Each year, Greeks all over the world enjoy the festivities on New Year’s Day. One of the main traditions that takes place during this day is eating the traditional vasilopita, a cake-like bread that has a hidden secret. There is usually a coin baked within, and the person who ends up with the coin in their piece enjoys good luck during the New Year. Where did the tradition of the vasilopita and the coin actually come from?
Here’s more information about the why coins are added to a Vasilopita:
Vasilopita is a traditional sweet bread served once a year at New Year’s. It is a tradition that started in Greece but is now celebrated throughout the world. As Greeks over to other locations, they
brought their tradition with them. New Year’s wouldn’t be the same without it! The recipe contains plenty of sweet and flavorful ingredients like sugar, orange zest, and sometimes even orange
juice. However, recipes could vary depending on the family and the area of Greece where it originated.
Tradition of Vasilopita
Essentially, vasilopita is a cake that honors Saint Basil the Great, the saint for whom the cake gets its name. They story of Saint Basil is well known amongst Greeks, and they admire his devotion
to helping the poor. He is said to have sold all of his possessions in order to help those less fortunate than him. This is especially notable in his case because he was born into an extremely rich
family. He sold all of his jewels and other markers of wealth in order to help people. It is also said that his devotion to helping the poor is where the tradition of gift-giving originated. His feast day is on January 1st of each year, so this cake is naturally served as part of the festivities.
Why Vasilopita Has a Coin
Simply put, Vasilopita has a coin baked inside of it to remind us of the life of Saint Basil. The coin is a gift, and it is reminiscent of how Saint Basil gave away all of his possessions in order to help the
poor. The coin symbolizes everything that Saint Basil stands for. It reminds us to always help those less fortunate than us.
In fact, this cake is not only served at New Year’s parties – it is also used as a fundraiser. Greek organiations, in particular, offer this cake is a fundraiser to raise money for an orphanage. Helping
poor orphans is something that Saint Basil did while he walked the earth and the tradition continues.
As you can see, there is a rich tradition behind vasilopita, why it has a coin, and why it is served in the first place. You can bake in any coin that you want, but consider using either a specially
created Vasilopita coin, or you can use anything you have on hand.
I wish you find the Vassilopitta Coin and Best Wishes for a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
Zannetos Tofallis
London
