Franklin Dean
Plate smashing is a Greek custom that involves the intentional breaking of plates during celebratory occasions. It is most commonly associated with weddings, where it signifies a new beginning for the couple. The custom, which likely originated in the 1920s with the Rebetika movement, also symbolises joy, heritage, and the warding off of evil spirits. While plate smashing is less common today than it was in the 1960s and 1970s, it remains a cherished tradition at some Greek weddings, with families of the newlyweds purchasing plaster plates to be smashed during the festivities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Occasion | Weddings, baptisms, funerals, tavernas, intimate parties |
| Purpose | Joy, heritage, new beginnings, celebration, to ward off bad spirits |
| History | Started by an entrepreneur, Babavea, in the early 20th century; popularised by the 1960s film "Never on Sunday" |
| Peak Popularity | 1960s and 1970s |
| Current Popularity | Rare, but still occurs at some weddings and tourist-focused restaurants |
| Materials | Plates (sometimes plaster), glasses, flowers, paper napkins |
| Accompaniments | Dancing, folk music, shouting "Opa!" |
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What You'll Learn
Plate smashing as a Greek tradition
Plate smashing is a Greek custom that involves the intentional breaking of plates during celebratory occasions. The tradition is believed to have originated in the 1920s with the Rebetika movement, which emerged as Greek refugees from Turkey sought solace in music and dance amid hardship and loss. While plate smashing was popularized globally by the 1960s film "Never on Sunday," the practice peaked in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, it is less common but remains a fun and iconic part of Greek culture, particularly at weddings.
At Greek weddings, plate smashing symbolizes a new beginning as the couple transitions from their old lives to their new life together. The plates represent the "throwing away" of the past, marking a fresh start. The act of breaking plates is often accompanied by dancing and folk music, with joyous shouts of "Opa!" or "whoops," reflecting a celebratory mood.
The tradition also holds symbolic significance in warding off evil spirits that might bring bad luck or havoc to the newly married couple. The loud noise created by shattering plates is believed to disguise the sounds of celebration, tricking spirits and ensuring they do not suspect a happy event. This aspect of the tradition reflects an ancient belief that celebrations could attract negative energy or unwanted spiritual attention.
In modern times, the plate-smashing tradition has evolved, and plaster plates are commonly used instead of ceramic ones. This change was introduced to address safety concerns and the potential hazard of flying shards of broken plates. Additionally, some restaurants and tavernas have adopted the practice of throwing flowers or trays of paper napkins as a festive alternative to plate smashing.
While plate smashing at weddings is not as prevalent as it once was, it continues to hold cultural significance in Greece. It represents a cherished tradition that embodies joy, heritage, and the celebration of new beginnings. The custom has left an enduring mark on the world's perception of Greek culture, even if it is now more often encountered in tourist-oriented settings.
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Plate smashing at weddings
Plate smashing is a well-known Greek custom that involves the intentional breaking of plates during celebratory occasions. It is most commonly associated with weddings, where it is believed to bring good luck and joy to the newlywed couple. While the tradition has declined in recent years, it remains a cherished part of Greek culture and heritage.
The practice of plate smashing at weddings is believed to have originated from the ancient practice of conspicuous consumption, where plates or glasses were thrown into the hearth following a banquet instead of being washed and reused. It is also thought to be a way to ward off evil spirits that might bring bad luck or havoc to the newly married couple. The loud noise and violence of plate smashing are believed to fool the spirits, so they do not suspect a happy event is taking place.
At weddings, the plate-smashing tradition also signifies a new beginning as the couple transitions from their old lives to their new life together. The plates represent the "throwing away" of the past and the start of a fresh chapter. The plate smashing is usually accompanied by dancing and folk music, with shouts of "Opa!", which translates to "whoops" or "watch out!".
While plate smashing was once a common occurrence at Greek weddings, it has become less frequent in recent years. During the military dictatorship from 1967 to 1973, plate smashing in nightclubs and taverns was banned due to safety concerns. Today, most Greek weddings do not include plate breaking, but on some occasions, plaster plates are purchased and broken by the families of the couple as a fun and symbolic gesture.
The tradition of plate smashing at weddings gained worldwide popularity due to its depiction in the 1960s film "Never on Sunday," starring Jules Dassin. The film's success led to an increase in the popularity of plate smashing, with up to 100,000 plates being smashed per month in the 1960s and the establishment of over 50 workshops employing around 1000 people to meet the demand for plates.
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The history of plate smashing
Plate smashing is a Greek custom that involves the intentional breaking of plates or glasses during celebrations. It is most commonly associated with weddings, where it signifies a new beginning for the couple, but it also occurs at baptisms, funerals, and other gatherings. While the tradition is less common today, it remains a fun and iconic part of Greek culture, often accompanied by music and dancing.
The origins of plate smashing are disputed. Some sources claim that the practice was started by an entrepreneur, Babavea, who opened the Folies d'été cabaret during the junta period. However, others suggest that it became popular due to its depiction in the 1960s film "Never on Sunday." One theory suggests that plate smashing may be related to the ancient practice of conspicuous consumption, where plates or glasses were thrown into the hearth after a banquet to display wealth.
In the 1920s, Greece experienced an influx of refugees from Turkey, fleeing catastrophes in Smyrna and Asia Minor (modern-day Izmir and Istanbul). This period, known as the Rebetika movement, was marked by hardship, poverty, and pain for the newcomers. They found refuge in music and dance, particularly in underground bars called "tekedes," where they expressed their emotions through the zeibekiko dance.
Plate smashing is believed to have peaked in the 1960s and 1970s, becoming a stereotypical image of Greece in popular culture. During this time, up to 100,000 plates per month were smashed, and a thriving industry emerged to meet the demand for plates. However, the military dictatorship that controlled Greece from 1967 to 1973 banned plate smashing in nightclubs and taverns due to safety concerns.
Today, most Greek weddings do not include plate smashing. However, on certain occasions, plaster plates may be purchased and broken by the families of the newlywed couple. The practice is also sometimes used by modern Greek restaurants catering to tourists to attract customers.
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The meaning of plate smashing
Plate smashing is a Greek custom that involves the intentional breaking of plates during celebratory occasions, such as weddings, baptisms, or intimate parties. The tradition is said to have originated in the 1920s with the Rebetika movement, when Greek refugees from Turkey expressed their sorrow and emotions through music and dance in underground bars. While plate smashing gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, it is now considered a dying tradition in Greece, with most Greeks opting to throw flowers or paper napkins instead of plates.
The act of plate smashing is often accompanied by music and dancing, with people shouting "Opa!", which translates to "whoops" or "watch out!". At weddings, plate smashing symbolizes a new beginning for the couple, representing the "throwing away" of their old lives as they start their life together. It is believed that the loud noise created by smashing plates wards off evil spirits and brings good luck to the newlyweds.
In ancient times, plate smashing was also associated with conspicuous consumption, displaying wealth by throwing plates or glasses into the hearth after a banquet instead of reusing them. Additionally, plate smashing has been used in funeral rituals, symbolizing the end of life and serving as an act of mourning.
While plate smashing may be less common in modern Greece, it remains a fun and iconic part of Greek culture, especially for tourists. In tourist destinations like Mykonos or Santorini, restaurants may smash plates on the sidewalk to attract customers. When done respectfully and safely, plate smashing can be a unique way to celebrate and honor Greek heritage and traditions.
Overall, the meaning of plate smashing in Greek culture varies from joy and celebration to mourning and symbolism. It is a tradition that has evolved over time, adapting to modern practices while still retaining its cultural significance.
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Alternatives to plate smashing
Plate smashing is a Greek custom that is typically done during celebrations and joyous occasions, such as weddings. The practice involves intentionally smashing plates or glasses, usually accompanied by music and dancing. While plate smashing is a long-standing tradition in Greece, it can be dangerous and costly, and there are several alternatives that can be considered:
Use of Plaster Plates: Instead of using traditional ceramic plates, one can opt for plaster plates, which are specifically produced for smashing. These plates are safer as they do not shatter into sharp fragments, reducing the risk of injury.
Flower Throwing: This alternative is a more recent variation of the plate-smashing custom. Instead of plates, people throw flowers at each other or at performers during celebrations. This option is not only safer but also more aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly.
Paper Napkins: In a similar vein to flower throwing, exuberant individuals may choose to throw stacks of paper napkins over the heads of dancers instead of smashing plates. This alternative is inexpensive, readily available, and safer than shards of broken pottery.
Symbolic Rituals: Plate smashing is often associated with warding off evil spirits and bringing good luck. Instead of physically breaking plates, one can incorporate symbolic rituals that achieve the same purpose. For example, a single plate can be ceremoniously broken, or other objects such as glasses or vases can be used, reducing the amount of waste generated.
Musical Expression: Plate smashing is often accompanied by the exclamation "Opa!", which is a Greek word expressing excitement and surprise. Instead of breaking plates, one can emphasize the musical aspect of the celebration by incorporating instruments, songs, and dances that evoke the same sense of joy and festivity.
These alternatives to plate smashing allow individuals to uphold the spirit of celebration and joy while mitigating potential safety hazards and expenses associated with traditional plate smashing.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, plate smashing is a Greek custom that is done during weddings and other celebratory occasions.
Plate smashing is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the newly married couple. It also signifies a new beginning, with the couple moving from their old lives to a new life together.
Plate smashing in Greece became popular worldwide due to a 1960s film titled "Never on Sunday". However, the tradition of plate smashing dates back to the Rebetika movement in the 1920s when Greek refugees from Turkey expressed their emotions through music and dance.
