Christmas in Poland 

It is the favourite and most eagerly awaited holiday in the year. It takes times from 24 December to 26 December. This is the unique time when people try to be kind, friendly and generous to one another.They seem to forgot all their problems, quarrels and just enjoy being together.

Christmas is preceded by many days of preparation. Streets are lit by coloured lamps, shops are full of people buying presents, choosing Christmas cards, Christmas trees and set up in every home and decorated with sparkling tinsel, candles, chains and trinkets. The atmosphere of excitement and expectation can be felt almost everywhere.

The day 24 December- WIGILIA  preceding Christmas Eve is a unique one. It is believed that everything that might happen on it might influence the whole year to come.

The moment everyone waits for, is Christmas Eve 24 December. When the first star appears in the sky , all the family ( grandparents, parents, children, grandchildren ) take seats at the Christmas table. Sometimes there are 15 people. It depends how big is the family.The hosted family doesn’t forget about leaving an empty place for an unexpected guest. The table is covered with white tablecloth.

Another custom is the number of dishes. Traditionally should be twelve of them and they must be tasted. Absolutely, no meat. The most popular dishes are red borsch with mushrooms ravioli, sour cabbage  with mushrooms, fried and cold fish (usually carp) , a lot of other kind of fish, pierogi with sauerkraut, golabki with rice and mushrooms,  poppy- seed cake, a drink prepared from dry plums. Before the family starts eating all its members  share the Holy Wafer with Christmas wishes.

There is also the custom of giving presents and everyone may find something nice under the Christmas tree at this night. At midnight many people go to church to attend a special Holy Mass called Pasterka during which Christmas carols are sung. This night is miraculous  because it is believed that animals can speak with human voices.

The first day of Christmas 25 December is usually spent at home. Work is forbidden.At that day carol-singers dressed as an angel, a devil, King Herod or Death visit people’s houses. They sing carols and play various scenes from the Bible.

The second day of Christmas 26 December is spent in a different way.People pay and receive visits , spend much time at the table talking, eating, drinking and singing carols. From that day the Carnival begins.

Christmas for Polish people is not only the yearly celebration of the birth of  Jesus Christ but also the most familiar , traditional and joyful time of happiness and reconciliation. The birth of Jesus Christ is regarded as a kind of symbol  which heralds the days of peace and love.

Christmas Celebration at School

Christmas Cribs in Poland