The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

POLISH-AMERICAN XMAS CUSTOM

ON CHRISTMAS EVE, POLISH-AMERICANS HAVE THE TRADITIONAL CUSTOM
OF BREAKING BREAD-LIKE WAFERS CALLED "OPLATKI" AND EACH PERSON
TAKES A PIECE OF THE WAFER AND GOES UP TO ANOTHER PERSON. AS ONE
PERSON WISHES THE OTHER GOOD HEALTH, HAPPINESS, AND GOOD LUCK,
THE PERSON DOING THE WISHING BREAKS OFF A PIECE OF THE OTHER'S
WAFER FOR EACH WISH THAT HE MAKES. EVERY
PERSON PRESENT ON CHRISTMAS EVE IN THE HOME MUST GO UP TO ALL
THE OTHERS PRESENT AND WISH THEM ALL WELL. THIS CUSTOM ARISES OUT
OF STRONG FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS AND EXPRESSES THE GOOD WILL THAT ONE
PERSON IN THE FAMILY HAS IN HIS HEART FOR ALL THE OTHER MEMBERS
OF THE FAMILY ON THE JOYOUS OCCASION OF CHRISTMAS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TROY

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM

Date learned: 10-03-1969