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From fireworks lit in Sydney to khom loy paper lanterns released in the sky in Thailand, the New Year is heralded across the world with a variety of traditions. In Greece, one of the most cherished customs is cutting the vasilopita — the “good luck cake” baked exclusively to usher in the New Year.
What makes this cake so special? Nestled within the dough is a hidden coin (called flouri) – a token of fortune, love, and health for the lucky person who finds it in their slice. Vasilopita translates as “Sweet Bread of Basil” and is a tribute to Saint Basil, the bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey), revered by the Greeks for his generosity.
As midnight strikes on New Year’s Eve, Greek families gather for the ceremonial cutting of the vasilopita. The head of the household begins by making the sign of the cross over the cake before slicing it. Tradition dictates the first slice is for Jesus Christ, the second for the Virgin Mary, and the third for St Basil.
In Greece, St Basil holds a role akin to Santa Claus. But instead of Christmas morning, Greek children traditionally receive their presents on January 1, which is the Feast of St Basil.
Michael P Foley, a Professor of Patristics at Texas’ Baylor University and the author of Why We Kiss under the Mistletoe: Christmas Traditions Explained wrote, “The Roman prefect of Cappadocia had demanded an exorbitant tax from the population, and so the people sadly gathered their valuables to give to him. St. Basil, however, appealed to the prefect and had the tax repealed.”
As per another version of the legend, St. Basil’s city was under siege and the invaders demanded a hefty ransom. With no treasury to pay the invaders, St Basil appealed to his community, and the people responded generously, offering their gold and jewels. The invaders were so moved by the community’s collective sacrifice that they abandoned their siege.
However, the challenge remained: how would the treasures be returned to their rightful owners? To address the dilemma, “Basil advised them to make small pies. The saint then put the valuables into the pies, and each person miraculously received what was originally his.” This legend is the inspiration behind the Greek Vasilopita or St Basil cake.
As per another legend, Saint Basil the Great wanted to help the poor in his diocese, the area under his jurisdiction, without compromising their dignity. So, he had deacons (an ordained minister in a church) bake sweetened bread, secretly hiding gold coins inside. When families sliced the bread for their meal, they were overjoyed to find the coins waiting for them, giving birth to the tradition.
“The saint died on January 1, and his feast is kept on that day by the Greek Orthodox Church,” wrote Foley, allowing Basil to take on a role similar to that of St Nicholas or Santa Claus.
Foley wrote that on New Year’s Eve or Day, the holy bishop visits Greek homes and leaves presents in a corner, on the holiday table, or under the Christmas tree.
Originally resembling enriched breads such as tsoureki or brioche, over the centuries the vasilopita has transformed into an array of sweet and savoury forms. In contemporary kitchens, many recipes lean toward cake-like versions.
Renowned Greek chef Stelios Parliaros once crafted a cranberry and prune vasilopita. A recipe inspired by Parliaros, featured in Gifts of the Gods: A History of Food in Greece by Andrew and Richard Dalby, combines brandy-soaked fruits and ground almonds.
Pallavi Jain, a home-baker based in Gurgaon and the owner of Pallavi’s Cake Box, offers an Indian version of the recipe with both egg-based and eggless options:
