A Greek New Year's Day

“When am I going to get the Vasilopita coin?” I shouted as my husband was making victory noises, hugging our guests and screaming “This is going to be my year!” as he was retrieving the Vasilopita coin from his half eaten piece of cake!!!

But before I continue - let me explain to you the ritual of this Greek tradition which I believe is one of the most beautiful and inspiring customs of the Greek Orthodox Church. It is so much fun that my kids stay up till midnight, despite how tired they may be, just to be part of this whole experience! Anticipation – Hope – Expectation - Joy, are only few words that can describe the emotions going around the room during the observance of Vasilopita...and all these...just for a cake!  

Vasilopita is a New Year's Day cake in Greece which contains a hidden coin which gives good luck to the receiver. It is made of a variety of doughs, depending on regional and family tradition. On New Year's Day families cut the Vasilopita to bless the house and bring good luck for the new year. This is usually done at midnight on New Year's Eve. A coin is hidden in the bread by slipping it into the dough before baking. At midnight the sign of the cross is etched with a knife across the cake. A piece of cake is sliced for each member of the family and any visitors present at the time, by order of age from oldest to youngest. Slices are also cut for various symbolic people or groups, depending on local and family tradition. They may include the Lord, St. Basil and other saints, the poor, the household, etc. In olden days, the coin often was a valuable one, such as a gold sovereign. Nowadays there is often a prearranged gift, money, or otherwise, to be given to the coin recipient.

The singing of the "Kalanta" (carol-type song) which are part of the Vasilopita Cutting in each home on New Year's/Saint Basil's Day follows. Everybody in the family sings!!!! The words stress the joy and excitement of the New Year which brings new opportunities and they ask Saint Basil to stay a while at their home, to partake of their meal and fellowship, and to grant them "good cheer".

So if you are in London in January and you didn’t have the chance to cut the Vasilopita on the 1st of the month and you would like to do so, these are a couple of places that you could visit:  
Macedonian Society of GreatBritain 
The Vasilopita will be followed by the Society's Annual General Meeting.
Date: Sunday 13 January 2013
Venue: St Sophia Greek Cathedral, Moscow Road, W2 4LQ 
 
Hellenic Centre  
Vasilopita and Greek Evening
Traditional New Year’s cake and an evening of Greek live music, dance and food! For further information and bookings call 020 7487 5060.
Date: Monday 21 January 2013
Venue: 16-18 Paddington Streett, W1U 5AS                                                                  

Although I didn’t win the coin this year....it doesn’t mean that you won’t!!!! I would like to wish you A Happy New Year and an exciting time here in London....Good Luck!!!!!!!


by Maria Alexopoulou

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