Denmark is especially known for the New Year’s Eve custom of jumping from chairs at midnight.
In the Danish tradition, people climb onto a chair or sofa and jump down as the clock strikes midnight. The gesture symbolically jumps into the new year and is often performed alongside a toast, fireworks, and the singing of “Vær velkommen, Herrens år.”
Another Danish New Year custom involves breaking or throwing old plates and dishes at the doors of friends and neighbors. Historically, a pile of broken crockery was interpreted as a sign of popularity and friendship. Modern celebrations may preserve the symbolism without following the older practice literally.
The chair-jumping custom is not a universal Scandinavian tradition. Neighboring countries have their own New Year rituals, so Denmark is the specific national association used here.