Christmas is a very festive holiday in Poland. Many customs, ceremonies and beliefs centre around Christmas Eve, a special day in Polish homes. An important element contributing to its dignified atmosphere are the Christmas decorations, notably a beautifully adorned Christmas tree. Although it’s one of the newest traditions (appeared in the 19^th century), it gained popularity across Poland and nowadays, it would be difficult to imagine Christmas without a Christmas tree.

Another element of the traditional Christmas decorations were sheaves of wheat and rye, hay and straw. They were supposed to bring good crops and remind everyone of the poverty in which Jesus was born. The custom has survived in the form of a small bunch of hay put under the tablecloth. In some houses this is accompanied today by money, a fish scale or bone put into a wallet - all to ensure affluence in the new year. An extra set of plates and cutlery is laid on the table for an unexpected guest. Sometimes an empty plate is a reminder of those who have passed away.

Christmas Eve was believed to affect the entire new year. For this reason, it had to be spent in harmony and peace, with everyone showing the utmost kindness to one another. Today it is still devoted to long preparations for Christmas Eve dinner, all the work having to be done before dusk. Then the whole family  sit down to dine together, in the most important event on that day.

Traditionally, Christmas Eve dinner begins when the first star has appears in the sky. First, there is a  prayer, sometimes with a passage from scripture about Jesus' birth being read out. Then the family wish one another all the best for the new year and, as a sign of reconciliation, love, friendship and peace, share Christmas wafers that symbolize holy bread.

The dinner consists only of  meatless dishes. Traditionally, there should be twelve courses - reflecting the number of months in the year or, in different interpretation, Christ's apostles.

In practice, hardly anybody bothers to count them; the more food is on the table, the more auspicious the next year will be. You at least have to taste everything. This custom derives from the ancient tradition of respect for the fruits of the earth. After dinner, Christmas carols are sung. Many people end the day by attending the Midnight.

 

 

If you are planning a visit to Poland, check these useful links:

- hotels: www.hotel-in-poland.eu, www.polish-hotel.eu
- database of all kinds of objects, from agrotourism to hotels and inns: www.relax.pl
- where to go, what to see…: www.polish-holiday.eu

- some beautiful places in Poland: Sianow (www.sianow.eu), Bielkowo (www.bielkowo.eu)
- tips for travelers: Tips (www.travel-tips.eu), Stories (www.travel-stories.eu), Guide Books (www.guide-books.eu)

 

Other interesting websites: