In some places an empty place setting is left at the table for the Infant Jesus. Traditionally, there is no meat served during Wigilia. Still, the meal is plentiful and luxurious. It begins with the breaking of the Oplatek , a semi-transparent 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.
Custom prescribes that the number of dishes in the meal be odd, nine or eleven.
An even number would eliminate any hope of an increase in wealth, children or anything desirable. Though the dishes vary between regions, certain items are found almost everywhere. Poppy seed cake, beet soup, prune dumplings and noodles with poppy seed are universally Polish. Often there is a compote of twelve fruits in honor of the Apostles. After supper, family and guests stay at the table until, at a signal from the host, they all rise in unison and leave.