“Wigilia” is a family feast and indeed one of the most carefully planned meals of the year. According to tradition hay is put under a white table cloth as a reminder that Christ was born in a manger. There is no meat served during “Wiligia” but food is plentiful and luxurious. Dishes vary between regions but fish dishes, poppy seed cake, beet soup, prune dumplings and noodles with poppy seed are probably most popular. There are twelve dishes served to represent the twelve apostles. Some people serve thirteen to represent Christ with his apostles.
It begins with the breaking of Oplatek, one of the most revered Polish customs. The Oplatek is a thin wafer of unleavened dough stamped with scenes of the Nativity. Everyone at the table breaks off a piece and eats it as a symbol of their unity with Christ. They then wish each other a long life, joy and happiness for the holiday season and the New Year to come.
The Polish are famous for their hospitality, especially at Christmas time. In Poland an extra place is set at the table for the unknown stranger. No one should be left alone at Christmas, so strangers are welcomed to the Christmas table. This is to remind us that Mary and Joseph were also looking for shelter in Bethlehem.
After supper the remainder of the evening is given up to stories and songs around the Christmas tree. They sing koledy(Christmas carols) until time for midnight mass, also known as Pasterka(“The mass of the Shepherds”)
It begins with the breaking of Oplatek, one of the most revered Polish customs. The Oplatek is a thin wafer of unleavened dough stamped with scenes of the Nativity. Everyone at the table breaks off a piece and eats it as a symbol of their unity with Christ. They then wish each other a long life, joy and happiness for the holiday season and the New Year to come.
The Polish are famous for their hospitality, especially at Christmas time. In Poland an extra place is set at the table for the unknown stranger. No one should be left alone at Christmas, so strangers are welcomed to the Christmas table. This is to remind us that Mary and Joseph were also looking for shelter in Bethlehem.
After supper the remainder of the evening is given up to stories and songs around the Christmas tree. They sing koledy(Christmas carols) until time for midnight mass, also known as Pasterka(“The mass of the Shepherds”)
It is strongly believed that whatever occurs on Wigilia(Christmas Eve) has an impact on the incoming year. So if an argument should arise, a quarrelsome and troublesome year will follow. To ensure good luck and to keep evil outside, a branch of mistletoe is hung over the front door. It is time to end old grudges, to forget any ill feelings and exchange good wishes.
The Christmas tree is decorated on Wigilia day and this is a big event for all the children.
In Poland Christmas and Santa Claus are not celebrated at the same time. Santa Claus (Mikolaj) Day is celebrated on December 6th, the feast day of St Nicholas. It is on this day St Nicholas visits some children in person or secretly during the night.
St Stephen’s Day is the Second Holiday and this is the day for visiting friends and exchanging Christmas greetings. When night falls the carollers begin their wandering from home to home. Herody is a popular form of carolling. This is a live performance usually played by twelve young boys who dress in special costumes. These include King Herod, a field marshal, a knight, a soldier, an angel, a devil, death, a Jew, Mary, shepherds and sometimes the Three Kings and an accordionist. They sing carols and perform scenes from King Herod’s life; afterwards they are offered refreshments and given money.
