The pomegranate is traditionally smashed or eaten in Greece at New Year's to symbolize prosperity and fertility.
In Greek New Year customs, a pomegranate may be smashed against the entrance of a home after midnight or when the family returns from church. The many seeds are interpreted as signs of abundance, good fortune and fertility for the coming year.
The fruit has deep roots in Greek mythology and ancient Mediterranean symbolism. Its associations with life, death and renewal include the myth of Persephone, although modern New Year's practice is a festive household custom rather than a reenactment of that myth.
This tradition is sometimes confused with the Spanish midnight grapes, but the foods and rituals differ. Greek households may also prepare vasilopita, a New Year's cake containing a hidden coin, as another good-luck custom.