Greek Traditions Community

Where did plate smashing come from?

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mj_toronto8

mj_toronto8

Active member
When Greeks feel happy and are dancing and have a good time, they've been known to smash plates. I've seen it! It's not just a tourist thing - but they don't do it much because I am sure they won't want to smash their expensive dish wear.

I was just at a wedding and they had purchased plates to smash - so basically they were cheap throwaway plates that actually smashed really well. I almost wonder if they were made for the purpose...

It got me thinking - where did this tradition come from? Does anyone know?
 
Last edited:
I have no idea where it came from. I tried looking it up and couldn't find anything. Maybe someone can chime in!
 
k_tsoukalas said:
I have no idea where it came from. I tried looking it up and couldn't find anything. Maybe someone can chime in!
Click to expand...
I have been asking everyone if they know and everyone has a different explanation. It seems like one of those things that people enjoy creating stories about. I'll keep digging!
 
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Where did plate smashing come from?

When Greeks feel happy and are dancing and have a good time, they've been known to smash plates. I've seen it! It's not just a tourist thing - but they don't do it much because I am sure they won't want to smash their expensive dish wear.

I was just at a wedding and they had purchased plates to smash - so basically they were cheap throwaway plates that actually smashed really well. I almost wonder if they were made for the purpose...

It got me thinking - where did this tradition come from? Does anyone know?

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