#oplatki

[leatherpearlslace]

Christmas Eve dinner at my parents'. Homemade mushroom soup and Oplatki with honey as the first course. Oplatki envelope art by Alice Wadowski-Bak.

[yw4]

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[yw4]

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[leogichidaa]

I wish y'all health, wealth, and happiness 🎄

[tattooed-alchemist]

Polish Christmas wafers are the modern descendent of “oplatki szafranowe,” medieval Polish saffron wafers.  Neither version has very much flavor, apparently, and the batter is cooked in hand held irons.  Modern bakers use pizzelle irons with general Christmas or specifically-religious designs.  

This tradition seems to still be prominent with Catholics of Central European heritage but most modern consumers buy their Christmas wafers.  Eaten with special blessings on Christmas Eve, there are even varieties made to be pet-safe so that you and your house pets can share in the experience.

[daily-office]

Oplatky Christmas Wafer

Christmas wafers (oplotky) is part of our Slovak Christmas Eve Vespers supper, Vilija. In this experience we recall that God sent manna to His people as they sojourned in the desert. We also recall that Jesus said that He was "the bread of life," and that He left us His Body and Blood under the appearances of bread and wine in the Eucharist. This unique tradition is celebrated in both the Roman Catholic and Lutheran churches in Slovakia and Poland. (more info)

[learning-polish]

On the third day of Christmas, my Polaks gave to me...

3 Opłatki

2 Kapcie

and a Fiat Maluch

[catholiccompany-blog-blog]

The tradition of the Oplatki originated in Poland during Early Christian times.  This Christmas Custom began with a simple white wafer, baked from flour and water.  The wafers are wonderfully designed to display Christmas images, such as the Nativity.   The Oplatki are enjoyed by families, typically right before the Christmas Eve meal.  The entire family will gather around the table with the Oplatek.  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 purpose of this act is primarily to express ones unconditional love and forgiveness for each member of his or her family.

Although this tradition is primarily enjoyed by the human members of the family, even the family pets can partake in this meal.  Whereas the wafers are generally white in color, there are colored Oplatki made especially for pets.  Although both colors are edible by people.  Traditionally, this corresponds to the animals that were present at Christ’s birth.  However, in current times, this can also represent the important role that pets play in the family.

 The Oplatki tradition is one that is easy and fun to introduce to the family at Christmas time.  All it requires is a simple wafer paired with love and affection, and the willingness to share it.   This is a heartwarming tradition that will complete your family’s time together during the Christmas season.