In Greece's New Year's Day tradition linked to New Year's Eve celebrations, a coin is hidden inside vasilopita.
Vasilopita is a sweet bread or cake served at the New Year. The hidden coin is called the flouri. After midnight or on New Year's Day, the cake is cut into portions for family members, guests, and sometimes symbolic recipients such as the house or church. The person who finds the coin is traditionally thought to receive good luck for the coming year.
The name vasilopita means “Basil's pie” and connects the custom with Saint Basil, whose feast day is celebrated on 1 January in the Greek Orthodox tradition. Recipes vary: some versions resemble cake, while others are enriched breads.
The coin should be wrapped carefully before baking. Vasilopita is a good-luck cake, not the same tradition as the French galette des rois, which is associated with Epiphany.