pig-Slaughter Squad!
Of course, who could forget such a memorable squad name?
5. Pig decorations everywhere
Don’t overlook these small details! There are also plenty of other pig-shaped items popping up here and there if you keep your eyes peeled.
Spotted another pig reference in Pursuit of Jade? Share it with us in the comments below!