A coin is hidden inside Greece's New Year's cake, vasilopita, for good luck.
Vasilopita is a Greek cake or sweet bread traditionally prepared for Saint Basil's Day and the New Year. Before baking, a coin is concealed inside the cake. After midnight or during the New Year's meal, the cake is cut and distributed among family members and guests.
The person who finds the coin is traditionally considered especially fortunate for the coming year. In many households, the first slices are assigned symbolically to Christ, Saint Basil, the household, or other honored recipients before individual pieces are served.
Recipes differ by region and family. Some versions resemble a rich cake, while others are closer to sweet bread. The coin tradition is the defining feature, though modern bakers may wrap it carefully to reduce the risk of accidentally biting it.