The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER

THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY BEGINS THE DINNER BY FIRST DIVIDING ALTAR
BREAD CALLED OPLATEK AND GIVES EACH MEMBER A PIECE AS A COMMUNION
CELEBRATION OF GOOD HEALTH AND PEACE AMONG EACH OTHER. THE MEAL
CONSISTS OF CLEAR MUSHROOM SOUP OR BEET SOUP, BOILED CARP WITH EGG
SAUCE, STEWED CABBAGE WITH MUSHROOMS, DRIED PRUNES, POPPY SEED ROLL,
APPLE STRUDEL, AND DRIED FRUIT.

Submitter comment: CHRISTMAS EVE IS A TIME WHEN FAMILIES ARE TOGETHER TO SHARE THEIR
HAPPINESS. THE BREAKING OF WAFER IS A SIGN OF PEACE AND GOOD
HEALTH TO EVERYONE.

Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO

Date learned: 00-00-1940