The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CHRISTMAS EVE CUSTOM

ON CHRISTMAS EVE THERE IS A MEAL CALLED WILIA (?) (VEELEA). THIS
IS A MEATLESS MEAL AND IT CANNOT BE STARTED UNTIL THE FIRST STAR
APPEARS. IT MUST ALSO BE FINISHED BEFORE MIDNIGHT MASS. BEFORE THE
MEAL THERE IS A LONG, THIN WAFER CALLED AN OPLATEK (OPWATEK) WHICH
EACH PERSON HAS AND WHICH EACH OTHER PERSON BREAKS A PIECE FROM.
AS THEY DO THIS THEY SHARE CHRISTMAS GREETINGS AND EAT THE WAFERS
TOGETHER. THESE WAFERS WERE MADE BY CATHOLIC COMMUNION HOST
COMPANIES AND WERE AVAILABLE FROM RECTORIES AND CONVENTS. THE MEAL
WOULD BE HELD AT THE OLDEST AVAILABLE PARENTS' HOUSE WITH ALL THE
CHILDREN PRESENT. IF SOMEONE MISSED THE MEAL EVERYONE WOULD HOLD
ON TO THEIR WAFERS TILL THE NEXT DAY AND PERFORM THE CEREMONY THEN.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings:

686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually.
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals
Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals
BELIEF -- Number Numbers used for ordering, organizing, or explaining a hierarchy: the oldest son should receive the inheritance.

Date learned: 11-00-1973