NEW YEAR CUSTOM

THERE IS A GREEK TRADITION WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO BRING
GOOD LUCK. THERE IS A PASTRY CALLED PETA WHICH IS BAKED
IN A SQUARE PAN. BEFORE IT IS BAKED THE COOK PUTS
MONEY RANGING FROM A NICKEL TO FIFTY CENTS. IT USED TO BE
A FIFTY CENT PIECE BUT NOW THAT MONEY IS PRECIOUS IT'S GETTING
SMALLER AND SMALLER. ANYWAYS, THEY PUT THIS COIN IN THE DOUGH
AND BAKE IT. THE PERSON WHO GETS THE PIECE WITH THE COIN
WILL HAVE GOOD LUCK THAT WHOLE YEAR. THE CEREMONY HAPPENS ON
NEW YEAR'S DAY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): DOUGH CALLED "FILO" ; GIFTGIVING ; GREEK CHEESE IS CALLED "FETA"

Date learned: 02-23-1972