NOW TAKING PRE-ORDERS FOR OPLATKI
With Christmas less than 100 days away, it's time to place your order for Oplatki! Our supply is on its way and we expect to ship to you by early November! Make sure you have this cherished part of your family's tradition in plenty of time for Christmas. Beat the Christmas rush and supply shortages! Order with ease right from your computer.
 OPLATKI - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: WHAT IS OPLATKI?
A: Oplatki are thin wafers, similar to Communion hosts, which measure 5 1/2in. x 2 3/4in. The wafers have four beautiful Christmas images stamped into them. The images include the Nativity, the Star of Bethlehem, or the Holy Family. Each set of wafers comes in an envelope with the Oplatki tradition printed on the back.
Q: HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE IT?
A: O-plaht-kee. This is the plural form of the word. One wafer it is called Oplatek (O-plah-tek).
Q: ARE THERE OTHER NAMES FOR THIS TRADITION?
A: Yes, in Lithuania the wafers are part of the Kucios meal and can be called by many names, including: plotkele, paplotelis, or plokstainelis. Depending on where the family is from they may even say kaledaitis. Slovaks call the wafers oblatky. In America the tradition is often called Christmas Wafers.
Q: WHAT DO YOU DO WITH THE CHRISTMAS WAFERS?
A: Just before the Christmas Eve meal (in Polish called Wigilia) the entire family will gather around the table with the Oplatki. 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 wafer is passes from person to person until all have had a piece and all have been given blessings. The purpose of this act is primarily to express ones unconditional love and forgiveness for each member of his or her family.
Q: WHY ARE SOME WAFERS WHITE AND SOME PINK?
A: Although this tradition is primarily enjoyed by the human members of the family, even the family pets can partake in this meal. The Pink Oplatki is made especially for pets. 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.
Q: HOW DID THIS TRADITION START?
A: 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 Tradition is popular throughout eastern Europe, including Lithuania and Slovakia.
Q: WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE?
A: The word Bethlehem means "House of Bread." The breaking of the bread is a sign of charity, unity, and friendship. The Oplatki Christmas wafers also remind us of the Eucharistic meal that Catholics participate in at each Mass. Just as we share in the Eucharist as one family in Christ and receive Christ’s love through the Eucharist, the Oplatki allows for one’s immediate family to come together and share the love they have for one another.
Q: OUR FAMILY ISN'T POLISH - CAN WE STILL HAVE OPLATKI?
A: YES! This tradition can become a part of every family's Christmas traditions!
Q: I LIVE FAR AWAY FROM MY FAMILY, WHAT CAN I DO?
A: Many families purchase Oplatki and include the wafers in Christmas cards to family members in distant locations. The tradition can easily be shared in this way with anyone around the world!
Q: WHAT IS THE SHELF LIFE OF THE OPLATKI WAFERS?
A: Oplatki wafers stay fresh for a long time. It is safe to store the oplatki for several months, preferably in a sealed container.
Customer Reviews: Overall rating 
"My dad is all about a traditional Christmas eve dinner, these Christmas wafers were PERFECT!!! they arrived on time, and not a single one was broken (a big concern of mine). My family loved them and they reminded my dad of Christmas eve dinners from his childhood. thank you so much!!!" -- Review by: mkochis, Arizona
"I bought several wafers and gave them as a small gift to members of my 'Friends in Faith' I also gave some to family members to use at their special Christmas meal. Everyone was touched by the gift and enjoyed the blessings of closeness and love given with it." -- Review by: Friend in Faith, Ohio
"We were delighted to add this special addition to the beginning of our main Christmas Dinner right after saying Grace. The Polish tradition of the eldest breaking bread (host) with each member of the family/friends and wishing only the best wishes to each other and for the forthcoming New Year. And then with each other breaking bread and wishing best wishes also. A very hard item to obtain normally from Poland or special Convents where the Sisters made them fresh each year. Thank you for offering and making them available to us." -- Review by: Ed, New York
"Quality product[...] reasonable price. Great way to keep a family Christmas tradition. Envelope and information sheet sent with each Oplatki wafer. Highly recommend this company." -- Review by: Carnicom, Virginia |
ORDER YOUR OPLATKI NOW! |
