Ringing in the New Year with a Smash: A Look at Danish New Year's Traditions
New Year is one of the biggest parties that
take place all over the world, where people let off fireworks, count down and
be happy.
But in Denmark, the festivities take a more
unique twist, with a tradition that's both symbolic and slightly surprising:
smashing plates.
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Literally
The tradition of throwing plates might seem
a bit destructive at first glance of course. However, it is in fact based in
genuine humor and positive sentiments.
Nowadays it is known that for Danes it is
good luck to break plates at the doors of their friends and relatives on New
Year’s Eve. If there are many broken plates on your doorstep then it means you
have many friends!
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The history and the right way
to do it
The exact origin of this tradition is
unknown but some believe that it started as a way of scaring evil spirits with
noise.
It gradually became associated with
gratitude for friendship or affection and a desire for the recipient to enjoy
prosperity throughout the coming year.
But there is a certain protocol that comes
with plate smashing as well. It is only used for friends and family and using
anything other than the plates such as bottles, glasses is discouraged.
The best plates to use are old or cracked
ones that may not be used again before being donated.
A Raucous Night of Revelry
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The tradition of smashing the plates is
only one of the segments of the New Year’s Eve celebration in Denmark.
Today people have large dinner parties,
which include among other delicacies roast pork with crackling and caramelized
potatoes. They toast to each other at midnight after dinner and offer New Year
wishes to each other.
Danes also listen to the Queen’s speech on
New Year, a televised address that looks back at the year and looks forward to
the future.
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