In Denmark, plates are traditionally smashed at New Year's Eve to bring friends good luck.
The custom involves throwing or breaking old plates against the doors of friends' homes. A large pile of broken crockery outside a house is traditionally interpreted as evidence that its residents have many loyal friends willing to celebrate with them.
This practice is separate from Denmark's more widely recognized midnight rituals, including jumping from a chair or sofa at midnight to symbolically leap into the new year. Many Danish celebrations also include fireworks and the televised New Year's address from the monarch.
The plate tradition is often described as a historical custom, and contemporary celebrations vary from household to household. It should not be confused with the Spanish custom of eating twelve grapes or the Japanese custom of ringing temple bells 108 times.