What is it?

Vasilopita, or βασιλόπιτα in greek, has a literal meaning of Basil-pie or King pie. Commonly found in eastern europe and especially greece, it is celebrated on Saint Bazils day (1st of january). To start the new year, bread is baked with a coin inside. When the bread is sliced, the family member who gets the slice with the hidden coin receives good luck for the year. Often various symbols are also given slices.

The Cokis Family Celebration

The Cokis's have been celebrating Vasilopita for so long that the past recipients of good luck have long been forgotten. Used is a secret family recipe for pita bread, with a slice of pita reserved for the families houses.

History and Origins

While the celebration has much in common with similar traditions all around europe, legend holds that when the City of Caesarea was under siege, St Bazil called upon the citizens to donate their possessions to make a ransom. When this was raised, it was said that the besiegers were so embarrassed by the act of collective giving that they gave up their attack without payment. To give the citizens their possessions back, St Bazil then determined to bake them into many loaves of bread, and distribute them to the populace. Through miracle each family received back their original contribution.