New Traditions

Today I learned a Greek tradition: βασιλόπιτα. My students have Greek lessons at my house, and the Greek teacher brought us a βασιλόπιτα. βασιλόπιτα (or Vasilopita) is translated "Santa Claus Pie" and is traditionally served during the month of January for the new year. Greeks bring this tasty treat to friends houses for the new year (I guess I have a friend!).
There is a particular way to cut and serve this bread. First, using the knife, you make the sign of the cross three times to bless the bread. Second, you cut four pieces you do not eat: one for Jesus, one for Mary, one for Santa Claus, and one for the house. Third: the head of the host family gets the first piece (that was me!). Fourth: everyone else is served a piece starting with the eldest and working down to the youngest. Hidden inside the βασιλόπιτα is a coin. Whoever finds the coin will be the most blessed in the new year (sounds kind of like the baby in the king cake!). I was really hoping it would be me (I need to find a fella!) but our coin was in between a student's piece and Jesus' piece.
I love learning new traditions and maybe I will continue this tradition when I come home! Oh the things you learn when you live in Europe!

βασιλόπιτα