Christmas 2014 and 2015 were great opportunities to find a new and fun tradition for friends and family.  Enter the Peppermint Pig™.

The tradition of the Peppermint Pig™ started ages ago in the 1880’s with candy makers in Saratoga Springs, New York. Victorians thought that the pig represented good health, happiness and prosperity. Candy makers of the time fashioned the pigs out of hard peppermint candy each year during the holiday season and appropriately colored them a very festive pink!

When families gathered together at Christmas for the holiday meal, the tradition was to break the Peppermint Pig™ after dinner (inside a small cloth pouch) using a miniature hammer. All family members would then share in eating the sweet candy pieces, hoping for good fortune in the coming year.

As far as I know these pigs are only made in Saratoga Springs, NY and only available during the Christmas season.  The Peppermint Pig™ may also be purchased through other retailers.

These delicious pigs are about 4-5 inches long and come with a tiny hammer and a red “velvet” pouch.

Place plastic covered pig inside the “velvet” pouch and give it a healthy whack!  We like to place a hot-pad under it to protect the table from errant hits.

Pass the hammer and pig to the next person to take a whack at it and continue around the table until the pig is in small enough pieces for you and yours to enjoy.

As we take a piece of the now shattered pig, we share something we are thankful or grateful for and something we hope for or wish to achieve in the coming year.

It’s a fun tradition that I plan to continue.  And the peppermint is really good, too!!