Christmas in PolandBoże Narodzenie w Polsce

Wigilia (from the Latin term vigilare meaning "to await") is the Polish name for Christmas Eve. Much work must be done, including cooking, baking, and all the housework. This way, the two holidays that follow can be devoted to praying, caroling, eating, relaxing, and eventually visiting. This special day is associated with several beliefs and customs.

The dinner traditionally begins when the first star appears in the sky. Children usually decorate the Christmas tree on this day (if it has not been set up before). A bundle of hay is placed under the tablecloth to symbolize the fact that Jesus was born in a manger.

The Christmas Eve meal starts with a prayer, the sharing of the blessed opłatek (consecrated bread wafer which is similar to that used during Holy Communion in the Roman Catholic Church), and exchanging wishes.

After the breaking of the wafer and the exchanging of wishes, everyone sits down at the dinner table. The table is covered with a white tablecloth and there is one additional place set for an unexpected guest who, especially that night, should not be turned away. This is to remind us that St. Joseph and Mary were also looking for shelter.

Christmas dishes

Although there are plenty of dishes on the table, Wigilia is a traditionally meatless dinner. The number of dishes is traditionally established to be either twelve (in Kraków region) or an odd number (in Silesia). Traditional dishes include: several soups (barszcz z uszkami, fish, dry mushroom), fish (fried, jellied), sauerkraut with beans, pierogi stuffed with mushrooms and cabbage, noodles with poppy seeds and honey, sweet strudel, and a compote made with dried fruit.

Time after dinner is devoted to different activities. First of all presents are unpacked then Christmas carols are sung. It is also customary to feed the domestic animals with oplatek and dinner leftovers, especially cows to assure the production of plenty of milk.

Then the time comes to attend the midnight Mass. In Polish it is called Pasterka, "the Mass of the Shepherds" to commemorate the shepherds who were the first to greet the newborn baby Jesus. There is something magical experienced on the way to midnight Mass. Stars are shining and bells are ringing. The snow crunches and whitens the way… After Mass, people return to their homes and have a glass of hot compote or a piece of cake.

It is still believed that whatever happens on the Wigilia day has an impact on the following year. So, if a quarrel should arise, it foretells a quarrelsome and troublesome year. Be careful then and try to make your Christmas Eve as special as possible

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