Christmas in Poland

Christmas in Poland, known in thePolish languageasBoże Narodzenie(God's Birth) orGwiazdka(Little Star), is a major annual celebration, as in most countries of theChristian world. The observance ofChristmasinPolanddeveloped gradually over the centuries, beginning in ancient times; combining old Polishpagancustoms with the religious practice introduced after theChristianization of Polandby theCatholic Church. Later influences include the mutual permeating of local traditions, lore, and folk culture. It is one of the most important religious holidays forPoles, who follow strict traditional customs, some of which are not found elsewhere inEurope.
TheDay of Saint Nicholason 6 December is the unofficial beginning of the festive season in Poland.Well-behaved children receive small gifts on the day, whereas naughty children receive a lump of coal or arózgatwig. The highlight of the holiday isChristmas Eveon 24 December;Christmas treesare traditionally decorated and lit in family rooms on the morning of Christmas Eve. The PolishWigiliasupper begins with the appearance of the first star, which corresponds to theStar of Bethlehem. During preparation, hay is spread beneath the tablecloth as a reminder thatJesus Christwas born in amanger.An empty place setting is left symbolically at the table for the Lord or lost wanderer.The supper begins with the breaking of theChristmas wafer(opłatek). The meals must bevegetarian(with the exception of fish) as a sign offastingand twelve different dishes are prepared, thus symbolizing theTwelve Apostles. The celebration ends with the exchange of presents and amidnight massin churches.
Other aspects of Polish Christmas include nativity plays called "Jasełka" or "Herody", outdoornativity scenes, the singing ofcarols, notably "God Is Born" or "Midst Quiet Night", andKulig, a horse-pulled sleigh ride. The tradition of crafting and hand-making ChristmasszopkasinKrakówwas declaredUNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Among the special tasks carried out in private homes duringAdvent(a time of waiting for the celebration of theNativity of Jesus) is the baking of the Christmaspiernik(gingerbread), and the making of Christmas decorations. Pierniks are made in a variety of shapes, including hearts, animals, andSt. Nicholasfigures. St. Nicholas does not play a major role on Christmas Day, but is celebrated on his Saint feast day of December 6. He visits good children in secret and leaves presents for them.
Traditionally, the Christmas trees are decorated with glassbaubles, garlands and many homemadeornamentsincluding painted eggshells, shiny red apples, walnuts, wrapped chocolate shapes, candles, etc.They are lit on Christmas Eve beforeWigilia. At the top of each tree there is a star or a glitteringtree topper. In many homes,sparklersare hung on the branches of the trees for wintery ambiance. Sometimes the trees are left standing until February 2, thefeast dayof St. Mary of the Candle of Lighting.
During Advent and all the way untilEpiphany, or thebaptism of Jesus(day of January 6), the "gwiazdory", or the star carriers walk through the villages. Some of them singcarols; others recite verses or put on "szopki", or "herody" (nativity scenes). The last two customs are inspired by the traditionalmangerscenes or "Jasełka" (crib). One tradition unique to Poland is the sharing of the "opłatek", a thin wafer into which a holy picture is pressed. In the old days, people carried these wafers from house to house wishing their neighbors a Merry Christmas. Nowadays, opłatek is mostly shared with members of the family and immediate neighbors before the Christmas Eve supper (Wigiliain thePolish language). As each person shares pieces of the wafer with another, they are supposed to forgive each other any hurts that have occurred over the past year and wish them happiness in the coming year.
In Poland,Christmas Eveis a day first offasting, then of feasting. TheWigiliafeast begins at the appearance of the first star. There is no red meat served but fish, usuallycarp. The supper, which includes many traditional dishes and desserts can sometimes last for over two hours. It is followed by the exchange of gifts. The next day, theChristmas Day, is often spent visiting friends. In Polish tradition, people combine religion and family closeness at Christmas. Although gift-giving plays a major role in the rituals, the emphasis is placed more on the making of special foods and decorations.
On the night of Christmas Eve, so important is the appearance of the first star in remembrance of theStar of Bethlehem, that it has been given an affectionate name of "the little star" or Gwiazdka (the female counterpart of St. Nicholas). On that evening, children watch the sky anxiously hoping to be the first to cry out, "The star has come!" Only after it appears, the family members sit down to a dinner table.
According to tradition, bits of hay are spread beneath the tablecloth as a reminder that Christ was born in amanger. Others partake in the practice of placing money under the tablecloth for each guest, in order to wish for prosperity in the coming year. Some practice the superstition that an even number of people must be seated around the table. In many homes an empty place setting is symbolically left at the table for theBaby Jesusor, for a lonely wanderer who may be in need of food, or if a deceased relative should come and would like to share in the meal.
The supper begins with the breaking of the opłatek wafer. Everyone at the table breaks off a piece and eats it as a symbol of their unity with Christ. They then share a piece with each family member. A tradition exists among some families to serve twelve different dishes at Wigilia symbolizing theTwelve Apostles, or perhaps, an odd number of dishes for good luck (usually five, seven, or nine).
A traditional Wigilia supper in Poland includes friedcarpandborscht(beetroot soup) or mushroomconsomméwithuszka(tortellini). Carp provides a main component of the Christmas Eve meal across Poland;carpfillet, carp inaspicandgefilte fish. Universal Polish Christmas foods arepierogias well as someherringdishes, and for dessert,makowiecor noodles with poppy seed. Often, there is acompoteof dry fruits for a drink.
The remainder of the evening is given to stories and songs around the Christmas tree. In some areas of the country, children are taught that "The Little Star" brings gifts. As presents are unwrapped, carollers may walk from house to house receiving treats along the way.
Christmas Eve ends with "Pasterka", the Midnight Mass at the local church. The tradition commemorates the arrival of the shepherds to Bethlehem and their paying of respect and bearing witness to the newborn Messiah. The custom of Christmas night liturgy was introduced in the Christian churches after the second half of the5th century. In Poland that custom arrived together with the coming of Christianity.The next day (December 25) begins with the early morning mass followed by daytime masses. According to scripture, the Christmas Day masses are interchangeable allowing for greater flexibility in choosing the religious services by individual parishioners.
Christmas carolsare not celebrated in Poland until during-and-after the Christmas Vigil Mass called "Pasterka" held between 24 and 25 of December.The Christmas season often runs until February 2. The early hymns sung in theCatholic churchwere brought to Poland by theFranciscan Brothersin theMiddle Ages. The early Christmas music was Latin in origin. When the Polish words and melodies started to become popular, including many new secularpastorals(pastoralka, or shepherd's songs), they were not written down originally, but rather taught among people by heart. Notably, the song "God Is Born" (Bóg się rodzi) with lyrics written byFranciszek Karpińskiin 1792 became the Christmas hymn of Poland already in the court of KingStefan Batory. Many of the early Polish carols were collected in 1838 byRev. Mioduszewski[ca;eo;pl]in a book calledPastorałki i Kolędy z Melodiami(Pastorals and Carols with Melodies), including "Midst Quiet Night".
Poland produces some of the finest hand blown glass Christmas ornaments inEurope. Families and collectors value these ornaments for high quality, traditional artwork, and unique decorations.
Polish blown-glass Christmas ornaments are generally manufactured only in the winter season. The modern glass workshops and manufacturers tend to be localized in the southern regions of Poland.