Discover Poland: Christmas Eve

The History of Christmas Eve

The name of Christmas Eve comes from the Latin word "vigilia", which means "watching" or "guard". This holiday has been celebrated since the first centuries of Christianity! Christmas Eve did not appear permanently in Polish tradition until the 18th century and is still celebrated today.

An inseparable element of this holiday is the Christmas tree, under which there are gifts, which are a symbol of the gifts received by the little Jesus. The Christmas tree appeared in Poland in the 19th century, and this custom came to us from Germany. Christmas trees in Polish homes can be natural (cut fir or spruce) or artificial (plastic) and are decorated with lights and baubles. The Christmas tree itself symbolizes the tree of life, but do you know what Christmas tree decorations symbolize?

The lights, which used to be candles, symbolize the birth of Jesus and bring to mind light. Ball-shaped baubles symbolize the continuity and repetition of human life, rebirth and infinity. Christmas tree chains are a symbol of family unity. Very often, small children and their parents make Christmas tree chains together. They are made by hand by connecting circles of colored paper, tissue paper or straw with glue. The chain must be long so that it can be wrapped around the entire Christmas tree, from the top to the bottom. Only such a chain helped maintain the unity and inseparability of family ties. There must be a star at the top of the Christmas tree. It refers to the Star of Bethlehem, which was followed by the Three Kings - Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar.

Wafer

The most important and recognizable element of Christmas Eve in Poland is sharing the wafer. It begins the Christmas Eve supper, right after prayer and reading a fragment of the Holy Scripture. The custom of sharing the wafer comes from the times of the first Christians, and its roots have religious significance. A real wafer should be made of flour and holy water and be white in color. It is very thin, and on its surface there are embossed figures of Jesus, or Mary and Joseph. The tradition of sharing the wafer involves breaking it into small pieces while exchanging wishes. This gesture symbolizes the mutual wish for peace, happiness and health, and also reminds us of unity in Christ.

Christmas Eve Dinner

To start the Christmas Eve dinner, the first star must appear in the sky. It is a symbol of the star of Bethlehem, which means the birth of Jesus, which the Three Kings saw in the sky. However, the table must be set appropriately beforehand.

There should be a white tablecloth on the table to emphasize the uniqueness of this event. The tradition is putting a handful of hay under the tablecloth, which is to symbolize poverty and the manger in which Jesus was born.

It is also key to set an additional place at the table for an unexpected guest. It is also an expression of remembrance of our loved ones who could not make it to Christmas Eve or a family member who has died.

There should be 12 dishes on the Christmas Eve table, which is to symbolize the 12 apostles. The list of dishes, of course, varies depending on the region and customs, but they are invariably fasting dishes, i.e. those that do not contain meat. Interestingly, before Christmas Eve, there should be a fast, which limits the consumption of meals.

The most popular dishes on the Christmas Eve table include:

Red borscht with dumplings – a soup made from beetroot leaven, served with small dumplings made from flour and water (dumplings) filled with mushrooms and sauerkraut.

Mushroom soup – often an alternative to borscht, it is a soup made from dried mushrooms.

Carp – fish served in various ways, including fried, baked, or in aspic.

Pierogi – dough made from flour and water stuffed with mushrooms, cabbage, and in some regions with groats or cottage cheese and potatoes.

Kutia – a traditional East Slavic dish made from wheat, poppy seeds, nuts, and honey.

Dried fruit compote – a warm drink made from dried fruit (plums, apples, pears).

Makowiec - rolled yeast dough with ground blue poppy seeds.

Sernik - baked dough with cottage cheese, and sometimes additionally with ground blue poppy seeds and raisins.

Ryba po Grecku - fried pieces of fish served with stewed vegetables, e.g. carrots.

Śledzie - fish usually served in oil, together with onion.

Piernik - baked spice dough, usually with the addition of cinnamon, often layered with plum jam.

Kroquettes - pancake dough rolled with a stuffing of mushrooms and onions.

Singing Christmas carols

An inseparable element of Christmas Eve is singing carols. This is a tradition that has a long history in Poland. In some regions of Poland, especially in the countryside, homes are visited by carolers, who sing religious songs and give wishes. Carols are also sung at home, during supper with the family. Many people know them by heart, and the most popular ones are "Silent Night", "Today in Betlejem" and "Lulajże, Jezuniu".

Carols are also sung at the so-called Pasterka, for which families come to local churches. This is a special mass that starts at midnight and thus solemnly begins Christmas.

One special day of the year

Christmas Eve in Poland is a special time full of tradition, symbolism and religious meaning. It gathers families at a common table, where they share the Christmas wafer, exchange wishes and eat traditional dishes. Customs such as the presence of an empty plate, singing carols or preparing 12 dishes have deep roots in Polish culture and beliefs. Although the modern Christmas Eve combines tradition with modern elements, it remains a time of reflection, unity and spending it with loved ones, celebrating love, peace and hope.