New Year’s “Good Luck” in Germany: Why Pigs (and Sweets) Steal the Show

Germans celebrate New Year’s Eve with a number of unique traditions. One of the most charming is gifting friends and loved ones a “good luck” charm in the shape of a pig—often made from almond-rich marzipan. Germans do love their porkers, and the symbolism runs deep. This four-legged, domesticated source of wiener schnitzel and sausages even worked its way into everyday language and holiday customs.

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“Schwein gehabt”: When Luck Looks Like a Pig

If someone had an especially lucky break, Germans say “Schwein gehabt”—literally, “you’ve had a pig.” The expression goes back to the Middle Ages, when having pigs (and plenty of them) meant security and prosperity.

The lucky pig charm (“Glücksschwein”) isn’t just for New Year’s: it’s a sweet, cheeky gift for birthdays, before big exams, new jobs and promotions, or any moment that calls for a nudge of good fortune. And of course there’s the “Sparschwein”—the familiar piggy bank—which “hoards” good fortune in coin form and reminds everyone that luck also favors the prepared.

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Marzipan Pigs: A Classic You Can Gift (and Eat)

You can purchase marzipan pigs right here in our store—a timeless treat that blends playful symbolism with premium almond paste and natural sweetness. They’re perfect for New Year’s Eve (Silvester) parties, host gifts, and care packages to start the year with a smile.

Get the facts and festive menus: Explore German New Year traditions on germanfoods.org—from New Year’s Eve (Sylvester) and New Year’s Day (Neujahr) ideas to wonderfully odd customs like "Bleigiessen" (molybdomancy).

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More Unique, Delicious Gifts & Goodies for the New Year’s Party

Round out the candy tray and gift baskets with these festive best-sellers—each one a little token of Glück (good luck) with lots of flavor.

Funsch Mixed Marzipan Fruits

A rainbow assortment of hand-shaped marzipan fruits—think oranges, lemons, apples, and berries—made with finely milled almonds for that classic, melt-in-the-mouth texture. The vibrant colors and realistic shapes look beautiful on dessert platters and feel delightfully old-world. Pair a few pieces with a Glücksschwein and a handwritten wish for a year that’s sweet and abundant.

Why it works for New Year: Marzipan traditionally symbolizes luxury and good fortune; the fruit shapes add a nod to prosperity and growth in the year ahead.

Laroshell Teacher’s Whiskey

For grown-up gatherings, these fine chocolate pralines filled with Teacher’s Scotch whisky deliver a warming, celebratory finish. Smooth, aromatic centers wrapped in premium chocolate make them a hit after midnight toasts. Serve in a cut-glass bowl or tuck into party favor bags for a chic, adults-only treat.

Bergen Lucky Pig

Cute meets classic: the Bergen Lucky Pig is a chocolate (or seasonal confection) pig designed specifically as a New Year’s good-luck token. It checks every box—symbolic, photogenic, and totally giftable. Place one at each seat, add to kids’ countdown bags, or use as a cake topper to bring the Glücksschwein tradition front and center.

Riegelein Chocolate Lady Bugs

In German folklore, ladybugs—Marienkäfer—are a beloved symbol of luck. These foil-wrapped Riegelein chocolate ladybugs add a playful pop of color to the table and make charming place-setting favors. Kids love hunting for them around the living room as the clock ticks down.

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Optional FAQ

Why are pigs considered lucky in Germany?
Historically, owning pigs meant wealth and food security, so pigs became a symbol of prosperity and good fortune—especially at New Year.

What does “Schwein gehabt” mean?
Literally “had a pig,” it’s a colloquial way to say “got lucky.”

Are marzipan pigs traditional for New Year’s?
Yes. Marzipan pigs (Glücksschweine) are classic New Year’s gifts and are also given for birthdays, exams, and promotions.

What sweets symbolize luck besides pigs?
In addition to marzipan pigs, ladybugs are considered lucky; foil-wrapped chocolate ladybugs are a festive, family-friendly favorite.

Check out more unique, delicious gifts and goodies for the New Year's Party.