Wafer

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For semiconductor wafers, see wafer (electronics).

Carlsbad spa wafer

In cooking, a wafer can refer to a crisp, sweet, very thin, flat, and dry cake that is often used to decorate ice cream. Wafers can also be made into cookies with cream flavoring sandwiched between them. They frequently have a waffle surface pattern.

The word also refers to the special small round flat breads made for Anglican Holy Communion services; the word host is used in the Roman Catholic liturgy. These holy wafers often have an image of the crucified Christ imprinted on them.

In the spa towns of the Czech Republic (e.g. Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, etc.) special "spa wafers" (lázeňské oplatky) are produced.

There is also a tradition in Poland to exchange/share a special "Christmas wafer" (opłatek wigilijny or simply opłatek) with other people (mainly family or, e.g., co-workers). Such a wafer is a symbol of forgiveness, reconciliation, and love. Christmas wafers are specially formed, usually to remind Christmas-related events - see the picture.