Plate smashing is the traditional New Year's Eve activity in Denmark involving old plates thrown at friends' doors.
In the custom, people save unwanted crockery and smash it against the doors of friends, neighbors, or family members. A large pile of broken plates outside a home is traditionally interpreted as evidence that the household has many loyal friends.
The practice is part of a wider group of Danish New Year's customs, which can also include jumping off chairs at midnight to “leap” into the new year. Celebrations commonly feature fireworks, speeches, festive meals, and sparkling wine.
Plate smashing is often described as a national Danish ritual, but customs vary by region, generation, and household. It should not be confused with the older European practice of breaking pottery for other seasonal or wedding-related traditions.