Breaking old plates on New Year's Eve is associated with bringing good luck in Denmark.
In the tradition, people throw or smash unwanted crockery against the doors of friends, relatives, or neighbors. A large pile of broken dishes outside a home is interpreted as a sign that the household has many loyal friends and good fortune for the coming year.
The practice uses old or unusable plates rather than prized household objects. It is one of several Danish New Year customs, alongside festive meals, fireworks, and the midnight singing of “Vær Velkommen, Herrens år.” Some modern celebrations have adapted the custom because of noise, cleanup, and safety concerns.
The tradition is sometimes confused with the Greek custom of smashing plates, but the meanings and contexts differ. In Denmark, the New Year's version centers on friendship and luck, while plate-smashing customs elsewhere can be linked to music, celebration, or other occasions.