For Greeks, a New Year’s celebration isn’t complete without Vasilopita. Similar to the King Cakes of Mardi Gras, Vasilopita contains a gold coin or trinket, which is said to bring luck to the receiver. Each New Year’s Day families cut the cake, blessing the house and bringing luck to the family for the coming years. Cake is sliced and given to all those present, in order from oldest to youngest. Depending on the culture and family, bread can also be sliced in order to symbolize God, saints, the poor, and the household.
