Christmas Traditions in Poland
Poland is a predominately Catholic nation, so Christmas is celebrated on December 25, just like in the West. Christmas traditions are celebrated in both the family setting and publicly. With regards to the latter, visitors to Poland can see Christmas trees set up in town squares, like the
Christmas tree in Warsaw. Christmas markets, like the
Krakow Christmas Market attract visitors during the month of December and sell traditional foods, gifts, and souvenirs.
Poland's Christmas Eve: Wigilia
In Poland, the traditional Christmas feast occurs on Christmas Eve, or Wigilia, a day that holds equal importance with Christmas Day. Before the table is set, straw or hay is placed under a white tablecloth. An extra place is set for any unexpected visitor, as a reminder that the Holy family was turned away from inns in Bethlehem and that those seeking shelter are welcome on this special night.
The traditional Polish Christmas meal consists of 12 dishes, one for each of the 12 apostles. These dishes are usually meatless, though this restriction does not exclude the preparation of fish. Typically, people watch for the first star to appear in the night sky before sitting down to eat. The breaking of symbolic wafers precedes the meal and everyone shares pieces of the broken wafers.
It is on this day that the Christmas tree is decorated. The Polish Christmas tree can be decorated with shapes cut from gingerbread, colored wafers, cookies, fruit, candy, straw ornaments, decorations made from eggshells, or commercially produced ornaments.
Midnight mass is a part of Poland's Christmas traditions. On Christmas Day, Poles will eat a large meal, usually with a goose as the centerpiece.
Traditional Polish Christmas Beliefs and Superstitions
Certain beliefs and superstitions surround Christmastime in Poland, though these beliefs are often only observed for fun today. Animals are said to be able to speak on Christmas Eve. The straw placed under the table cloth can be used for fortune telling. Old grudges are supposed to be forgiven during Christmas time in Poland. The first person to visit the house will predict future events – a man brings fortune, a woman, misfortune.
Santa Claus in Poland
Santa Claus does not appear on Christmas Eve. The appearance of Santa Claus (Mikolaj) happens instead on December 6. The feast of St. Nicholas is a part of the Advent celebrations, which are also a very important part of Polish Christmas Traditions.
