The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

THE BREAKING OF OPLATKI (OH-PWAT-KEY)

THIS IS A POLISH CUSTOM OF BREAKING UNLEAVENED BREAD
WITH ANOTHER PERSON ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND EATING THE
PIECE YOU HAVE BROKEN OFF YOUR RELATIVE'S WAFER.
BEFORE EATING IT, BOTH WISH EACH OTHER GOOD HEALTH,
FORTUNE, ETC. IT TAKES PLACE ON CHRISTMAS EVE BEFORE
DINNER AND IS PLACED IN THE CENTER OF THE MIDST OF
SOME STRAW ON A DISH.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT LEARNED IT FROM HER MOTHER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LIVONIA

Date learned: 00001967 FALL