Definition: At the beginning of the Passover Seder, the middle of the three pieces of matzah is broken. The largest piece, called the afikomen, is hidden. During the seder, the children try to find the afikomen.
Some families have a tradition of rehiding. In other words, anyone who finds the afikomen hides it again, and Seder participants continue to search for the afikomen throughout the whole Seder.
The Seder can only end after the afikomen is eaten. Afikoman means "dessert" in Aramaic. So the person leading the service will ask the children to bring the afikomen so the Seder can be concluded.
At this point, the children will bargain for some reward before agreeing to return the afikomen. Children are most excited about this part of the Seder. In fact, the whole reason for this custom is to keep the children awake and alert throughout the whole Seder service.
Some families have a tradition of rehiding. In other words, anyone who finds the afikomen hides it again, and Seder participants continue to search for the afikomen throughout the whole Seder.
The Seder can only end after the afikomen is eaten. Afikoman means "dessert" in Aramaic. So the person leading the service will ask the children to bring the afikomen so the Seder can be concluded.
At this point, the children will bargain for some reward before agreeing to return the afikomen. Children are most excited about this part of the Seder. In fact, the whole reason for this custom is to keep the children awake and alert throughout the whole Seder service.
Also Known As: Afikoman
Examples: This year my kids are planning to work together to find the afikomen and to bargain for one big family present from their father in return for giving him the afikomen (so he can conclude the Passover Seder service).