Wigilia - Christmas Eve in Poland
Poland has been a Christian nation since solidifying its statehood through baptism into the Christian faith in 966. Its ties to Christianity and the Roman Catholic Church have remained strong since, and so have traditions relating to the birth of Christ.
On the evening of December 24th Poles gather at Wigilia, a feast shared with friends and family. Traditionally the supper will not begin until sundown, or the appearance of the first star in the night sky. This event symbolizes the star which the Three Wise Men were to follow in order to find the newborn Christ. Christmas Eve in Poland is also referred to as Gwiazdka, or little star, for that reason. The Wigilia table includes many different dishes, some served regionally and some are more universal, however one of the most shared traditions is the opłatek, or wafer. It symbolizes bread, the breaking of which has been a Polish custom for centuries. Often families and friends gather around the table after prayers such as “Our Father” and “Wieczne odpoczywanie" (prayer for the dead), and share the opłatek with one another. It’s common for each person to have their own piece which they break with other family members while expressing well-wishes. Following prayer and opłatek the supper can begin.
Wigilia should include 12 dishes, each of which ought to be tasted by everyone to ensure good fortune in the new year. Straw is placed underneath the tablecloth or in the corners of the room to symbolize the manger in which Jesus was born. Traditional dishes which can be found on the table are Polish borscht (barszcz czerwony) with mushroom-filled dumplings called uszka (little ears), dried fruit kompot, cooked sauerkraut and beans, sauerkraut or cabbage with mushrooms, ćwikła (relish made with cooked grated beets and grated horseradish), chrzan (grated horseradish mixed with eggs or on its own), poppy seed dumplings, pierogi with mushrooms and sauerkraut/cabbage, mushroom soup, and kutia (sweet grain pudding). December 24th is a day of Black Fast, or “post,” during which little or no foods can be eaten until after sundown, and makes Wigilia a dinner which cannot include meat. Fish is the traditional substitute and includes pickled herring and carp. Traditionally the carp is bought a day or two prior and is kept alive until ready to be prepared. It can be served in a variety of ways including breaded carp, Jewish carp, and Greek carp.
Desserts are also an essential part of the evening. Most often Polish cheesecake is served, along with piernik garnished with nuts (soft gingerbread cake), and makowiec (poppy seed cake roll). The most important baked good on the table, however, is bread. It symbolizes life, well-being, and good fortune for the upcoming year.
A practice which can be found in all corners of Poland is the empty place setting at the table. It is an important gesture we make towards those who cannot be with us - those who are traveling, those who have settled far from home, and those who have passed away. They are remembered and acknowledged through this tradition. Equally as important is the symbolism of the empty place setting being ready for any traveler or lonesome person who may show up at our door unexpectedly.
Presents under the Christmas tree don’t wait until Christmas morning. They are opened and shared after supper. Poles often hang candy and apples on the tree as well as an added treat. Unlike many other nations, Poland’s Christmas gifts are not delivered by Santa Clause but rather by Gwiazdor (the star or star-man). Santa Claus does, however, appear during the holiday season and brings a separate set of gifts on December 6th.
The evening ends with Pasterka, or Midnight Mass. The holiday season isn’t over after Wigilia, and is celebrated throughout the month of December and into January. One of the traditions which includes components of Pagan beliefs is Kolędowanie, or caroling, and incorporates a cast of colorful characters and various traditions tied to each of them. You can find the details here.
Wesołych Świąt - Happy Holidays!
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