The pomegranate is traditionally smashed or hung at New Year in Greece as a symbol of abundance and fertility.
In the Greek custom known as podariko, families may hang a pomegranate outside or above the entrance of a home. On New Year’s Day, it can be smashed at the threshold, and the number of seeds scattered is viewed as a favorable sign for prosperity, health, and happiness in the coming year.
The fruit’s symbolism is especially powerful because a pomegranate contains many seeds inside a single round shell. Ancient Greek mythology also gave the fruit lasting cultural associations through the story of Persephone, although modern New Year practices are not simply a reenactment of that myth.
Greek New Year customs vary by region and household. Saint Basil’s Day is also observed on January 1, and vasilopita, a sweet bread or cake containing a hidden coin, is widely served. The pomegranate tradition should not be confused with the coin custom, even though both concern good fortune.