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Land of the Winged Horsemen: Art in Poland A Polish Christmas Story with a Magical Christmas Tree A Concise History of Poland |
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OPLATKI: A Polish Christmas Tradition By Veronica Kennedy |
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| Of all the Polish traditions that my family celebrates throughout the year, the centuries-old tradition of Oplatki has always been my favorite. The word Oplatki means Angel Bread. For us, in addition to many other Slavs, the tradition of Oplatki
holds such an intense significance that it is just short of
heavenly. Through this tradition, Slavs recognize the time when
God nourished the Israelites during their flight from Egypt with
Manna. We also recall when Jesus gave His apostles His Body under
the appearance of bread. My entire family, whose strong, proud
Catholic heritage is rooted in Poland, annually celebrates this
Christmas tradition. When practicing this custom my Polish family is required to use specific traditional Oplatki wafers. Like Manna and the hosts used in the Mass, Oplatki wafers are similar to unleavened bread. Oplatki comes in different colors such as white, pink, blue and green. Beautiful Christmas images, such as the Nativity or the Star of Bethlehem are pressed into the fragile Oplatki wafers. These beautiful imprints serve to remind me of the true meanings of Christmas: God and family. Traditionally, the white Oplatki is eaten by humans while the household animals enjoy the colored wafers. In this way, we as Poles honor the family animals since they were the only eye witnesses to Christ's birth, besides Mary and Joseph. Being unaware of this custom, my Polish family has always eaten the colored wafers ourselves. When I became aware of this fact, I was sure to inform my family of it. After all, we would not prefer to be known as the "family animals"! The annual tradition of Oplatki begins in the days before Christmas when Polish families purchase their Oplatki either from their parish or from a local bakery. Since my family does not live near a Polish bakery, we buy our Oplatki from our Catholic parish. People in some cultures, such as the Slovenians, have their Oplatki blessed before it is used in the Christmas Eve meal. My family's Oplatki is bought after it has been blessed by our Catholic priest. Celebrating the Christmas Eve Feast in a Polish household requires many preparations, since it marks the beginning of the most significant holiday for Poles. The tradition of Oplatki plays an important role in this banquet, since it is with this ceremony that the feast, and indeed the Christmas season itself, is opened. When Christmas Eve finally comes, the women bustle about their kitchens baking traditional foods. My family's two favorites are kielbasa and sauerkraut (a Polish dish of sausage and sour cabbage), and pirogue (fried pockets of dough filled with cheese, meat or potatoes). As these ethnic foods are being prepared, my sister and I begin setting the table. Before setting the table for this magnificent feast, a layer of straw is laid beneath the family's tablecloth, recalling Christ's humble birth in a manger. During this time, a member of our family, usually my father, is responsible for retrieving the Oplatki wafers from their hiding place. Finally, the Christmas Vigil Feast, which is centered around the tradition of Oplatki, is ready! In accord with the Slavic culture, my Polish family begins by giving each member an Oplatki wafer, which he or she is not permitted to eat. While my grandma and my mom are passing out the Oplatki, my siblings and I become so excited that we have to be reminded not to start the ceremony among ourselves until the rest of the family has received their wafers. This waiting is especially intense for my little brothers! In order to receive a piece of wafer from a relative, you must bless him or her in some way. After this, he or she blesses you, and you give them a piece of your Oplatki in return for this favor. Of all my family members, my grandma is the one with whom I most enjoy exchanging blessings; she always thinks of the best ones. She often wishes me academic success or a better relationship with my siblings. I usually wish her good health in the coming year. Many family members, especially my grandma, accompany their well-wishes with kisses and embraces. This process continues until everyone has exchanged blessings with all the other family members. Afterwards, the whole family gathers around the table for the much anticipated Christmas Eve meal. My Polish background makes the Christmas Eve tradition of Oplatki exceptionally meaningful to me. This custom helps me to remember all of my relatives who have passed away, and the important roles they played in our family. I especially remember my grandpa, who died before I was born, and my cousin's grandfather, who passed away very recently. Oplatki also helps me to remember the tales about my ancestors. I remember stories about grandpa fighting in World War II, and my great-great grandparents emigrating from Poland. I recall hearing about the kindness of my great-grandma Veronica, after whom I am named, and the trials that our ancestors endured throughout history. These family legends bring to my mind vivid images of my relatives. Even though they passed away, whenever the living members of my family celebrate Oplatki, I feel that we are united with them. The custom of Oplatki makes me proud of my Polish family and heritage. After studying Polish culture, I have now come to a greater understanding of how much our ancestors suffered over the years to keep their religion, traditions and folklore alive so that we, as their descendants, would be able to remember the days of old. Each year the tradition of Oplatki becomes even more meaningful for me as I learn more about Christ. This tradition reminds me that no matter how separated we are from one another throughout the year, my family will always be united in the Body of Christ. It is my prayer that this cherished custom will be carried on, not only in our actions, but in our hearts, for generations to come. |
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| More about Oplatki, Polish Culture and Tradition | ||||
