Pigs

Four-leaf clovers, toadstools and chimney sweeps may be common good luck charms in most of Europe, but in Austria, Germany and Switzerland it’s all about the Glücksschwein, a New Year’s luck-bringing piglet made of marzipan. It is often clutching a Glückspfennig (lucky penny). In the Middle Ages, a pig was considered a symbol of wealth and social standing. In Klosters in Switzerland they take a more literal approach to this tradition. On New Year’s Day Klosters hosts the Hotschrennen: a pig race!
Around 2000 people gather to watch 10 piglets in coloured jackets trot along the snowy street. The fasted pig to reach the finish line is crowned the Glückschwein of the year.
This year I’ll try to be there on New Year’s Day!