The Danish New Year’s Eve custom of throwing old plates at doors is called plate smashing.
In the tradition, people break unwanted plates and dishes against the doors of friends, neighbors, or family members. A large pile of broken crockery outside a home is traditionally interpreted as a sign that the household has many loyal friends who visited to show affection.
The custom belongs to a broader group of European New Year practices involving noise, breakage, and symbolic removal of the old year. Modern households may adapt it because of safety, environmental concerns, and the practical difficulty of cleaning up shards.
The tradition is sometimes confused with the Danish practice of jumping from a chair at midnight. That leap symbolizes entering the new year, whereas plate smashing is a social gesture directed at other households. Both customs are associated with Danish New Year celebrations.