In Greek New Year's celebrations, a coin is traditionally baked into vasilopita for good luck.
Vasilopita is a New Year's cake or bread associated with Saint Basil, whose feast day is celebrated in Greece on January 1. A coin called the flouri is concealed inside before baking. When the cake is cut and distributed, the person who receives the slice containing the coin is traditionally considered lucky for the coming year.
Families often cut designated slices for Christ, the household, or absent family members before serving individual portions. Recipes vary by region and household: some versions resemble a sweet yeast bread, while others are cake-like and flavored with citrus or spices.
The hidden coin is wrapped or placed carefully so it does not contaminate the food or injure anyone. Vasilopita is also served by schools, workplaces, clubs, and other organizations, where the lucky recipient may receive a small gift or prize.