Vasilopita

Vasilopita

A traditional vasilopita

Vasilopita (Greek: ______π___, Vasilópita, lit. 'St. Basil's cake') is a traditional Greek cake or bread associated with the New Year and the feast day of Saint Basil. It is customarily prepared and consumed in Greece and other areas of the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean.

History

The tradition of vasilopita is linked to the story of Saint Basil the Great, a 4th-century bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia. According to legend, Saint Basil wanted to distribute wealth to the poor in his diocese. To do so, he baked coins into loaves of bread, which were then distributed to the people. This act of charity is commemorated each year with the baking of vasilopita.

Preparation

Vasilopita can be made as a cake or a bread, depending on regional and family traditions. The cake version is often flavored with orange or vanilla, while the bread version may include mahlab or mastic. A coin is hidden inside the dough before baking, and the person who finds the coin in their slice is considered to have good luck for the coming year.

Tradition

The cutting of the vasilopita is a significant event in Greek households. It is typically done at midnight on New Year's Eve or on New Year's Day. The head of the household makes the sign of the cross over the cake and begins cutting it, often dedicating the first slice to Jesus Christ, the second to the Virgin Mary, and the third to Saint Basil. The remaining slices are distributed to family members and guests, with the hope that the coin will bring good fortune to its finder.

Variations

Different regions in Greece have their own variations of vasilopita. In some areas, it is more like a sweet bread, similar to tsoureki, while in others, it resembles a cake. The ingredients and flavors can vary, but the central tradition of hiding a coin remains constant.

Related pages

• Saint Basil's Day
• Greek cuisine
• New Year's Eve

References

• "Vasilopita." In: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Accessed October 2023.
• "Vasilopita: The Story Behind the Greek New Year’s Cake." Greek Reporter. Accessed October 2023.