OPTATKE (CHRISTMAS WAFER) [OPLATKI]

A POLISH CHRISTMAS TRADITION. ON THE VIGIL OF CHRISTMAS AT DINNER
THAT EVENING, THE HEAD OF THE HOUSEHOLD DISTRIBUTES BREAD-LIKE WAFERS
(OPTATKE) [OPLATKI], MADE BY SISTERS OF THE CHURCH. THEY ARE MADE LIKE THE
COMMUNION WAFER, AND BLESSED BY THE PRIEST. EACH MEMBER OF THE
FAMILY RECEIVES ONE, AND THE HEAD OF THE HOUSEHOLD SAYS A PRAYER
AND ASKS FOR GOD'S BLESSING. HE BREAKS HIS WAFER WITH EACH MEMBER,
AND THEY IN TURN BREAK IT WITH EACH MEMBER OF THE FAMILY.

Data entry tech comment:

Informant and collector share same surname.

Where learned: OHIO ; TOLEDO

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM

Date learned: 09-30-1968