The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

Oplatek

A WAFER-THIN POLISH BREAD WHICH IS EXCHANGED AMONG
FAMILY AND FRIENDS AT CHRISTMAS TIME. THIS BREAD IS BROKEN AT
THE CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER AND IF FRIENDS AND FAMILY ARE PRESENT,
THE PIECE OF OPLATEK IS BROKEN INTO TWO PARTS AND EACH PERSON
THEN EXCHANGES PIECES WITH ANOTHER. AFTER EACH HAS EATEN OF
THE OTHER'S BREAD THE KISS OF PEACE IS EXCHANGED.

Submitter comment:

INFORMANT REMEMBERS THE CUSTOM FROM HER CHILDHOOD IN MANITOBA,
CANADA IN THE EARLY 1900'S WHEN HER RELATIVES IN POLAND WOULD SEND
THE BREAD TO CANADA AND HER FAMILY WOULD IN TURN MAIL OPLATEK
TO POLAND. SAYS THE CUSTOM STILL IS OBSERVED IN POLISH CHURCHES
AT CHRISTMAS TIME (E G., OUR LADY, QUEEN OF APOSTLES IN EAST
DETROIT, 1963)

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM

Date learned: 01-08-1964