Plates are the household items traditionally smashed against friends' doors in a Danish New Year's Eve custom. People would save unwanted or damaged crockery and break it outside the homes of friends or neighbors as a sign of affection and goodwill.
A large pile of broken plates was traditionally interpreted as evidence that a household had many friends. The practice is a form of symbolic noise-making and social celebration, alongside fireworks, festive meals, and midnight greetings. Modern participants may adapt or omit it because of cleanup, safety, and changing household habits.
The custom is often confused with the Danish practice of jumping from a chair or sofa at midnight, which symbolizes leaping into the new year. These are separate traditions. The crockery custom is also not a universal Danish requirement; New Year's Eve practices differ among families and regions.