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Oplatki Christmas Wafers (Oplatek)
Package of 20 Christmas Wafers
Item Number: 11263
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H x W:
Manufacturer:
Date:
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5 1/2" (13.9 cm) x 2 3/4" (6.98 cm)
Cavanagh
2008
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This item is not returnable except in the case of a manufacturer's defect.
Oplatki or Christmas Wafers - a wonderful Christmas tradition from eastern Europe!
Read our article about the history and tradition of Oplatki right here.
The word Bethlehem means "House of Bread." The breaking of the bread is a sign of charity, unity, and friendship. Religious family traditions and customs bring the truths of Faith into the home. One of these beautiful Christmas customs is the Christmas Wafer - a custom originating in Poland and spreading throughout Eastern Europe and around the world. A wafer made of unleavened bread, and bearing a simple design commemorative of Christ's birth, is broken by the head of the family and distributed to each member. With a simple prayer for God's grace and the welfare of the present and absent members of the family, the head family member breaks the Wafer and distributes it, a piece to each one at the table. While doing so each member of the family is kissed and is wished a joyful feast. The other family members then greet one another in the same way.
The spiritual lesson in this age old custom is unity of the family - the main pillar of society. The bond of unity is the Christ-like charity that should exist amongst the members of the family. The father of the family is the link in the unbroken chain of One Body, One Bread, One Christ, and One Church. The family joins him in this eternal procession no matter where they are. For there is a universal longing by men to be always with one another, with God.
All this brings to mind clearly our charity for one another, to seek salvation together. Family customs remind us that we seek and obtain salvation with the help of others at all times.
These Christmas wafers, and the home ritual surrounding their use, originated in Poland many centuries ago and are called Oplatki (plural) or Oplatek (singular) there. Oplatki are also popular in Slovakia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Ukraine and some other parts of Catholic Eastern Europe. In Slovakia and the Czech Republic the Christmas wafers are call Oblatky. In Lithuania they are called Plotkele.
The wafers, which are 5 1/2in. x 2 3/4in. are sold in sets of 20, each one in a decorative envelope. Each set of Oplatki comes with a pamphlet which explains the beautiful tradition.
Please note: Consumable items (food) are non-returnable.
1. The Oplatki Tradition of Eastern Europe 10/20/2009
2. Las Posadas 12/02/2008
3. Advent and Christmas Resources for Children 11/26/2008
4. A History of Christmas Cards 11/25/2008
5. Good King Wenceslas 11/25/2008
6. The Nativity Fast in the Eastern Churches 11/18/2008
7. Music for Advent and Christmas 11/13/2008
8. Catholic Advent Resources 11/04/2008
9. The History and Meaning of Advent 10/21/2008
10. Catholic Activity Books for Kids and Families 10/13/2008
11. Choosing a Catholic Calendar 10/13/2008
12. Bethlehem, the City of David 10/01/2008
13. About Mystic Monk Coffee 10/01/2008
14. The Jesse Tree Tradition 08/06/2008
15. The Nativity Scene 08/06/2008
16. Who were the Wise Men? 08/06/2008
17. The History of Christmas Carols and Hymns 07/16/2008
18. The Tradition of Midnight Mass 07/11/2008
19. The Advent Calendar 07/10/2008
20. The Real St. Nicholas 07/08/2008
21. Feast of St. John Neumann 01/02/2008
22. Feast of Epiphany 01/02/2008
23. Feast of the Holy Family 12/29/2007
24. Feast of St. Thomas Becket, Bishop and Martyr 12/28/2007
25. Feast of St. John the Evangelist 12/26/2007
26. Feast of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 12/26/2007
27. What are the Twelve Days of Christmas? 12/24/2007
28. Feast of St. Stephen, Martyr 12/24/2007
29. Feast of St. Basil the Great 12/21/2007
30. Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God 12/21/2007
31. Feast of the Holy Innocents 12/18/2007
32. Blessing for an Advent Wreath 12/01/2007
33. History of the Advent Wreath 12/01/2007
34. The History of Christmas Cards 11/21/2007
