The marzipan pig stands for a year of plenty, a table never empty, and luck in its sweetest form. It often appears alongside other lucky companions — four-leaf clovers, chimney sweeps, and horseshoes.
In the medieval German-speaking world, a pig meant wealth and full bellies — a household with pigs would not go hungry. The German phrase "Schwein haben" (to have a pig) still means to be lucky, most likely from medieval contests where the loser received a pig as a consolation prize. This tradition met the almond confection marzipan, and giving marzipan pigs at the turn of the year became a cherished custom in Germany and Scandinavia.
The marzipan pig stands for a year of plenty, a table never empty, and luck in its sweetest form. It often appears alongside other lucky companions — four-leaf clovers, chimney sweeps, and horseshoes.
In Germany, Denmark, and Norway, marzipan pigs are given to family and friends on New Year's Eve. The little pig is admired for a while, then happily eaten, sharing the new year's good fortune.