In Greece's New Year's Eve customs, the pomegranate is traditionally smashed or hung to symbolize abundance and renewal.
Greek households may break a pomegranate at the entrance of a home around the New Year. The many seeds scattered by the impact are associated with abundance, fertility, prosperity, and good fortune. In some traditions, a pomegranate is also displayed or hung as a protective and auspicious symbol.
The fruit has deep roots in Greek mythology and religion. In the myth of Persephone, pomegranate seeds connect the goddess with the underworld and the seasonal cycle, giving the fruit meanings that extend beyond modern New Year's celebrations.
Practices are not identical throughout Greece, and the details can differ between islands, regions, and families. The pomegranate custom is therefore best understood as a widespread cultural tradition rather than a single nationally standardized ceremony.