Boże Narodzenie w Polsce
 Christmas in Poland

Wigilia

Christmas is one of the most important holidays in Poland . It starts with Wigilia - Christmas Eve with its own particular customs and rites. The Polish word wigilia comes from the Latin word vigilare, which means “to watch.” The Wigilia evening is considered more important than Christmas Day itself. Christmas Eve is also called Gwiazdka (little star), in remembrance of the star of Bethlehem . The Wigilia meal usually begins with the appearance of the first star. Children watch the sky anxiously, hoping to be the first to cry out: “The star!”

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are usually celebrated in a peaceful and familial atmosphere. Traditionally, Poles decorate the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve (not earlier, as in the U.S. ), and the tree often stays up till January 6 th, the Feast of the Epiphany (Three Kings) or even until Candlemas Day (February 2nd). Christmas gifts are tucked below the tree, and given to all people participating in Wigilia after the Wigilia supper.

The Christmas Eve table is covered with a white table linen cloth, always with a spare plate for an unexpected visitor. Hay is placed under the linen cloth to remind everybody where Jesus Christ was born.

Traditionally, there is no meat served during Wigilia. Still, the meal is plentiful and luxurious. It begins with the breaking of the opłatek. The opłatek is essentially a bread wafer of the type used during Holy Communion in many different Christian religions, with nativity scenes embossed on the surface. The mutual sharing and breaking of the bread wafer on Christmas Eve is the very core and essence of Christmas Eve throughout Poland . The breaking of the bread is accompanied by best wishes of prosperity, health and forgiveness.

Though the dishes vary between regions, certain items can be found on almost every Wigilia table: fish, beet soup (barszcz), pierogi, cabbage with mushrooms, beans, potatoes, dried fruit, fresh apples, nuts, and noodles with poppy seed are among the most common. The number of dishes in the meal should be odd, 9 or 11. An even number would eliminate any hope of an increase in wealth, children or anything else that is desirable.

Throughout all of Poland , the time after the supper is a time for the family to gather and sing carols. The period approaching midnight is also a magical time when animals can talk ☺ and complain if they have been mistreated throughout the year!

In the Roman Catholic Church, the first mass of the Feast of Christmas takes place at midnight of Christmas Eve, that traditionally being the time of Christ’s birth. The Poles called it Pasterka, the Shepherds Mass, because the shepherds were the first to greet the new born Christ. Every able-bodied individual trudges through freezing weather in the dark of the night. Only the very old, the sick, and the very young remain behind for this all-important greeting of the Infant Christ.

Traditional Polish wigilia dishes:

• Barszcz z uszkami
• Zupa grzybowa
• Karp smażony
• Karp w galarecie
• Ryba po grecku
• Sałatka warzywna
• Śledzie w occie
• Śledzie w śmietanie
• Pierogi z kapustą i grzybami
• Pierogi ruskie
• Kutia
• Kompot z suszonych owoców

Pierwszy i drugi dzień świąt Bożego Narodzenia (Christmas Holidays)

Traditionally Christmas day began with morning mass, and was celebrated in an atmosphere of solemnity and peace. Everyone was careful not to do any work. Cleaning, chopping wood, carrying water back from the well, cooking, or even sweeping the floor was strictly forbidden. During the first day of the holidays people did not organize any parties, and only the closest family could visit.
Currently, less and less people abide by these rules, and also the rules themselves are becoming less strict. But even today, Christmas Day is usually spent with the closest relatives, celebrating Christ’s birth in a peaceful spirit.

The patron saint on the second day of the holidays is St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr.
St. Stephen’s Day also began with morning mass but was celebrated in a direct contrast to Christmas Day. Traditionally, during this day people were visiting each other with wishes of joy and holiday season. It was also the official day for caroling to begin. Groups of boys, dressed as animals and wearing masks were visiting neighborhood houses. They sang pastoral songs and carols, and performed scenes from King Herod's life. Anther popular form of caroling was caroling with a crib (szopka). The portable crib always portrayed the birth of the Infant Jesus. At the conclusion, the performers were offered refreshments and some money. Caroling lasted until the Candlemass Day (February 2 nd), and sometimes even till the end of carnival. Until this day the custom of caroling is very popular, especially in the countryside.

In Poland, the second day of Christmas holidays is officially a day off work and school. It opens the season of carnival feasts and parties.

Sources:
Ogrodowska Barbara, Polish Rituals of the Annual Cycle, Warsaw , State Ethnographic Museum, 2001;
Knab-Hodorowicz, Sophie, Polish Customs, Traditions, and Folklore, New York , Hippocrene Books, 1993;
http://www.californiamall.com/holidaytraditions/traditions-poland.htm