Lyla Dejesus
Plate smashing is a well-known Greek custom that involves intentionally breaking plates or glasses during celebrations, including weddings. The tradition is believed to have originated as a way to ward off evil spirits and bring abundance, happiness, and celebration. While it was popular in the 1960s and 1970s, it is now considered a cliché and is less commonly practised. However, it remains a fun part of Greek culture and is often performed by dancers during weddings and other joyous occasions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Occasion | Weddings, baptisms, intimate parties, funerals |
| Purpose | Joy, heritage, celebration, to ward off evil spirits |
| Objects | Plates, glasses |
| Action | Smashing, throwing |
| Music | Yes |
| Exclamation | Opa! |
| Dancers | Yes |
| Region | Gytheio |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Plate smashing is a Greek tradition symbolizing joy and heritage
- The custom is less common today, but remains a fun part of Greek culture
- Greeks may throw plates at the ground or smash them during dances
- Smashing plates wards off evil spirits and brings good luck to the newlyweds
- Plate smashing is often accompanied by the word Opa! and festive music
Plate smashing is a Greek tradition symbolizing joy and heritage
The act of breaking plates is done intentionally and is accompanied by music and expressions of joy, such as the word "Opa!". It is believed to ward off evil spirits that might bring bad luck or havoc to a newly married couple. The noise and action of smashing plates are thought to fool the spirits, so they do not suspect a happy event is taking place. This tradition also reflects the ancient practice of conspicuous consumption to display wealth.
There are various ways to smash plates, including hurling them to the floor, breaking them over one's head, or holding a stack of plates and using a single plate to shatter the stack. Plates are also often smashed around the feet of talented dancers to honor their performance. In modern times, clay plates are commonly used for this purpose, and they are swept to the side or danced on top of to avoid injuries from flying fragments.
While plate smashing is a cherished tradition in Greece, it has also been criticized as a wasteful and outdated practice. Some view it as a stereotype of Greece and a tourist attraction, rather than a true reflection of modern Greek culture. However, for many Greeks, it remains a fun and symbolic part of their heritage, adding joy and uniqueness to their celebrations.
Non-Muslims at Islamic Weddings: Who's Invited?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$39.99
The custom is less common today, but remains a fun part of Greek culture
Plate smashing is a well-known Greek custom that involves intentionally breaking plates or glasses during celebrations, including weddings. While the practice is less common today than it was in the 1960s and 1970s, it remains a fun and iconic part of Greek culture.
The tradition of plate smashing is believed to have originated as a way to ward off evil spirits that might bring bad luck or havoc to a newly married couple. The noise and violence of breaking plates were thought to fool the spirits, so they would not suspect a happy event was taking place. Additionally, plate smashing may be related to the ancient practice of conspicuous consumption, where plates or glasses were thrown into the hearth to display wealth.
Today, plate smashing is often accompanied by music and joyous exclamations of "Opa!". At weddings, plates are typically smashed during traditional dances, with the broken pieces swept to the sides or danced upon. In modern times, plaster plates are sometimes used, and it is more common to throw flowers than plates.
The custom of plate smashing is not unique to Greece, with similar traditions found in Germany and Poland. However, it has become strongly associated with Greek culture, particularly in popular media. For example, a scene in the 1960 film "Never On Sunday" depicted a joyous moment with smashing plates and glasses, introducing the tradition to audiences outside of Greece.
While plate smashing is a cherished tradition for many Greeks, some view it as a wasteful and outdated practice. Nevertheless, it continues to be practised, particularly in tourist hotspots, where it is seen as a form of entertainment and a connection to Greek heritage and joy.
Delta Variant: Indoor Wedding Safety Tips
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Greeks may throw plates at the ground or smash them during dances
Plate smashing is a Greek custom that involves the intentional breaking of plates or glasses during celebratory occasions. This practice, often accompanied by dancing and live music, is symbolic of Greek festivities. While plate smashing was most popular in the 1960s and 1970s, it can still be witnessed at certain events, such as weddings, where plaster plates are commonly used.
The act of breaking plates may be related to the ancient practice of conspicuous consumption, where plates were thrown into the hearth after a feast, demonstrating an abundance of wealth and a carefree attitude. The shattering of plates during dances is believed to be a way to honour the performer's talent. Patrons may throw plates at the ground or employ various methods to smash them, such as breaking them over their heads or using a single plate to hammer through a stack.
The tradition of plate smashing is not without its costs, as these broken plates are typically tallied up at the end of the night, with each plate costing a euro or two. The practice can be quite expensive, especially with the potential for broken plates to number in the thousands at weddings.
While plate smashing is a well-known Greek tradition, it has faced some opposition. During the military dictatorship of Georgios Papadopoulos from 1967 to 1973, plate smashing in nightclubs was banned due to safety concerns over flying shards of pottery. Despite this, the custom persisted, and some establishments opted for throwing flowers instead of plates. Today, plate smashing is a dying tradition in Greece, but it continues to be a staple of entertainment in tourist hotspots, where visitors expect to partake in this customary ritual.
The Ultimate Wedding Song: Everlasting Love and Joy
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$18.99
$49.95
Smashing plates wards off evil spirits and brings good luck to the newlyweds
Plate smashing is a well-known Greek custom, often performed during celebratory occasions such as weddings, baptisms, and parties. The tradition, which peaked in the 1960s and 1970s, involves intentionally breaking plates or glasses, either by throwing them to the ground or smashing them over one's head. This practice is believed to bring joy and ward off evil spirits that might target the newlyweds or other celebrants. The loud noise created by shattering plates is thought to startle and confuse the spirits, preventing them from causing any harm.
The act of plate smashing is often accompanied by music and exclamations of "Opa!", expressing happiness and excitement. It is considered a fun and iconic part of Greek culture, although it is less common today than it used to be. Some see it as a cliché or a tourist attraction, and many Greeks now prefer to throw flowers instead of plates. However, the tradition persists, especially at weddings, where it is believed to bring good luck and protect the couple from any negative influences.
The symbolic nature of plate smashing extends beyond weddings. In Greek Orthodox funerals, a plate is smashed at the graveside to signify the end of life and as an act of mourning. The breaking of plates can also be seen as a form of conspicuous consumption, displaying wealth by destroying valuable items. Additionally, in the past, plates or glasses were sometimes thrown into the hearth after a banquet instead of being reused.
While plate smashing is a cherished tradition for many Greeks, some view it as a wasteful and outdated practice. It is worth noting that the plates used for smashing are typically made of clay or unfired ceramics, specifically intended for this purpose. Today, plaster plates are often used at weddings to avoid wastefulness and potential injuries from flying shards.
The tradition of plate smashing at Greek weddings is a unique and memorable way to celebrate the union of two people. By breaking plates, guests wish the couple joy, abundance, and protection from any evil spirits that may try to disrupt their happiness. This custom adds excitement and symbolism to the wedding festivities, making it a truly special occasion for all involved.
Wedding Woes: Pakistan's Halls Shut Down
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plate smashing is often accompanied by the word Opa! and festive music
Plate smashing is a well-known Greek custom that is often done during celebratory occasions, including weddings. The tradition is said to have peaked in the 1960s and 1970s and is considered less common today. However, it continues to be practised and remains a fun and iconic part of Greek culture.
The act of plate smashing is often accompanied by the exclamation "Opa!" and festive music. "Opa!" is a Greek expression of enthusiasm, joy, or surprise. In the context of plate smashing, it signifies the joy and excitement of the celebration. The festive music adds to the lively and exuberant atmosphere.
There are various ways to smash plates. One method is to hurl the plate towards the floor, allowing it to shatter upon impact. Another technique involves breaking the plate over one's head. A more intricate approach is to hold a stack of plates in one hand and use a single plate in the other hand to hammer through and shatter the stack. During weddings and other celebrations, plates are often smashed around the feet of a talented dancer as a way to honour their performance.
The sound of breaking plates is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the newlywed couple. It is seen as a symbol of joy and heritage, with the noise representing a show of "plenty". The custom of plate smashing is not limited to weddings but can also be practised during baptisms, intimate parties, and gatherings at tavernas.
While plate smashing is traditionally associated with Greece, similar traditions can be found in other cultures, such as Germany and Poland, where plates may be thrown or smashed as part of celebratory rituals.
How to Save a Life': A Wedding Song's Stor
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Breaking plates is a Greek custom that is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the newly married couple. The noise created by the breaking plates symbolises "plenty" and joy.
There are various ways to break plates. Some people throw plates at the ground, while others break them over their heads. Plates may also be broken during traditional dances, with the dancers stepping on the broken pieces.
Clay plates are typically used for the purpose of being broken. Plaster plates may also be used.
