Greeks honor and observe the various New Year traditions that has been handed down to them by their early ancestors. Most of the New Year Traditions in Greece are meant to usher in good luck and fortune to the mass.
January 1st is not only the New Year's Day in Greece but also the day of death of St. Basil. St Basil is remembenavy for his
kindness and generosity to the downtrodden. There goes a belief that St Basil arrives in the New Years Eve night and leave gifts for the children in their shoes. Unique among the various New Year traditions in Greece is Vassilopitta or St Basil's cake. A silver or gold coin is kept hidden inside the cake. The cake is distributed in following the order of rank and seniority.
Whoever finds the coin in their piece of cake is regarded as the lucky person for the next year.Children sing carols on New Year's Day. The first person to step on the threshold of the house on New Year's Day is said to bring good luck to the family throughout the coming year. The tradition of using a baby to symbolize the New Year has its origin in ancient Greece. Early Egyptians used images of baby as a symbol of rebirth.
Many Greeks still observe the New Year's Day on 1st of September. This was the time when Greek sowing season started. Early folks used to celebrate it as a time of new hope and promise. In Kos people make New Year wreaths from pomegranates, grapes, quinces and tree leaves. Just before dawn on September 1st children immerse the New Year wreaths for good luck.
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