Plates are the household items traditionally smashed against friends’ doors in a Danish New Year’s Eve custom.
In this tradition, people save old or unwanted plates and then break them outside the homes of friends or neighbors around New Year’s Eve. A large pile of broken crockery is interpreted as a sign that the household has many loyal friends. The custom is often described as a playful act of good luck rather than ordinary vandalism.
Modern celebrations vary considerably. Some people continue the practice, while others avoid it because of cleanup, safety, or changing social habits. Disposable or damaged dishes may be used instead of valuable tableware.
The custom is sometimes confused with other Danish New Year’s traditions, including jumping from a chair at midnight for a symbolic leap into the new year. It is also separate from the Danish tradition of eating kransekage, a ring-shaped almond cake served during celebrations.