The pomegranate is traditionally smashed or displayed for good fortune during Greek New Year celebrations.
In Greece, families may hang a pomegranate outside the home or smash one at the threshold after returning from church on New Year’s Day. The many seeds are associated with abundance, fertility, health, and prosperity. The exact practice varies by region and household, but the fruit is a widely recognized Greek New Year symbol.
The tradition draws on the pomegranate’s long history in Mediterranean culture. In ancient Greek mythology, the fruit appears in the story of Persephone, while its many seeds helped make it a durable symbol of life and plenty. Modern customs do not have one single meaning everywhere, and religious and family practices differ.
Greek New Year celebrations also include vasilopita, a cake or sweet bread named for Saint Basil. A coin is baked inside, and the person who finds it is said to receive good luck. The pomegranate custom and the coin-filled cake are separate traditions, though both focus on prosperity in the coming year.