Envelopes for Oplatki (Christmas Wafers)
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Envelopes for oplatki is sold in packs of 100 pieces.
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 Oplatki (Oplatek, Christmas Wafer). Oplatki, taken from the Latin word oblatum meaning sacred bread, is a symbol of Christianity and Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life.
On the Holiest Night of the year a festive 12 course meatless dinner is prepared for the gathered family and friends. An extra setting is placed for a beggar or poor family (our Lord or the Holy family) who may come to the door looking for a place to stay. The host or hostess leads the group in a special prayer and distributes an oplatki to the participants. Each person breaks off a piece of the other's oplatki and continues until they have exchanged good wishes 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 the animals were able to speak, and remind us that we are all God's creatures.
