Why Greek people smash a pomegranate every New Year’s

·

Pomegranate, the fruit of life and good fortune, is smashed every year for New Year’s festivities in Greek households.

The folklore tradition dates back to Ancient Greece with its origins in the Peloponnese, and through the centuries it has spread throughout every corner of Greece. It was believed the hundreds of ruby-like seeds promised abundance and symbolised fertility.

During the festive period, the tradition is to hang pomegranates from the main door of the house at Christmas until New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.

Then, one person from the family home smashes a pomegranate at the front door during New Years’ festivities. By doing this, the family home is blessed with health and happiness and a good year ahead.

Photo: Shutterstock

Variations to the tradition:

Since this tradition has lived throughout the centuries, there are many variants. Some smash the pomegranate on New Year’s Eve when the clock strikes twelve, others do it on New Year’s Day. Some even get their fruit blessed at church and smash it on the front door.

Either or, the power of the pomegranate will ultimately bring your family home an abundance of luck. 

One specific way to practise the tradition is as follows: On New Years’ Day, the family attends church dressed in their best clothes. After attending the Divine Liturgy of Basil of Caesarea, the man of the house steps foot in the home first and smashes the pomegranate against the front door.

Amidst the smashing of the pomegranate, he wishes that the pomegranate, with its hundreds of arils, blesses the home with an abundance of health and happiness. 

A smashed up pomegranate. Photo: iStock.

They say the more seeds that are spread across the floor, the more luck you will have in your home. Some people believe that if you get a red squirt of pomegranate juice on you, extreme luck will come your way.

Others smash the pomegranate at 12am on New Year’s Eve. Here, the tradition is to turn off all the lights, everyone steps out of the house and then at 12am the second person who enters the house after the first footer, smashes it against the door with their right hand.

All in all, the tradition of smashing a pomegranate as part of New Year’s festivities is ancient and poetic. So this New Year’s consider buying a pomegranate, and smashing it like our ancient ancestors did to bring a plethora of health and wealth to your home!

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Aaron Zerefos Enterprises acquires Fresco Beverages 

Aaron Zerefos has announced the acquisition of the Fresco Beverages business, enhancing his hold on the Australian drink distribution market. 

Feros Group to take over premier waterfront venue in Darling Harbour

The Feros Group has announced they now own and operate the iconic Helm Bar & Bistro in Sydney's Darling Harbour.

Peter Mamouzelos aims to play in Greece as rugby league grows

Peter Mamouzelos has expressed his ambition to play rugby league in Greece, a goal that has been hindered in the past due to the sport's ban.

Trust-building steps taken in Cyprus, but peace talks still elusive

Cyprus' rival leaders, Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, made some progress on Wednesday.

Greece to invest 25 billion euros in major defence revamp

Greece is set to invest 25 billion euros in a comprehensive defence overhaul, marking the "most drastic" transformation in its modern history.

You May Also Like

The Hellenic Initiative Australia’s 10th anniversary marked at NSW Government House

Friends of The Hellenic Initiative Australia attended a reception at the NSW Government House in Sydney to mark their 10th anniversary.

‘I’ve self-harmed’: Nick Kyrgios opens up about mental health struggles on tennis tour

Nick Kyrgios has opened up on his mental health struggles during the tennis tour in the hopes he can break stigmas around the issue.

NSW pubs, clubs and restaurants to seat up to 50 patrons from June 1

Pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants in NSW will now be allowed to seat up to 50 customers from 1 June, subject to a one person per four square metre rule.