Comments on: Almost Christmas!

By: Carol Warkoczewski

Carol Warkoczewski — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 23:18:01 +0000

Where can I buy opłatek in Austin? I married into a Polish family…

By: Anna

Anna — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 19:47:51 +0000

Hi Paul!
I have never heard about the ax! I asked around and nobody seems to know anything about it. Though quite possibly it could have been a local addition to the hay custom. These things tend to evolve in very peculiar ways sometimes.

By: Paul Ferencz

Paul Ferencz — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 14:03:04 +0000

I was at my aunt’s house last night and we were discussing the hay under the table tradition. She told me that when she was younger there was also an ax there on top of the hay. Any thoughts on the symbolism of the ax? We also put honey and a small cloves of garlic on the oplatek. It does add a little zing to the meal. Merry Christmas to all.

By: Anna O.

Anna O. — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:55:00 +0000

Oh.. My God! Anna..of course, just a little hay under the tablecloth and there is nothing uncomfortable for Polish family, you can take my word for it

By: michael farris

michael farris — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:46:59 +0000

Actually it’s not biały barszcz, it’s a deep, deep brown (from mushrooms and roasted buckwheat) and only enough żurek is added to give it a sour tang.