Question first appeared on December 17, 2006
What is the meaning or significance of wrapping a bread offering in a scarf?  Is it a particular custom of St. George?  Is it a Lebanese custom?  Is it wrong to bring bread to church that’s not in a scarf?

It is a tradition that comes from the “Old Country,” before there were such things as paper and plastic bags.  Once a scarf was used to wrap Holy Bread it was dedicated to be used only for that purpose.

Today any container can be used.  It is wise to use plastic bags even though the bread may be wrapped in a scarf, just to preserve freshness, so the bread doesn’t dry out.            

©Very Rev. Fr. Olof Scott, Sunday Bulletin, December 17, 2006
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