The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

POLISH CHRISTMAS EVE

A POLISH CHRISTMAS EVE STARTS WHEN THE FIRST STAR APPEARS IN
THE SKY. WE EAT FISH THAT NIGHT SUCH AS LOBSTER, SALMON, FROG
LEGS OR CRAB LEGS. IT IS A RITUAL DINNER CALLED FILGILYA TO
CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF CHRIST. IT IS CONNECTED WITH FAMILY
LIFE. LATER WE PASS AROUND A WAFER CALLED OPLATEK (LIKE
A HOST) AND EACH PERSON BREAKS OFF A PIECE AND GIVES SOME
TO EACH MEMBER OF THE FAMILY. WE WISH EACH PERSON GOOD LUCK
OR THEIR TRUE WISHES AND DESIRES AS YOU HAND IT TO THEM. IT
IS CALLED THE BREAD OF LOVE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 00-00-1968