Pig bladder

Historically, the pig bladder had several additional uses, all based on its properties as a lightweight, stretchable container that could be filled and tied off.

It is traditional during the festival Fasching in Bad Aussee to brandish inflated pig bladders on sticks.

Similarly, in Xinzo de Limia, Spain, inflated pig bladders are carried during Carnival.

The bladder is used as a casing for several traditional food items, including the sausages known as ventricina and sobrassada.

In the early 19th century the inventor William Gilbert used pig bladders in the manufacture of rugby balls.