The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CHRISTMAS CUSTOM

LITHUANIAN FAMILIES MAKE A SQUARE-SHAPED BREAD AT
CHRISTMAS TIME CALLED "CHRISTMAS BREAD." IT IS THIN
LIKE A COMMUNION HOST WITH DESIGNS SUCH AS ANGELS
EMBOSSED ON IT. THE FATHER OR HEAD OF THE FAMILY
TAKES THE FIRST PIECE AND THEN EVERYONE ELSE PRESENT
TAKES A PIECE FROM THE LOAF. NO MATTER HOW LARGE A
NUMBER OF PEOPLE, ALL MUST BREAK A PIECE FROM THE
FIRST LOAF, AND PIECES ARE SAVED FOR MEMBERS OF THE
FAMILY WHO ARE ABSENT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): OPLATKI

Date learned: 02-10-1967