The Polka Pig is named after the Polka dance that was popular in the 1860s. At this time, pig was a general term for sweet, which is said to have contributed to the name. A polka pig is rarely shaped like a pig - on the other hand, the pole can sometimes have a hook at one end to make it easier to hang it on the Christmas tree. Then, however, it is referred to as " Polka stick" .