TOP 3 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CHRISTMAS IN POLAND.
Introduction
The bells of Christmas usually start to ring at the beginning of December all over the world. In some places, right after the Black Friday Sales. However, In Poland the Christmas feelings and vibes start shortly after the celebration of All Saint’s and All souls in Poland Nov 1st and Nov 2nd. To this, many people are of the opinion that the Christmas feeling starts too early that at the mid of December the high longing and excitements are far expressed than expected. Will this stop? I guess not because it allows the marketers more time to sell their products and more time for people to plan for this special holiday. Also, it’s important to note that this is strongly connected to the ancient Polish culture where Advent usually begins on the 11th of Nov – feast of St Albert.[1]Obviously, Poland is regarded as one of the top Catholic Countries in the world[2] and as such, some of their practices and cultures could be traced to the early Christian traditions intertwined in rich Catholic traditions. Remarkably, the recent statistics from GUS has shown that the proportion of Catholics in Poland has fallen to 71% in the late 2023 census.[3] Be that as it may, it’s important to mention that Poland is a home to All irrespective of race, colour, and descent.
What can one look at for in Poland during the Christmas? Are there some exciting places to see or visit? Which food or dishes are traditional in Polish homes in Christmas? Of course, the author is not a Polish citizen but most of the sources have been derived from true stories and independent research.
History
The first records mentioning Christmas celebration in Poland dates to 25 December 354. This day was not chosen by mistake. It was supposed to supersede a different Slavic feast called the Birthday of the Invincible Sun to celebrate the Mitre god.[4]
Christmas is sometimes called The Great Feast or the Nuptial Feast. The word “nuptial” refers to “nuptials” which was a Slavic wedding custom. The 25th day of December had in fact been celebrated as the day of nuptials, until Christianity appeared on Polish soil.[5]
With the advent of Christianity in Poland, Christmas traditions began to take a different dimension and turns out to what we have till date.
Image Credit: European Best Destinations.
Tradition and customs are integral part of people’s identity. However, as time progresses some cultures are either modified or slightly stop to exist. This is no different with Polish traditions in Christmas. Thus, the author has decided to categorize this beautiful tradition into two namely, Massively Observed till date and Slow-to-extinct.
A. Massively Observed Till Date:
I. Christmas Decorations
Christmas vibes and feelings springs in with Christmas decorations all over the cities and in homes. The beautiful Christmas tunes begin to fill in the minds and horizons of all corners ranging from the shops, parks, restaurants, and public places.
Decoration of homes with Christmas tree or (Choinka) is must-do in most Polish homes. Such other important items to be added to the decorations is the mistletoe – Jemioła, baubles, lights, bells, etc.
Christmas presents or gifts are usually wrapped and kept under this beautiful decorated tree.
II.
Christmas EveChristmas Eve or Vigilia is the most important part of Christmas for the Poles. On this day, all members of families come together at the dinner table. Many Polish people try to have 12 dishes on the table. It should be 12 according to the number of apostles or months in the year. Most of the dishes served are cooked specifically for this special day, and only once a year.
Also, on this day, it’s important to mention that the Poles abstain from eating meat and drinking alcohol.
III. Opłatek
Opłatek as popularly called in Polish is derived from a Latin word oblatum – “Sacrificial gift”. It is a very thin usually white known as wafers. There can never be a Christmas eve without an Opłatek.
On this day, they share this bread into small pieces or sizes and walk up to each other exchanging wishes for the upcoming new year. At the end of each wish to the other, each person cuts some pieces from the other’s wafer and eat, and the cycle continues until one must have met with the whole family or all present in the Christmas Eve Dinner.
This not only shows the Christian value of unity but great reconciliation medium as everyone walks towards a new path in a new year.
Image credit: ORSZAK GROUP.
IV.
Advent Wreath
In Old Polish times, Advent lasted forty days but nowadays Advent comprises of four (4) Sundays that culminates on Christmas eve. It is the period that precedes the nativity of Christ and included the preparation for Christmas. Traditionally, the Poles go to the church with an advent wreath comprising of four candles which symbolizes four weeks of waiting for Christmas.
V. Advent Calendar
During the Advent season, most families design a calendar of regular activity/habit to excitedly wait for Christmas while instilling some sense of discipline in their wards. While this was obtainable for many age groups in the past, it is now more common among kids and teenagers. Such activities like taking one chocolate each day, reading one chapter of the bible each day, reading a book weekly and many more are parts of the top observable activities.
VI. Empty Seat and empty plate at the dinner table on Vigilia
On the Christmas Eve, Poles usually keep an empty seat and empty plate for an unexpected guest. Although, the origin of this practice is somewhat complicated, but the symbolism is far enriching. Poles believe that a “guest at home is God at home” and as such they ensure to keep extra items. This also goes a long way to showcase how hospitable the Poles are.
B. Slow-to-Extinct:
I. Roraty
Among many other traditions linked to Christmas traditions in Poland, Roraty is one of the not-still-practiced traditions by many.
Throughout Advent, many people in Poland participate in an early morning Mass called Roraty. It begins just before sunrise in almost complete darkness in the church. Roraty is a kind of daily Advent vigil ceremony. The people wait in darkness not only for the rising of the sun but ultimately for the return of the Son of God, so beautifully symbolized by dawn’s first light.[6]
Firstly, it is important to mention that this custom or tradition is not widely practiced now, but some families still observe this. On Christmas eve, Polish people do not eat or begin the official dinner until the first star appears on the sky. This is usually watched by the children in the family.
III. Pasterka
After the dinner on Christmas eve in most Polish homes, everyone proceeds to the church for the mid-night mass. While greater percentage of Poles still maintain this tradition till date, some others no longer attend the mass at mid-night but will rather attend the next morning, the first day of Christmas.
There are a lot of tasty local dishes but the below are more synonymous with Christmas in Poland; Kutia, Pierogi, Gołąbki, Makowiec Poppyseed Cake -, Pierniki, śledź, Kompot, Karp, Grzybowa, Bigos-Polish Stew, Ryba-fish, Fried carp, barszcz-Beetroot soup, donuts etc.
Christmas is a joyful season all over the world, however Christmas in Poland is more enriching with beautiful cultural elements. Christmas is a magical moment to share and express joy and happiness with your loved ones. When next you are making plans for Christmas, do add Poland in your bucket list and I bet it would remain a memorable Christmas you would ever celebrate.
Merry Christmas – Wesołych Świat! ❤️
[1] Old Polish Christmas Traditions, Online Source: https://www.elfisanta.com/old-polish-christmas-traditions/?srsltid=AfmBOoo6unbe0dFhZFsIH9uxNQUntz04V-gZ6YY0Qsn3SbHleugURH24 , assessed on 22.12.2024, 07:20 GMT.
[2] Highest Catholic Population by Country, Online source: https://wisevoter.com/country-rankings/highest-catholic-population-by-country/ assessed on 21.12.2024, 10:36 GMT.
[3] Online Source: https://notesfrompoland.com/2023/09/29/proportion-of-catholics-in-poland-falls-to-71-new-census-data-show/, assessed on 21.12.2024, 07:00 GMT.
[4] Old Polish Christmas Traditions, Online Source: https://www.elfisanta.com/old-polish-christmas-traditions/?srsltid=AfmBOoo6unbe0dFhZFsIH9uxNQUntz04V-gZ6YY0Qsn3SbHleugURH24 , assessed on 22.12.2024, 07:00 GMT.
[5] IBID.
In Old Polish times, Advent lasted forty days but nowadays Advent comprises of four (4) Sundays that culminates on Christmas eve. It is the period that precedes the nativity of Christ and included the preparation for Christmas. Traditionally, the Poles go to the church with an advent wreath comprising of four candles which symbolizes four weeks of waiting for Christmas.
V. Advent Calendar
During the Advent season, most families design a calendar of regular activity/habit to excitedly wait for Christmas while instilling some sense of discipline in their wards. While this was obtainable for many age groups in the past, it is now more common among kids and teenagers. Such activities like taking one chocolate each day, reading one chapter of the bible each day, reading a book weekly and many more are parts of the top observable activities.
VI. Empty Seat and empty plate at the dinner table on Vigilia
On the Christmas Eve, Poles usually keep an empty seat and empty plate for an unexpected guest. Although, the origin of this practice is somewhat complicated, but the symbolism is far enriching. Poles believe that a “guest at home is God at home” and as such they ensure to keep extra items. This also goes a long way to showcase how hospitable the Poles are.
B. Slow-to-Extinct:
I. Roraty
Among many other traditions linked to Christmas traditions in Poland, Roraty is one of the not-still-practiced traditions by many.
Throughout Advent, many people in Poland participate in an early morning Mass called Roraty. It begins just before sunrise in almost complete darkness in the church. Roraty is a kind of daily Advent vigil ceremony. The people wait in darkness not only for the rising of the sun but ultimately for the return of the Son of God, so beautifully symbolized by dawn’s first light.[6]
II. When the First Star Appears in the Sky.
Firstly, it is important to mention that this custom or tradition is not widely practiced now, but some families still observe this. On Christmas eve, Polish people do not eat or begin the official dinner until the first star appears on the sky. This is usually watched by the children in the family.
III. Pasterka
After the dinner on Christmas eve in most Polish homes, everyone proceeds to the church for the mid-night mass. While greater percentage of Poles still maintain this tradition till date, some others no longer attend the mass at mid-night but will rather attend the next morning, the first day of Christmas.
2. Food
Image Credit: Polish Observer.
One of the most entertaining parts of Christmas all over the world is the food part of it. Poles have a unique tradition of ensuring there are 12 dishes on Christmas dinner and in order to be lucky in all the months in the upcoming year, one should at least eat a bit of all the 12 twelve dishes.There are a lot of tasty local dishes but the below are more synonymous with Christmas in Poland; Kutia, Pierogi, Gołąbki, Makowiec Poppyseed Cake -, Pierniki, śledź, Kompot, Karp, Grzybowa, Bigos-Polish Stew, Ryba-fish, Fried carp, barszcz-Beetroot soup, donuts etc.
Finally, it is important to mention that it is forbidden to have meat on the table at Christmas dinner. So, the Poles prepare assorted kinds of fishes on this day.
3. Things to do and where to visit:
Are you planning to visit Poland during Christmas, or you are living in Poland and yet wondering where to go or what to see? Below are the list of places or activities you can do in Poland during Christmas.- You may consider taking a walk in Warsaw old town and admire the Christmas decorations. (best time to visit is in the evening so you could see the illumination of all the lights).
- Visit the Wilanów Palace and Flora point in Warsaw.
- Plan a visit to the biggest cities in Poland such as Krakow, Wroclaw, Gdansk as they have the best Christmas decorations.
- Plan to go on Ice-skating at the Polish Mountains – Zakopane or Bieszczady.
Conclusion:
Christmas is a joyful season all over the world, however Christmas in Poland is more enriching with beautiful cultural elements. Christmas is a magical moment to share and express joy and happiness with your loved ones. When next you are making plans for Christmas, do add Poland in your bucket list and I bet it would remain a memorable Christmas you would ever celebrate.
Merry Christmas – Wesołych Świat! ❤️
[1] Old Polish Christmas Traditions, Online Source: https://www.elfisanta.com/old-polish-christmas-traditions/?srsltid=AfmBOoo6unbe0dFhZFsIH9uxNQUntz04V-gZ6YY0Qsn3SbHleugURH24 , assessed on 22.12.2024, 07:20 GMT.
[2] Highest Catholic Population by Country, Online source: https://wisevoter.com/country-rankings/highest-catholic-population-by-country/ assessed on 21.12.2024, 10:36 GMT.
[3] Online Source: https://notesfrompoland.com/2023/09/29/proportion-of-catholics-in-poland-falls-to-71-new-census-data-show/, assessed on 21.12.2024, 07:00 GMT.
[4] Old Polish Christmas Traditions, Online Source: https://www.elfisanta.com/old-polish-christmas-traditions/?srsltid=AfmBOoo6unbe0dFhZFsIH9uxNQUntz04V-gZ6YY0Qsn3SbHleugURH24 , assessed on 22.12.2024, 07:00 GMT.
[5] IBID.
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