The New Year's Eve custom of smashing old plates is especially associated with Denmark.
In the Danish tradition, people may throw or break unwanted plates and dishes against the doors of friends and relatives. A large pile of broken crockery is traditionally interpreted as a sign that the household has many loyal friends, rather than simply as household damage.
The custom is one of several European New Year practices involving symbolic acts. Danish celebrations also commonly include a midnight toast and the eating of festive foods. Practices vary by family and region, so not every Danish household follows the plate-smashing tradition.
The custom is sometimes confused with ordinary festive fireworks or with traditions from other Nordic countries. Its distinctive feature is the deliberate breaking of old tableware as a social gesture.