It continues the Christmas celebrations. Christmas Holidays commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas Wafer - Oplatek. The Day of Saint Nicholas on 6 December is the unofficial beginning of the festive season in Poland. Children in school often take part in nativity plays, known as Jasełka. People love to buy and wear new clothes during Christmas. Sweets - in Poland, Christmas brings a number of delicious desserts, some of which include a poppy seed cake called makowiec and a gingerbread called piernik. In each country the way of celebrating Christmas may be super different regarding the traditions, food or activities you do during this day. Often, there is a compote of dry fruits for a drink. For Poles, Christmas Eve is a time of family gathering and reconciliation. The former day of Christmas is the December of 26th. As presents are unwrapped, carollers may walk from house to house receiving treats along the way. [6], Christmas carols are not celebrated in Poland until during-and-after the Christmas Vigil Mass called "Pasterka" held between 24 and 25 of December. Chrstmas in Poland is known for its 12 dishes. 14.11.17. People try not to have excess of anything. https://culture.pl/en/article/polish-christmas-eve-traditions In Poland, Advent is the beginning of Christmas Time. People will usually visit other family members and share another meal together. Polish kids must wait outside the room with the gifts until they hear a bell ringing (from their parents), which means Jesus has already left the gifts and they can enter. https://travelpolandtours.com/christmas-in-poland-traditions The observance of Christmas developed gradually over the centuries, beginning in ancient times; combining old Polish pagan customs with the religious ones introduced after the Christianization of Poland by the Catholic Church. The day after Christmas, Poles observe St. Stephan's Day, which extends the Christmas celebrations. kidsinthecity.pl/polish-christmas-traditions-and-celebrations December 26 is known as Holy Szczepan, or St. Stephen's Day. The Christmas festivities in Poland begin on December 6, this day is known as St. Nicholas Day (Mikołajki in Polish), and unofficially it is the beginning of Christmas in Poland.During this day all good children in Poland receive small gifts (fruits, cookies and … Christmas Eve and Santa Claus in Poland In lots of places in Poland, gifts are brought by Święty Mikołaj (Saint Nicholas). Christmas Traditions in Poland 1. The main part of Wigilia is a solemn, family sup… [4] Well-behaved children receive small gifts on the day, whereas naughty children receive a lump of coal or a twig, called "rózga". St. Nicholas Day, Dzien Świętego Mikołaja, falls on December 6th and it is the unofficial start of the Christmas season in Poland, even though Advent, which usually begins a week before, is the official kickoff. Old Christmas traditions 4. Christmas Tradition In Poland. The appearance of Santa Claus (Mikołaj) happens instead on the night of December 5, the eve of the Feast of St. Nicholas. Like in most parts of the world, food is an important part of the holiday and the dinner table is filled with traditional entrees. December is full of holiday events in Poland, beginning with St. Nicholas Day on December 6 and stretching all the way into the new year with the Epiphany one month later. Polish Christmas tree. Sometimes the trees are left standing until February 2, the feast day of St. Mary of the Candle of Lighting. 1. 03 of 07 Image Credit: Lomit for Wikimedia. Nowadays, opłatek is mostly shared with members of the family and immediate neighbors before the Christmas Eve supper (Wigilia in the Polish language). The Christmas Spider is an old Eastern European story about a family who couldn't afford to decorate their Christmas tree, and then on Christmas morning, it was decorated in golden and silver strands from a spider's web. The Wigilia feast begins at the appearance of the first star. The tradition says that there must be exactly 12 dishes (including desserts) on the table and everyone has to try every each of them. The highlight of the holiday is the most significant day, Christmas Eve on the 24 December. In Poland, they celebrate this day in a really delicious way! Mioduszewski [ca; eo; pl] in a book called Pastorałki i Kolędy z Melodiami (Pastorals and Carols with Melodies). The festive atmosphere would not be complete without a Christmas tree. Polish Christmas Traditions. Lista produktów kategorii Ozdoby Formowane. Spending Christmas in Poland is a real treat for travelers.The holiday season is packed with longstanding cultural traditions, an array of special culinary dishes and vibrant Christmas … Traditionally a day for consecrating grain crops, Holy Szczepan is now a day for church services, visiting with family, and singing kolędy, or Polish Christmas carols. In many homes an empty place setting is symbolically left at the table for the Baby Jesus or, for a lonely wanderer who may be in need of food, or if a deceased relative should come and would like to share in the meal. In most of Polish families gifts are given to children by Saint Nicolaus, not by his vulgarized version of Santa Claus. Celebrate the heartfelt holiday traditions of Poland, wandering Krakow’s brilliant Christmas Market and Warsaw’s Main Market Square. Families travel from all over the country to gather on Christmas Eve. Without them, Christmas in Poland … [2] Christmas in Poland is called "Boże Narodzenie", which translates to 'God's Birth'.[3]. Another very popular Polish Christmas tradition is sharing thin pieces of wafer (‘opłatek’) with family members and friends, and wishing each other all the best in the New Year before sitting down to the Christmas Eve dinner. Santa Claus does not appear on Christmas Eve. Almost 90% of Polish people identify as Roman Catholics, so Christmas is an especially important time in Poland. The 25th is Christmas Day, known as the First Day of Christmas in Poland, is more relaxed. The tradition commemorates the arrival of the shepherds to Bethlehem and their paying of respect and bearing witness to the newborn Messiah. The Christmas Eve feast, known as Wigilia, is shared by family members. Because it is such a big event, there is a great deal of preparation that goes into ensuring that the evening is spent following old Polish traditions. Polish Wigilia begins with the appearance of the first star, which corresponds to the Star of Bethlehem. He visits good children in secret and leaves presents for them. Certain beliefs and superstitions surround Christmastime in Poland, though these beliefs are often only observed for fun today. The custom of Christmas night liturgy was introduced in the Christian churches after the second half of the 5th century. Usually, there are more than 15 people at Wieczerza Wigilijna (Polish Christmas Dinner) so it takes some time until everybody wishes every single one of family member Merry Christmas. Christmas in Poland. Poland's Christmas Eve (Wigilia) and Christmas Day, Traditional Polish Christmas Beliefs and Superstitions. A formal meal is served in majority of the homes with a white table cloth. The modern glass workshops and manufacturers tend to be localized in the southern regions of Poland. The night before is called ‘Wigilia’ and the three week period prior to the Christmas celebrations is called Advent. In Polish tradition, people combine religion and family closeness at Christmas. It is followed by the exchange of gifts. However, one of the more special desserts closely tied to celebrating the Christmas season in Poland is called kutia. Christmas celebration starts in Poland on 24th of December and most of the traditions are connected with Christmas Eve. Some people give up their favorite foods or drinks and parties and discos are not widely held. The Polish Christmas Eve dinner consists of 12 dishes, one for each of the 12 apostles. One of the most beautiful traditions in the world is just in a few days and all the world is ready for it! The last two customs are inspired by the traditional manger scenes or "Jasełka" (crib). They then share a piece with each family member. The tradition of crafting and hand-making Christmas szopkas in Kraków was declared UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. However, markets in other cities and towns throughout the country use their central squares and historic venues well to showcase holiday ornaments, gifts, and souvenirs. At the top of each tree there is a star or a glittering tree topper. As you might know, Poland is a very religious country. Christmas in Poland is a major annual celebration, as in most countries of the Christian world. Polish Christmas Traditions. TransferWise. On this day, all over Poland, people eat their favourite sweet and sugary snacks. Midnight mass is a part of Poland's Christmas traditions. As things are already going to be different, let’s lean into it and celebrate in a new way. In Poland, the 24th of December is probably the most important day of Christmas and therefore the most effort goes into the preparation of the Christmas Eve dinner. This was a great moment for my husband to practice his Polish skills with my family haha Twelve dishes on the table. Christmas fairs selling handicrafts pop up in most Polish market squares as people indulge in home-cooked meals and strolls through snow-covered parks. Typically, people watch for the first star to appear in the night sky before sitting down to eat, because Christmas Eve is a day for fasting. The family members exchange wafer and wishes with each other. Once the first star appears, the day has ended and families can break fast. In the old days, people carried these wafers from house to house wishing their neighbors a Merry Christmas. As each person shares pieces of the wafer with another, they are supposed to forgive each other any hurts that have occurred over the past year and wish them happiness in the coming year. Notably, the song "God Is Born" (Bóg się rodzi) with lyrics written by Franciszek Karpiński in 1792 became the Christmas hymn of Poland already in the court of King Stefan Batory. Kerry Kubilius is a freelance writer who specializes in Eastern European history, culture, current events, language, and travel. The primary Christmas traditions, however, start with the coming of Advent and culminate with celebrations on December 24, 25, and 26. The flavourless wafer is made from flour and water and is a symbol of forgiveness, friendship and unity. As opposed to many other countries, the 24th of December is THE Christmas day when the main celebration takes place. [9][10], Overview of the role of Christmas in Poland, Christmas markets are held in every major city, especially in, Nativity scene at the Catholic Church of Christ the King in, "UNESCO - Nativity scene (szopka) tradition in Krakow", "Christmas - Tłumacz - Onet.pl Portal wiedzy", "How Poles Celebrate Christmas (Recipes Included)", "Traditional Christmas Eve in Poland- Wigilia w Polsce- tradycje", "Pasterka przed północą... (Pasterka before midnight)". There is no red meat served but fish, usually carp. [2], On the night of Christmas Eve, so important is the appearance of the first star in remembrance of the Star of Bethlehem, that it has been given an affectionate name of "the little star" or Gwiazdka (the female counterpart of St. Nicholas). The tradition of decorating Christmas trees came to Poland from Germany in the 18 th century. The festive atmosphere would not be complete without a Christmas tree. The breaking of symbolic wafers precedes the meal and everyone shares pieces of them. [8], Poland produces some of the finest hand blown glass Christmas ornaments in Europe. This is done to celebrate the birth of Jesus in a Bethlehem stable. Later influences include the mutual permeating of local traditions and various folk cultures. How Do People Celebrate Christmas in Slovakia? Universal Polish Christmas foods are pierogi as well as some herring dishes, and for dessert, makowiec or noodles with poppy seed. Other aspects of Polish Christmas include nativity plays called "Jasełka" or "Herody", outdoor nativity scenes, the singing of carols, most notably "God Is Born", and Kulig, a horse-pulled sleigh ride. On Christmas Day, Poles will eat a large meal, sometimes with a goose as the centerpiece. One of the typical Christmas traditions in Poland is putting bits of hay underneath the tablecloth at the Christmas Eve dinner. With respect to Polish Christmas traditions, an empty seat is left at the dinner table for lord Jesus or a wanderer who has no shelter or a family. Celebrate Christmas Italian Styles at These City Events, Learn About Polish Culture With These Great Photos, What You Need to Know About Polish Culture and Customs, Plan Your Christmas Vacation to Eastern Europe, These Traditions Will Help You Celebrate a Croatian-Style Christmas, Why You Need to See Krakow at Christmas This December, Top 9 Spots for Christmas Cheer in Pittsburgh, Take a Quick Look at Polish Traditional Holidays and Festivals. We’ve looked at Christmas traditions around the world to find some fun new things to try at home this year. The most important day is Wigilia: Christmas Eve, not the first day of Christmas. Like in most Central European countries, Christmas in Poland is a quaint and much-beloved affair. Boże Narodzenie, www.pmkamsterdam.nl (Polska Misja Katolicka, Amsterdam), Wigilia article from the Polish American Center, Wigilia article from Pope John Paul II Polish Center, Wigilia article from the Polish Museum of America, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Christmas_in_Poland&oldid=998435526, Articles with Polish-language sources (pl), Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles which use infobox templates with no data rows, Articles with dead external links from July 2019, Articles with permanently dead external links, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 5 January 2021, at 10:45. The most popular ritual for Christmas celebration in Poland is Christmas Eve Supper. It is covered with a white decorative spread. It's the most special and meaningful day of the year. The feast day is a part of the Advent celebrations, which are an integral part of Polish Christmas traditions. It is one of the most important religious holidays for Poles, who follow a somewhat strict traditional custom. Christmas trees are decorated and lit in family rooms on the day of Christmas Eve. They are lit on Christmas Eve before Wigilia. In some areas of the country, children are taught that "The Little Star" brings gifts. The early Christmas music was Latin in origin. In Poland that custom arrived together with the coming of Christianity. Their Christmas meal is known as Kolacja Wigilijna. Christmas Eve Dinner starts in the late afternoon or in the evening, depending on a family (some people visit 2 or even more families during Christmas Eve, having 2 or more dinners). Spending traditional Christmas in Poland means that at the beginning you pray and share oplatek – the Polish Christmas wafer (little flat bread) with every member of the family. [2] The next day (December 25) begins with the early morning mass followed by daytime masses. Every country and every family have their own traditions. Families in Poland often consider it good luck to find a spider in their Christmas tree, and some even place an artificial spider decoration in hopes of good fortune. After dinner family sits near Christmas tree, sing Christmas carols and exchange gifts. Its modernity still surprises many tourists. Christmas fairs selling handicrafts pop up in most Polish market squares as people indulge in home-cooked meals and strolls through snow-covered parks. The tradition of decorating Christmas trees came to Poland from Germany in the 18th century. The remainder of the evening is given to stories and songs around the Christmas tree. One tradition unique to Poland is the sharing of the "opłatek", a thin wafer into which a holy picture is pressed. Christmas celebrations begin on the 24th with Wigilia. [2], Traditionally, the Christmas trees are decorated with glass baubles, garlands and many homemade ornaments including painted eggshells, shiny red apples, walnuts, wrapped chocolate shapes, candles, etc. Oplatek is a thin wafer made of flour and water, similar in taste to the hosts that are used for communion during Mass. From the weird to the wonderful, get ready to add these customs to your festivities. [2], During Advent and all the way until Epiphany, or the baptism of Jesus (day of January 6), the "gwiazdory", or the star carriers walk through the villages. [7] The Christmas season often runs until February 2. It's a time when people try to be peaceful and remember the real reason for Christmas. Normally the Polish eat Pączki on this day. Poland emerged from the rubble of World War II and decades behind the Iron Curtain to become a prominent European nation. Only after it appears, the family members sit down to a dinner table.[2]. Upside-down Christmas tree, southern Poland Fat Thursday in Poland Do you know, what holiday is … However, there are slightly different traditions in different parts of the country, with Dziadek Mróz (Grandfather Frost) also making an appearance. [9], Polish blown-glass Christmas ornaments are generally manufactured only in the winter season. Christmas Eve Supper, known as Wigilia, is one of the most longstanding and broadly treasured of Polish ceremonies. 6 minute read. When it comes to Christmas in Poland, it’s the season when pagan and Christian customs mingle. Christmas Wafer - Oplatek Sharing of the oplatek (pronounced opwatek) is the most ancient and beloved of all Polish Christmas traditions. Other trees are placed in most public areas and outside churches. On the final Thursday before Lent each year, Polish people celebrate Tłusty Czwartek (Fat Thursday). This is a final chance to overindulge in tasty treats that shouldn’t really be consumed during the Christian Lent festival. However, while Germanic traditions, like decorating trees, have spread so far as to be unsurprising, Polish customs remain delightfully distinctive. Everyone at the table breaks off a piece and eats it as a symbol of their unity with Christ. In most of the homes, both among adherents or non-devotees, a conventional feast is praised and served on the table. The next day, the Christmas Day, is often spent visiting friends. Some of them sing carols; others recite verses or put on "szopki", or "herody" (nativity scenes). In Poland, the traditional Christmas feast occurs on Christmas Eve, or Wigilia, a day that holds equal importance with December 25. Some practice the superstition that an even number of people must be seated around the table. In many homes, sparklers are hung on the branches of the trees for wintery ambiance. Polskie ręcznie wytwarzane i zdobione bombki choinkowe, katalog. This Polish Christmas Eve tradition includes 12 dishes and desserts which reflect Poland's rich, multicultural culinary past. Christmas in Poland is a major annual celebration, as in most countries of the Christian world. A traditional Wigilia supper in Poland includes fried carp and borscht (beetroot soup) with uszka (ravioli). Special church services mark this season, and some devout Catholics may give up a favorite food, drinking alcohol, or another vice during this time. Oplatek is a thin wafer made of flour and water, similar in taste to the hosts that are used for communion during Mass. Some of the best ​Christmas gifts from Poland can be found during this time of year when seasonal products and handicrafts fill vendors' stalls, such as ceramics, amber jewelry, and typical wooden figurines. 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