MIPC: OPA!

Note: MIPC stands for Magic in Popular Culture and this is a series of posts in which I take a magical belief or practice from a work of fiction such as movies, books, comic books, or tv shows and analyze them against real-world magical beliefs and practices.

The Spell, Ritual or Belief 

 

While attending a luncheon shortly after New Year's (the episode was filmed sometime after Christmas 2020 and before Valentines 2021) the ladies of New York partake in the Greek Tradition of breaking plates also known as Opa (a word meaning oops or whoops)  According to their host at the restaurant, Greeks break things for two reasons. They are 1) to banish evil spirits and 2) to  make a wish for in good luck. 

Each of the ladies then take turns smashing stoneware while setting intentions for where they'd like their lives to go in the future. 

The Real Housewives of New York

Season 13 Ep 17

The Doppelgang's All Here 

The Analysis 

According to my research this is absolutely correct. The practice was banned by the government in 1969. However, in the modern era, the tradition of plate smashing continues, but mostly only during special occasions such as weddings. In addition, special plaster plates are often used in place of ceramic or stoneware ones. 

In other media 

• Three's Company - Opening Night (Nov. 16th 1982). In this episode Larry's Greek family comes to Jack's Bistro on opening night and ends up smashing all of his plates. At first Jack is dismayed, however, Larry then explains that his family will pay for the cost of the plates and then Jack joins in the celebration.  
• Alice - Has Anyone Seen Here Seen Telly (Sep. 23rd, 1979) While working alone in the restaurant, Vera meets Telly Savalas who comes in to use the telephone. When no one believes here, Vera quits. Alice then convinces Telly (who is staying in a nearby hotel) to come visit the diner. At the end of his meal, Telly and his brother George begin smashing plates. 
• Frasier - Beware of Greeks (Mar 17th 1998) Frasier attends his Greek cousin's wedding during which the participants break plates to celebrate the bride and groom. 

- Carolina Dean