The tradition of the Oplatki originated in Poland during Early Christian times. This Christmas custom began with a simple thin white wafer, similar to Communion hosts, baked from flour and water. The wafers are designed to display Christmas images, such as the Nativity, Star of Bethlehem, or the Holy Family.
The Oplatki (authentic Polish pronunciation is O-pwaht-kee, which is the plural form of the word) are enjoyed by families, typically right before the Christmas Eve meal. The entire family will gather around the table with the Oplatek (pronounced O-pwah-tek, which is the singular form of the word). Generally, the eldest member of the family will begin the ritual by breaking off a piece of the wafer and passing it to another family member with a blessing. This blessing can simply consist of what you desire for your loved one in the upcoming year – whether it be good health, success, or happiness. The wafer is passed from person to person until all have had a piece and all have been given blessings. The purpose of this act is primarily to express one’s unconditional love and forgiveness for each member of his or her family. This tradition is also common to other nationalities. In Lithuania, the wafers are part of the Kucios meal and can be called by many names, including: plotkele, paplotelis, or plokstainelis. Depending on where the family is from, they may even say kaledaitis. Slovaks call the wafers oblatky. In America the tradition is often called Christmas Wafers. The significance of the Oplatki Christmas wafer is that it shadows the Eucharistic meal that Catholics participate in at each Mass. Just as we share in the Eucharist as one family in Christ and receive Christ’s love through the Eucharist, the Oplatki allows for one’s immediate family to come together and share the love they have for one another. This symbolism is deepened by the fact that the name of the town where Jesus Christ was born, Bethlehem, means "House of Bread," which makes the Oplatki tradition an especially beautiful way to celebrate the charity and unity so characteristic of the Christmas season. SOURCE: https://www.catholiccompany.com/content/oplatki-christmas-tradition |
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