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I have translated this page to Brazilian Portuguese, so I would like it could be rightly placed, what i don't know how to do yet. Thank you, Marcos Saddock.
Undid revision 817121493 by MarcosSaddock (talk) revert translation
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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Oplatek}}
{{Infobox prepared food
{{Infobox prepared food
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O '''Oplatek,''' ou Bolacha de Natal, na falta de uma melhor tradução''',''' ({{lang-pl|opłatek}}, plural {{lang|pl|''opłatki''}}; {{lang-lt|kalėdaitis}}, plural {{lang|lt|''kalėdaičiai''}}) é uma tradição de Cristã de Natal da Europa Central celebrada na Polônia, Lituânia e em algumas partes da Eslováquia durante a [[Wigilia]], ou a Vigília da Véspera de Natal.<ref> [http://www.bbc.co.uk/herefordandworcester/features/2002/12/poland_01.shtml Early Presents, very special Christmas wafers, a twelve course meal ending with figs and meet Saint Sylvester] Retrieved 24 November 2013 </ref>
'''Christmas wafer''' ({{lang-pl|opłatek}}, plural {{lang|pl|''opłatki''}}; {{lang-lt|kalėdaitis}}, plural {{lang|lt|''kalėdaičiai''}}) is a [[central Europe]]an [[Christianity|Christian]] [[Christmas tradition]] celebrated in [[Poland]], [[Lithuania]] and in some parts of Slovakia during [[Wigilia]], or the Christmas Eve Vigil.<ref> [http://www.bbc.co.uk/herefordandworcester/features/2002/12/poland_01.shtml Early Presents, very special Christmas wafers, a twelve course meal ending with figs and meet Saint Sylvester] Retrieved 24 November 2013 </ref>


As bolachas achatadas de pão são assadas de pura farinha branca e água, são usualmente de forma retangular<ref> [http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/schererville/for-holly-and-fred-traditions-help-family-cope-with-loss/article_a0ae5a9a-76c9-5cfc-80ba-7179b7a93c96.html NWI.com. "For Holly and Fred: Traditions Help Family Cope with Loss at Christmas."] Retrieved 24 November 2013 </ref> e muito finas: elas são de composição idêntica ao pão do altar, as hóstias utilizadas na Eucaristia durante a Consagração na Missa da Igreja Católica Romana. Sendo apenas um símbolo do Corpo de Cristo utilizado nos lares das famílias, os '''Oplatki''' não são santificados por um padre ou bispo, apenas abençoadas. Os '''Oplatki''' são feitos em relevo com imagens religiosas relacionadas ao Natal, variando de cenas da natividade, desde a Virgem Maria com o Menino Jesus até A Estrela de Belém.
The [[flatbread|unleavened]] wafers are baked from pure [[wheat flour]] and [[water]], are usually rectangular in shape<ref> [http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/schererville/for-holly-and-fred-traditions-help-family-cope-with-loss/article_a0ae5a9a-76c9-5cfc-80ba-7179b7a93c96.html NWI.com. "For Holly and Fred: Traditions Help Family Cope with Loss at Christmas."] Retrieved 24 November 2013 </ref> and very thin; they are identical in composition to the altar bread that becomes the [[Eucharist]] at the [[consecration]] during [[Mass (liturgy)|Mass]] in the [[Roman Catholic Church]]. Being only a reminder of the Body of Christ used in private homes, Opłatki lack sanctification by a [[priest]] or [[bishop]]. The Opłatki wafers are embossed with [[Christmas]]-related religious images, varying from the [[nativity scene]], especially [[Virgin Mary]] with baby [[Jesus]], to the [[Star of Bethlehem]].


==Observância e prática==
==Observance and practice==


Antes de participar da ceia da Véspera de Natal, a família se reúne à volta da mesa. O membro mais velho da família levanta um '''Oplatek''' e parte um pedaço para começar o ritual.<ref> [http://www.pwaa.org/Polish_Christmas_Traditions.htm Polish Christmas Traditions] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204082957/http://www.pwaa.org/Polish_Christmas_Traditions.htm |date=2012-12-04 }} Retrieved 24 November 2013 </ref>O que resta do '''Oplatek''' é passado adiante aos outros familiares enquanto uma prece é feita em intenção de todos os membros queridos. Isto continua até que cada um ao redor da mesa tenha um pedaço do '''Oplatek'''. Finalmente todos os membros da família consomem seu pedaço em silêncio.<ref> [http://www.polamjournal.com/Library/Holidays/xmasindex/xmas-oplat/xmas-oplat.html Polish American Journal. “The Breaking of the Oplatek.”] Retrieved 24 November 2013 </ref>
Before partaking of the [[Christmas Eve]] meal, the family gathers around the table. The eldest member holds a large wafer and breaks off a piece to begin the ritual.<ref> [http://www.pwaa.org/Polish_Christmas_Traditions.htm Polish Christmas Traditions] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204082957/http://www.pwaa.org/Polish_Christmas_Traditions.htm |date=2012-12-04 }} Retrieved 24 November 2013 </ref>The remaining wafer is passed on to another member while a prayer for loved ones is said. This continues until everyone at the table has a piece of the wafer. Finally, the family members consume their share quietly.<ref> [http://www.polamjournal.com/Library/Holidays/xmasindex/xmas-oplat/xmas-oplat.html Polish American Journal. “The Breaking of the Oplatek.”] Retrieved 24 November 2013 </ref>


==História e importância cultural==
==History and cultural importance==
O compartilhamento do '''Oplatek''' é um costume que começou na Polônia no século 10 e é praticado por pessoas de ascendência polonesa ao redor do mundo. É considerada a mais antiga e respeitada das tradições polonesas.<ref> [http://www.ppld.co.uk/en/polish-traditions/christmas-wafer-oplatek Polish Parish Luton/Dunstable. “Polish Christmas Traditions, Christmas Wafer (Oplatek)]. Retrieved 24 November 2013 </ref>
The breaking of the Christmas wafer is a custom that began in Poland in the 10th century and is practiced by people of Polish ancestry around the world. It is considered the most ancient and beloved of Polish traditions.<ref> [http://www.ppld.co.uk/en/polish-traditions/christmas-wafer-oplatek Polish Parish Luton/Dunstable. “Polish Christmas Traditions, Christmas Wafer (Oplatek)]. Retrieved 24 November 2013 </ref>


Na Polônia e em algumas partes da Europa Central os '''Oplatki''' são pintados e usados como ornamentos.<ref> [http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/12/19/167650665/polish-christmas-wafer-a-flavorless-tradition-that-s-oh-so-sweet Zielenski, Sarah. National Public Radio. “Polish Christmas Wafer: A Christmas Tradition That’s Oh So Sweet.”]. Retrieved on 24 November 2013 </ref> Eles também são enviados como pequenos enfeites junto aos cartões comemorativos aos amigos e familiares queridos que estão longe de casa.<ref> [http://www.polishcenter.org/Christmas/TRADITIONS.htm Polish Christmas Traditions] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.is/20131124165806/http://www.polishcenter.org/Christmas/TRADITIONS.htm |date=2013-11-24 }} Retrieved 24 November 2013 </ref>
In Poland and some parts of [[Central Europe]], these Christmas wafers are dyed and used as ornaments.<ref> [http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/12/19/167650665/polish-christmas-wafer-a-flavorless-tradition-that-s-oh-so-sweet Zielenski, Sarah. National Public Radio. “Polish Christmas Wafer: A Christmas Tradition That’s Oh So Sweet.”]. Retrieved on 24 November 2013 </ref> They are also sent as small trinkets with greeting cards to loved ones who are away from home.<ref> [http://www.polishcenter.org/Christmas/TRADITIONS.htm Polish Christmas Traditions] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.is/20131124165806/http://www.polishcenter.org/Christmas/TRADITIONS.htm |date=2013-11-24 }} Retrieved 24 November 2013 </ref>
Os '''Oplatki''' simbolizam a unidade da família,<ref> [http://www.flashgiovani.it/notiziedalmondo/news/39/2215/ Christmas in Poland] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203084620/http://www.flashgiovani.it/notiziedalmondo/news/39/2215/ |date=2013-12-03 }} Retrieved 24 November 2013 </ref> que muitos consideram ser o principal pilar da sociedade. De acordo com a crença os laços de união que devem existir entre os membros da família. O pai é visto como o elo da cadeia inquebrável de Um Corpo, Um Pão, Um Cristo e Uma Igreja, enquanto os outros membros da família juntam-se a ele nesta eterna procissão. O '''Oplatek''' simboliza perdão e reconciliação.<ref> [http://www.bbc.co.uk/herefordandworcester/features/2002/12/poland_01.shtml Oborski, Mike. BBC. “Early Presents, Very Special Christmas Wafers, A Twelve Course Meal Ending with Figs and Meet with Saint Sylvester.”] Retrieved 24 November 2013 </ref>
The [[Christmas]] wafer symbolizes the unity of the family,<ref> [http://www.flashgiovani.it/notiziedalmondo/news/39/2215/ Christmas in Poland] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203084620/http://www.flashgiovani.it/notiziedalmondo/news/39/2215/ |date=2013-12-03 }} Retrieved 24 November 2013 </ref> which many consider to be the main pillar of society. According to beliefs, the bond of unity should exist between family members. The father is seen as the link in the unbroken chain of One Body, One Bread, One Christ, and One Church, while other family members join him in this eternal procession. The wafer also symbolizes forgiveness and reconciliation.<ref> [http://www.bbc.co.uk/herefordandworcester/features/2002/12/poland_01.shtml Oborski, Mike. BBC. “Early Presents, Very Special Christmas Wafers, A Twelve Course Meal Ending with Figs and Meet with Saint Sylvester.”] Retrieved 24 November 2013 </ref>


==Lituânia==
==Lithuania==
{{refimprove section|date=November 2013}}
{{refimprove section|date=November 2013}}
Before the [[Kūčios]] meal starts, the families in Lithuania share ''kalėdaitis'', also known as ''plotkelė'', ''paplotėlis'', ''plokštainėlis'' or ''[[Dievas|Dievo]] pyragai'' depending on the [[Regions of Lithuania|region of Lithuania]] a family is from. A plate with as many wafers as there are persons participating in the meal is placed in the center of the table. Each member of the family is given a piece of unleavened wafer.
Antes que comece o [[Kūčios]], jantar tradicional realizado na noite de 24 de dezembro, as famílias da Lituânia compartilham '''''Kalėdaitis''''', também conhecidos como '''P''lotkelė''''', '''''Paplotėlis''''', '''''Plokštainėlis''''' ou '''[[Dievas|Dievo]] Pyragai''' dependendo da região de origem da Lituânia da família. Um prato com tantos '''''Kalėdaitis''''' quantas forem as pessoas que participem da refeição é colocado no centro da mesa. A cada membro da família é dado um pedaço dos '''''Kalėdaitis''''' em relevo.


The head of the family, typically the oldest person present however often father of the family, then takes a wafer and offers it to a family member wishing them a Happy Christmas. "God grant that we are all together again next year", they respond and break off a piece of wafer. The family member then offers the head of the family a piece of their wafer in return. The head of the family then offers their wafer to every family member or guest at the table.
O cabeça da família, tipicamente a pessoa mais velha presente, embora às vezes o pai da família, então pega um dos '''''Kalėdaitis''''' e o oferece a um membro da família desejando-lhe um Feliz Natal. "Deus nos conceda que estejamos todos juntos novamente no próximo ano", todos respondem quebrando um pedaço dos '''''Kalėdaitis'''''. O membro da família então oferece em retribuição ao cabeça da família um pedaço de seu próprio '''''Kalėdaitis'''''. O cabeça da família então oferece os '''''Kalėdaitis''''' a cada membro da família ou convidado ao redor da mesa.


After them, all the diners exchange greetings and morsels of wafer. Care is taken not to skip anyone for that means terrible misfortune or even death the following year. In breaking a piece of wafer, each tries to get a piece larger than that remaining in the other's hand for it means his year will be better. The person holding the wafer tries to prevent a large piece being taken for this will "break his luck".
Após eles, todos os comensais trocam saudações e pequenos pedaços dos '''''Kalėdaitis'''''. Todo o cuidado é tomado para não excluir ninguém o que significaria terrível infortúnio ou até mesmo a morte para o esquecido no ano seguinte. Ao quebrar um pedaço dos '''''Kalėdaitis''''', cada um tenta conseguir um pedaço maior do que o que resta na mão do outro, significando que seu ano será melhor. Cada pessoa que segura um dos '''''Kalėdaitis''''' tenta se prevenir para que um pedaço maior lhe seja tomado porque isto "quebraria a sua sorte".


When everyone has exchanged wafers, the family members take their pile of wafers before the head of the house. He then looks at the wafers in the family member’s hands and reads a fortune from how they are assembled. After this has been completed, people return to their seats and the wafers are eaten.
Quando todos trocaram pedacinhos dos '''''Kalėdaitis''''', os membros da família apresentam sua pilhas de pedacinhos dos '''''Kalėdaitis''''' ao cabeça da casa. Este então olha os pedaços de '''''Kalėdaitis''''' nas mãos de cada membro de sua família e lê a sorte de acordo como eles estão montados. Depois que isto é feito para todos, as pessoas retornam a seus assentos e os pedaços dos '''''Kalėdaitis''''' são comidos.


==Eslováquia==
==Slovakia==
[[File:Oplatkovac.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Wafer machine]]
[[File:Oplatkovac.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Wafer machine]]
[[File:Vianocne oplatky.jpg|thumb|left|"Veselé Vianoce" (Merry Christmas)]]
[[File:Vianocne oplatky.jpg|thumb|left|"Veselé Vianoce" (Merry Christmas)]]
Christmas wafers (''oplátky'') in Slovakia are round (usually oval) and embossed with various Christmas motifs. They are eaten with honey (and sometimes with garlic) at the beginning of Christmas Eve's dinner.
Os '''O''plátky''''' ''na Eslováquia são arredondados (usualmente ovais) e com relevos'' com vários motivos natalinos. Eles são comidos com mel ( e algumas vezes com alho) no começo do jantar da Véspera de Natal.
{{clear}}
{{clear}}


==Origens==
==Origins==
A tradição remonta às origens do começo da [[Christianity|Cristandade]] (veja [[Antidoron]]) e é vista como uma prenunciação não sacramental da participação litúrgica da [[Holy Eucharist|Santa Eucaristia]] ([[Host (Holy Communion)|Hóstia]]), pão sem fermento consagrado no Corpo, Sangue, Alma e Divindade de Jesus Cristo. Como um costume de Natal o '''Oplatek''' originou-se na Polônia e se espalhou largamente até o século 17. Ele era parte da cultura da [[Szlachta]] (Nobreza polonesa) e o costume espalhou-se por toda a [[Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth|Polono-Lituana Commonwealth]] e pelos países vizinhos. No século 19, após o [[partitions of Poland|particionamento da Polônia]], o costume ganhou um subtexto patriótico, tornando-se o desejo comum durante o compartilhamento do '''Oplatek''' o desejo pela recuperação pela Polônia de sua independência. Desde aquela época os '''Oplatki''' são frequentemente feitos com relevo de imagens religiosas. No século 20 o costume do '''Oplatek''' foi além das famílias e ganhou outro significado: o encontro dos atuais e passados companheiros de trabalho e de estudos.
The tradition traces its origins to the times of [[early Christianity]] (see [[Antidoron]]) and is seen as a non-sacramental foreshadowing of the [[Holy Communion|liturgical partaking]] of the [[Holy Eucharist]] ([[Host (Holy Communion)|Host]]), unleavened bread consecrated into the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. As a Christmas custom the "opłatek" originated in Poland and was spread widely as far back as the 17th century. It was the part of the [[szlachta]]'s (Polish nobility) culture and the custom had spread throughout the [[Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth]] and neighbouring countries. In the 19th century, in the aftermath of the [[partitions of Poland]], it gained patriotic subtext, as the common wish during sharing of "opłatek" became the wish for Poland's regaining its independence. Since that time, "opłatki" are often embossed with religious images. In the 20th century, "opłatek" custom went beyond families and gained another meaning: the meeting of present or past co-workers or students.


==Veja Também==
==See also==
{{Portal|Christmas}}
{{Portal|Christmas}}
* [[Christmas in Poland|Natal na Polônia]]
* [[Christmas in Poland]]
{{clear}}
{{clear}}


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[[Category:Flatbreads]]
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[[Category:Christmas in Poland]]
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Revision as of 09:48, 26 December 2017

Christmas wafer
wafer
TypeFlatbread
Place of originCentral Europe
Main ingredientsWheat flour, water

Christmas wafer (Template:Lang-pl, plural [opłatki] Error: {{Lang}}: text has italic markup (help); Template:Lang-lt, plural [kalėdaičiai] Error: {{Lang}}: text has italic markup (help)) is a central European Christian Christmas tradition celebrated in Poland, Lithuania and in some parts of Slovakia during Wigilia, or the Christmas Eve Vigil.[1]

The unleavened wafers are baked from pure wheat flour and water, are usually rectangular in shape[2] and very thin; they are identical in composition to the altar bread that becomes the Eucharist at the consecration during Mass in the Roman Catholic Church. Being only a reminder of the Body of Christ used in private homes, Opłatki lack sanctification by a priest or bishop. The Opłatki wafers are embossed with Christmas-related religious images, varying from the nativity scene, especially Virgin Mary with baby Jesus, to the Star of Bethlehem.

Observance and practice

Before partaking of the Christmas Eve meal, the family gathers around the table. The eldest member holds a large wafer and breaks off a piece to begin the ritual.[3]The remaining wafer is passed on to another member while a prayer for loved ones is said. This continues until everyone at the table has a piece of the wafer. Finally, the family members consume their share quietly.[4]

History and cultural importance

The breaking of the Christmas wafer is a custom that began in Poland in the 10th century and is practiced by people of Polish ancestry around the world. It is considered the most ancient and beloved of Polish traditions.[5]

In Poland and some parts of Central Europe, these Christmas wafers are dyed and used as ornaments.[6] They are also sent as small trinkets with greeting cards to loved ones who are away from home.[7]

The Christmas wafer symbolizes the unity of the family,[8] which many consider to be the main pillar of society. According to beliefs, the bond of unity should exist between family members. The father is seen as the link in the unbroken chain of One Body, One Bread, One Christ, and One Church, while other family members join him in this eternal procession. The wafer also symbolizes forgiveness and reconciliation.[9]

Lithuania

Before the Kūčios meal starts, the families in Lithuania share kalėdaitis, also known as plotkelė, paplotėlis, plokštainėlis or Dievo pyragai depending on the region of Lithuania a family is from. A plate with as many wafers as there are persons participating in the meal is placed in the center of the table. Each member of the family is given a piece of unleavened wafer.

The head of the family, typically the oldest person present however often father of the family, then takes a wafer and offers it to a family member wishing them a Happy Christmas. "God grant that we are all together again next year", they respond and break off a piece of wafer. The family member then offers the head of the family a piece of their wafer in return. The head of the family then offers their wafer to every family member or guest at the table.

After them, all the diners exchange greetings and morsels of wafer. Care is taken not to skip anyone for that means terrible misfortune or even death the following year. In breaking a piece of wafer, each tries to get a piece larger than that remaining in the other's hand for it means his year will be better. The person holding the wafer tries to prevent a large piece being taken for this will "break his luck".

When everyone has exchanged wafers, the family members take their pile of wafers before the head of the house. He then looks at the wafers in the family member’s hands and reads a fortune from how they are assembled. After this has been completed, people return to their seats and the wafers are eaten.

Slovakia

Wafer machine
"Veselé Vianoce" (Merry Christmas)

Christmas wafers (oplátky) in Slovakia are round (usually oval) and embossed with various Christmas motifs. They are eaten with honey (and sometimes with garlic) at the beginning of Christmas Eve's dinner.

Origins

The tradition traces its origins to the times of early Christianity (see Antidoron) and is seen as a non-sacramental foreshadowing of the liturgical partaking of the Holy Eucharist (Host), unleavened bread consecrated into the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. As a Christmas custom the "opłatek" originated in Poland and was spread widely as far back as the 17th century. It was the part of the szlachta's (Polish nobility) culture and the custom had spread throughout the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and neighbouring countries. In the 19th century, in the aftermath of the partitions of Poland, it gained patriotic subtext, as the common wish during sharing of "opłatek" became the wish for Poland's regaining its independence. Since that time, "opłatki" are often embossed with religious images. In the 20th century, "opłatek" custom went beyond families and gained another meaning: the meeting of present or past co-workers or students.

See also

References

  1. ^ Early Presents, very special Christmas wafers, a twelve course meal ending with figs and meet Saint Sylvester Retrieved 24 November 2013
  2. ^ NWI.com. "For Holly and Fred: Traditions Help Family Cope with Loss at Christmas." Retrieved 24 November 2013
  3. ^ Polish Christmas Traditions Archived 2012-12-04 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 24 November 2013
  4. ^ Polish American Journal. “The Breaking of the Oplatek.” Retrieved 24 November 2013
  5. ^ Polish Parish Luton/Dunstable. “Polish Christmas Traditions, Christmas Wafer (Oplatek). Retrieved 24 November 2013
  6. ^ Zielenski, Sarah. National Public Radio. “Polish Christmas Wafer: A Christmas Tradition That’s Oh So Sweet.”. Retrieved on 24 November 2013
  7. ^ Polish Christmas Traditions Archived 2013-11-24 at archive.today Retrieved 24 November 2013
  8. ^ Christmas in Poland Archived 2013-12-03 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 24 November 2013
  9. ^ Oborski, Mike. BBC. “Early Presents, Very Special Christmas Wafers, A Twelve Course Meal Ending with Figs and Meet with Saint Sylvester.” Retrieved 24 November 2013
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