New Year's Traditions

On New Year’s Eve children go around the houses singing New Year’s carols "kalanda" using metal triangles and they are offered sweets and money.

At exactly midnight on December 31 the father or the older person in the household turns off the main power switch so "new light" will come with the New Year. Then a special kind of cake called "vassilopita" containing a coin is cut along the members of the family and friends. Every person and even the pets of the household are entitled to one piece. One piece is dedicated to Jesus, one to St. Basil and one to the house itself. Whoever finds the coin in his piece is considered to be lucky for the whole year. Gifts are exchanged at that moment or on the following morning, St. Basil's Day (January 1).

The New Year in Greece is not only celebrated as the first day of the year but they also celebrate it as St. Basil's day. St. Basil is one of the founders of the Greek Orthodox Church. The people of Greece believe that he died on New Year Day so they honour him and remember him for his generosity and kindness to the poor on that day.

According to the legend St. Basil was the archbishop of Caesaria when, the Cappadocian Prefect cruelly intended went to collect taxes. The people, full of fear, asked for their bishop’s protection. He told them to bring any valuable things they had in their houses go together with him to welcome the Prefect. But St. Basil had such an appearance and conviction that the Prefect finally didn’t accept the people’s presents. So St. Basil tried to return their valuables. But it was very difficult because they had offered many similar items: rings, necklaces, coins etc., so St. Basil ordered to make small pies in each one he put one of the items. The following day he gave each Christian one pie. And then the miracle happened! Inside their pies they found whatever they had given.

On New Year Day the farmers' families in Greece take plates of seeds to the church to get them blessed by the priest to start off the New Year.