Customs & Traditions in Poland

WIECZÓR WIGILIJNY - The Christmas Eve Poles start to celebrate Christmas on 24 th of December. It means that the The Christmas Eve is celebrated very ceremonially. “Wigilia” is the day before Christmas, the day of preparing and awaiting, it comes from Latin language and means vigil. In the past people believed that miracle happen on this day. It was believed that trees have fruits even in wintertime and animals start to talk to people. It is obligatory to finish all work before sunset because work during Christmas Eve is not allowed. And – people fast strictly. After the revelation of the first star on sky (symbolizes the Star of Bethlejem) the family gathers and the celebration starts. Very important is the table with traditional dishes. On the table normally there is a bit of hay what symbolizes the hay in the barn in Bethlejem. The family gathers and at midnight all together go to the midnight mass to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. We celebrate Christmas Eve since the 18 th century.

WIGILIJNY OPŁATEK – The Christmas Eve Wafer Nobody really imagines a traditional Christmas in Poland without the wafer. The family gathers but before we start to eat we share the wafer (polish – dzielic sie oplatkiem) It symbolizes the sharing of bread during The Last Supper. In Poland doing this we say wishes, forgive each other and are friendly. Everybody has to take one piece of the wafer

UBIERANIE CHOINKI – To decorate the Christmas tree Before Christmas Eve nearly every polish family buys a Christmas tree and decorates it colorfully. It is one of the modern customs, it came from Germany on the turn 18 th to 19 th century. On the beginning, when thre tree was unknown Poles decorated one branch and put on the celing. It was decorated with red apples, colorfull chains and wafers. Then similar the first trees were decorated – with nuts, cookies, gingerbread, some art made of hay, paper and feathers. Today we decorate the tree with Christmas tree decorations made of glass – angels, tiny shining stars etc. on the top of the tree there is big star, the decoration is powered by electricity. The tree stays until 6 th January.

ŚWIĘTY MIKOLAJ – Santa Claus In Poland Santa Claus comes on 6 th December or on Christmas Eve. Of course he brings gifts, he leaves them under the Tree. He wears a red kaminsims and he carries a heavy bag full of gifts. It is not long ago that he came together with a angel and a devil. The angel gave sweets for the polite kids, and for the bad ones the devil handouted sticks. KOLĘDA – Carrols An inseparable part of polish Christmas Tradition is singing of Carrols with religious lyrics praising the birth of Jesus. The oldest carrols are from 15 th century, a the most famous is “Angel spoke to the shepherds” “Silent night” “Sleep well tiny Jesus” and “God is born” The carrols are sung after Christmas Eve Supper.

JASELKA – Christmas native play It is a artistic performance done by children about the birth of Jesus Christ. A Christmas native play begins usually with the wake up of shepherds by angels. Kids play the role of the Holy Family standing by the manger, they are shepherds and the Three Kings with gifts. A Christmas native play is performed in churches, schools and kindergartens