Twelve-dish Christmas Eve supper

Atwelve-dish Christmas Eve supperis traditionally prepared to commemorateJesus' twelvedisciplesinCentral,NorthernandEastern Europeancultures, especially those that were formerly part of thePolish–Lithuanian Commonwealthand neighbouring countries. The tradition is especially cultivated in modern-dayPoland, where alternatively thirteen meatless dishes on Christmas Eve are sometimes served.
The specific dishes may differ from country to country, but many of them are universal. Due to theNativity Fast, no meat, eggs or milk (including cheese) are allowed during the supper. Thus fish,mushroomsand various types ofgrainare the main offerings.
In Poland, theWigiliasupper begins with eating soups, traditionallymushroom souporbarszcz. The ritual for Catholics and Orthodox Christians in Ukraine is to start withkutia.Kutia,poppy milk(aguonų pienas) together withkūčiukaiare served as a dessert and forms a significant part of the Lithuanian Christmas Eve menu. Poppy seeds are widely used for Christmas Eve dishes, because they symbolise abundance and prosperity. In Poland, it was traditionally believed that the poppy seeds, known for their sleep-inducing power, may have been helpful on the way to the afterlife or as a delicacy for souls who come to earth. Honey, a product produced by bees, which are considered by many to be sacred creatures, was offered as a gift to departed souls.In Ukraine, it was believed thatvarenyky, which are also a symbol of prosperity, with poppy-seed filling when served atUkrainian Sviata Vecheriahave the most magical potential for bringing prosperity and fecundity to the villager.
Regarding the fish dishes, these are usuallyherring,carporpike. In Lithuania, herring (Lithuanian:silkė) dishes are popular and diverse. Usuallysilkė su morkomis(herring with carrots), orsilkė su grybais(herring with mushrooms) are served on Christmas Eve.
Mushrooms, especially dried or pickled, are also one of the main ingredients used in Christmas Eve dishes.Sauerkraut(Polish:kiszona kapusta,Ukrainian:кисла капуста; kysla kapusta) with wild mushrooms orpeas, redborscht, mushroom or fishsoupsare served in Poland and western Ukraine.
Boiled or deep frieddumplings(Polish:pierogi, Ukrainian: вареники,varenyky, Lithuanian:auselės) with a wide variety of fillings (including cabbage or sauerkraut, mushrooms and crushed poppy seeds), are among the most popular dishes.Doughnutsfilled withjam(Polish:pączki,  Ukrainian: пампушки,pampushky) are served for dessert in Poland and western Ukraine, but in Lithuania sweet dishes are not common, as they are believed to be inappropriate for the solemn atmosphere of the evening.
As for beverages, traditionallydried fruitkompotorcranberrykisiel(Lithuanian:spanguolių kisielius) are common. In earlier times oaten kisiel was more common.
There is the whole ritual before the meal begins. Once the first star appears on the sky, each member of the family washes his face, hands and legs in cold water saying: "Be as healthy as this water is." The most brave people go to local rivers or lakes and have a short swim there. After the water procedure is finished, the family goes on with a prayer, often theOur Father.After the prayer the head of the household willanointeach person present withhoney, making thesign of the Crosson their forehead, saying: "In the name of theFatherand of theSonand of theHoly Spirit: may you have sweetness and many good things in life and in the new year."
The Christmas Eve supper is usually held under candlelight and starts in the evening after the first star appears in the sky. The star symbolizes the birth ofJesusin Christian tradition and a soul of deceased ancestors in pre-Christian beliefs. Quiet, dim-lighting, and a somewhat mystical atmosphere is characteristic for Christmas Eve supper.
In Poland, Lithuania and western Ukraine an extra plate and seat are always left at the table. According to the folk beliefs, the spirits of the departed members of the family visit on the night.