The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CUSTOM

ON CHRISTMAS EVE, POLISH PEOPLE HAVE THE CUSTOM OF SHARING
AND EATING THE OPLATKI (WAFER) WHILE WISHING EVERYONE AT THE
DINNER TABLE A MERRY CHRISTMAS. THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY,
USUALLY THE FATHER, TURNS TO HIS WIFE FIRST, EACH BREAKING OFF
A PIECE OF THE OTHER'S OPLATKI, AND WISHING ONE ANOTHER A
MERRY CHRISTMAS. THEN THE PARENTS TURN TO THEIR CHILDREN AND
GUESTS, REPEATING THE PROCEDURE UNTIL EVERYONE AT THE TABLE
HAS SHARED A PIECE OF HIS/HER OPLATKI WITH EVERYONE PRESENT.
THE OPLATKI MAY BE EATEN DURING THE PROCESS, OR AFTER, DURING
THE MEAL.

Where learned: DETROIT

Date learned: CA00001950S