The pomegranate has long been a powerful symbol of fertility, abundance, good fortune, and prosperity. In Greece, it plays a starring role in one of the country’s most beloved New Year traditions — the annual pomegranate smashing.
According to custom, on the morning of New Year’s Day, Greek families attend church service, and the head of the household carries a pomegranate with him, keeping it in his pocket throughout the service so it can be blessed in the Greek Orthodox church.
When the family returns home, the ritual truly begins. The father rings the doorbell or knocks, tradition says he must not use his key and becomes the first to enter the house in the New Year. Stepping inside with his right foot first, he throws the pomegranate forcefully onto the floor, smashing it so that its seeds scatter in every direction.
As the fruit breaks open, a blessing is spoken:
“May the New Year be filled with health, happiness, and joy. And may our pockets be filled with as many coins as there are seeds of the pomegranate.”
The children of the household eagerly gather around to inspect the scattered seeds. The belief is simple: the brighter, shinier, and more plentiful the seeds, the more prosperous and fortunate the year ahead will be.
During the festive season, pomegranates can be seen everywhere across Greece, hanging on front doors, displayed in homes, and sold in markets, all symbolizing hope and renewal.
Even those who do not attend church still honor the tradition, smashing a pomegranate either at midnight as the New Year arrives or on the morning of January 1st.
So if you find yourself in Greece during the holidays, don’t be surprised by the sound of fruit meeting stone. It’s simply the sound of welcoming good luck.
✨ Happy New Year or Kali Chronia! ✨