In Denmark, old plates are traditionally thrown against friends' or neighbors' doors on New Year's Eve.
The custom involves saving unwanted crockery and breaking it outside the homes of people one wishes to honor. A large pile of broken plates is traditionally interpreted as evidence that the household has many friends. The practice is festive rather than hostile, although modern celebrations may adapt it because of noise, cleanup, and safety concerns.
Danish New Year customs also include jumping from a chair or sofa at midnight, symbolically “jumping” into the new year. Many people watch the monarch’s New Year speech, eat a celebratory dinner, and gather for fireworks. Menus often include cod or other special dishes, though food traditions vary by family.
The plate-breaking practice should not be confused with ordinary littering or with customs in which objects are burned. It is a recognizable piece of Danish folklore, but not every resident follows it today. Descriptions of the tradition often say “plates” broadly, meaning old dishes or crockery rather than a particular brand or style.