The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CHRISTMAS EVE CUSTOM

A TRADITIONAL POLISH CHRISTMAS EVE CUSTOM IS THE SHARING OF A BLESSED
WAFER CALLED OPLATKI. EACH MEMBER OF THE FAMILY BREAKS OFF AND
EATS A PIECE OF THE WAFER WHICH IS DISTRIBUTED USUALLY BY THE
GRANDMOTHER OR THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY. THE WAFER IS SIMILAR TO THE
COMMUNION WAFER. CHRISTMAS GREETINGS AND BEST WISHES ARE OFFERED
AS THE WAFER IS RECEIVED. THIS PARTICULAR PRACTICE FOLLOWS A FAMILY
MEAL OF ALL POLISH FOODS.

Submitter comment:

THIS CUSTOM IS STILL BEING FOLLOWED AT MY HOUSE ON CHRISTMAS EVE.

Data entry tech comment:

Informant and collector are the same person.

Where learned: NEW YORK ; POUGHKEEPSIE

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM

Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR.