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. |
