Christmas is a time of family atmosphere with a lot of presents and joy. In every country, however, it is celebrated differently. How is it in Poland? Let's find out! In Poland the main day of celebration is the 24th of December when Wigilia (Christmas Eve) takes place. During this day, whole families gather at the tables. Christmas Eve starts when the first star appears on the sky – that is because of the symbolic reference to the Bethlehem star which heralded the birth of Christ. Before families start eating, they usually share opłatek (Christmas wafer) and make each other wishes. Afterwards, they sit at the table and start the Christmas Eve's dinner.
On the table you can usually find twelve meatless (since Christmas Eve is the last day of Nativity Fast) dishes which differ regionally, Christmas decorations and also bundles of hay below the white tablecloth. What dishes we will find on Christmas Eve? To the most popular ones we can include: red borscht with uszka (little dumplings), carp, herrings, pierogi (dumplings) with cabbage and mushrooms, kutia, poppy seed cake or dried fruit compote. Be sure that you will try them all because according to the beliefs, this will bring you happiness and prosperity during the upcoming year. When everyone has finished eating, it’s time for Christmas gifts and Christmas carols. Then at midnight starts Pasterka (midnight Mass).
Nowadays we prepare twelve dishes which symbolizes twelve apostles, however it wasn't always like this. In old times it was believed that an odd number of dishes should be placed on the table. This number differed depending on the family status. Eleven dishes were served in the aristocratic manors whereas seven in the less wealthy households.
Christmas Eve, as a special time in the year, was also a subject to many beliefs and superstitions. In the XIX century it was believed that during this special night, it is possible to behold the person who died in the previous year. There was also belief that during Christmas Eve, souls of the dead appear at the table. For those incomers, dwellers left the additional free space at the table. This custom still exists today in a form of free place-setting for unexpected guest as a symbol of hospitality.
If you want to be rich in the upcoming year you simply need to carry carp's scale in your wallet during the whole year. Christmas Eve is also a great time to speak with your dog, cat or other animals since it is believed that during this night animals speak human voice. There were lots of beliefs with some more popular than others but also a lot of them survived. Many people still say that as Christmas Eve is as the whole new year will be. So be sure to show kindness to others and avoid quarrels on this very special day.
Author: Krzysiek Rafa