A coin hidden in Greece's vasilopita cake is said to bring luck to the person who finds it at New Year.
Vasilopita is a New Year's cake or sweet bread named for Saint Basil, whose feast day is celebrated in Greece on January 1. Before serving, families may make a ceremonial cut for religious figures, the household, or absent relatives, depending on local custom.
A coin called a flouri is baked into the cake before it is served. The person receiving the slice containing it is traditionally regarded as especially fortunate for the coming year. Because the coin is concealed, careful cutting and eating are important.
Vasilopita recipes differ by region and family. Some versions resemble a rich cake, while others are yeast breads. The custom is sometimes compared with hidden-object cakes elsewhere, but its Greek New Year setting and connection with Saint Basil make it distinctive.