Christmas is a magical time of the year, filled with joy and happiness. It is a time to be with family and loved ones, to share gifts and good food and to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. In Poland, Christmas is celebrated on the 24th of December, known as Wigilia, and it is a time for families to come together and enjoy a traditional Polish Christmas Eve dinner.
Wigilia – The Polish Christmas Eve
Wigilia is the most important day of Christmas in Poland. It is a day of fasting until the first star appears in the sky. This is the signal that the Christmas Eve dinner can begin. The table is set with an extra place for an unexpected guest, representing the tradition of hospitality in Poland.
The Christmas Eve dinner consists of 12 dishes, representing the 12 apostles. The dishes are meatless and include traditional Polish dishes such as pierogi, barszcz (beetroot soup), mushroom soup, carp or herring, and various desserts such as poppy seed cake or kutia. After dinner, families exchange gifts and sing Christmas carols.
Christmas Traditions in Poland
Poland has many unique Christmas traditions. One of the most popular is the decoration of the Christmas tree. In Poland, the tree is usually decorated on Christmas Eve and is traditionally placed in the living room. The decorations include baubles, tinsel, lights, and handmade decorations such as paper chains and straw ornaments.
Another tradition is the sharing of the oplatek, a wafer with a religious image that is blessed by a priest. The oplatek is broken and shared with family members, who wish each other health, happiness, and prosperity for the coming year.
New Year’s Eve in Poland
New Year’s Eve, or Sylwester, is a big celebration in Poland. It is a time for parties, fireworks, and champagne. Many people go out to celebrate in the city center, where there are often concerts and events. Others prefer to stay at home and celebrate with family and friends.
One of the traditions on New Year’s Eve is the burning of the effigy of the old year. This is a symbol of leaving the past behind and starting anew in the New Year. At midnight, people toast with champagne and wish each other a Happy New Year – Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku!
Conclusion
Christmas and New Year’s Eve are special times for Polish people. It is a time to celebrate family, traditions, and the birth of Jesus Christ. Whether you are celebrating in Poland or abroad, we wish you all a Merry Christmas – Wesołych Świąt – and a Happy New Year – Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku!
