Vasilopita is the sweet symbol of the New Year and is associated with the feast of Saint Basil, from whom it takes its name. We find it in many forms and in various ways of preparation, in all Greek homes, urban and rural. It is kneaded mainly with flour, eggs, sugar and milk, and most commonly the number of the new year is written on its surface with peeled almonds. A coin is placed inside the dough, which whoever finds when distributing the Vasilopita will be the lucky one of the year. In some rural areas, instead of a coin, they used to place a piece of straw, vine or olive branch, depending on the production of the area, and whoever found it would have a good harvest during the year.
The Basil’s pie is cut and shared with a customary ritual on the night of New Year’s Eve or on New Year’s Day. The general order is given by the head of the house, who, after making a cross, cuts and shares the pieces of the pie among his family members and any guests, while special pieces are set aside for Christ, the Virgin Mary, Saint Basil, the home and the family’s guests. The custom is not limited to the home and New Year’s Day. From the following days and almost until the end of February, associations, professional associations and organizations cut their own king’s pie. This custom is newer and originates from the older guilds, whose members cut the New Year’s pie and shared it for the good of their own and their common profession.
However, there is also the Christian tradition for the custom of king’s pie. When Saint Basil was bishop of Caesarea, the prefect of Cappadocia went to collect taxes with a wild temper. The inhabitants were afraid and asked for the protection of their bishop. He told them to gather all the valuable objects they had to offer them to the prefect. However, the saint convinced him to leave without taking anything. It was New Year’s Eve. Because the return of the objects to their owners was practically impossible, on the advice of the saint, placentia (small pies) were kneaded and a valuable object was placed inside them. The distribution was made and, as if by a miracle, everyone received what they had given. Since then, tradition says, we make pies with coins inside on the feast of Saint Basil.
Today we had a cake like this in our school with our lovely students and Aimee from USA found the hidden coin in her piece!!
Happy New year!
