Oplatki Envelopes - 100 / Pack - OPLATKIEN

Note: This is only the Oplatki envelopes. Oplatki wafers are sold separately.

Oplatki Envelopes

The Oplatki Tradition's Story

Note: This is different from the envelope text (see below).

For centuries on Christmas Eve, families in Poland, Lithuania, the Czech and Slav Republics have practiced a beautiful tradition. It is the breaking and sharing of the Oplatek ("Christmas Wafer"). Oplatek taken from the Latin word oblatum, meaning Sacred Bread, has been the symbol of Christianity and Jesus Christ our bread of life since the Last Supper. On the Holiest Night of the year a festive twelve course meatless dinner is prepared for the gathered family and friends. An extra setting is placed for a beggar (Our Lord) who may come to the door, or a poor family (the Holy Family) looking for a place to stay. The host or hostess leads in a special prayer and distributes an oplatek to the participants. Each person breaks off a piece of the other oplatek and continues until they have exchanged good wishes and blessings with everyone. Traditionally at midnight, the head of the household takes the pink oplatek and shares it with the animals on his farm or at his home. This custom brings us back to that Holy Night when even animals were able to speak, and to remind us that we are all God's creatures.

Envelope Details

• Quantity: 100
  
• Dimensions: (Larger than 3" x 5-1/2")

Envelope Text

Religious family traditions and customs bring truths of faith into the home. One of these beautiful customs OPLATKI (Christmas Wafer). The Breaking of Bread is a sign of charity, unity, and fellowship. The wafer is blessed and broken by the head of the family and distributed to each member. A simple prayer is said for God's grace and the welfare of the present and absent members of the family. While doing so, each member of the family is kissed and wished a joyful feast. The members then greet one another in the same way.

The only things we can truly give the ones we love are joyful memories. Traditions and customs such as these are passed down from generation to generation, cementing into place the most important gift we can give to God and society- a strong family unity.

"May the blessing of almighty God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit come down upon all who partake of this wafer. May he grant us peace in our lives, length of our days and joy in all we do. Amen."

Copyright © 2003 WRG