Christmas Eve day in Poland is a day of fasting, broken in the evening by the Wigilia (Vigil), or Christmas Eve supper or dinner. The meal is meatless, meant to remind partakers that one must give something up in order to gain something else. The occasion is one that families and friends celebrate together, but it also frequently includes others, especially the lonely, unhappy, or sick, since no one should be left alone on this day. It is customary to set an extra place ready for a stranger who might appear at the door, as a reminder of absent loved ones, or for Jesus as an unexpected guest.
The Wigilia Begins When the First Star is Seen
The meal does not start until the first star of the evening has been spotted, and the family members may compete to be the first to point it out. A white tablecloth is spread over a thin layer of hay, to remember the manger. There are often twelve dishes, for the apostles, or if that is not possible, the number should be an odd one (five, seven, or nine) for good luck. The number of diners should also be an odd number.
The Oplatek, or Christmas Wafer
Before the diners sit down, the traditional Christmas wafer, or Oplatek, is broken. Everyone partakes of a piece and exchanges Christmas greetings, which include good wishes for the coming year. The Oplatek is also known as Anielski Chleb, or Angel Bread, and is similar to the thin, unleavened hosts used at Mass, though it is stamped with religious images. The custom of sharing the Oplatek is almost mystical for many Poles, as it symbolizes family, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Oplatki is often sent to absent family members and close friends, to join symbolically in sharing it with their loved ones far away.
The Christmas Eve Menu
At the dinner, no meat is offered, but herring, carp, or pike may be on the menu. Other traditional dishes include mushroom soup or Christmas Barshch (or borscht) made with beets, cabbage, carrots, and celery. Stewed sauerkraut, often with mushrooms, and hard cooked eggs are also frequently served. Pierogis (Polish filled dumplings) and boiled potatoes are staples at almost any meal, and the pierogis served on Christmas Eve are frequently made with sauerkraut and mushrooms.
Sweets to finish the meal include nut rolls, various kinds of cake, especially poppy seed cake, and dried fruit compote. Participants at the meal are expected to taste some of each dish to avoid bad luck. After the meal the family may gather to sing Polish Christmas carols and exchange gifts, and then attend Midnight Mass at the parish church.
Decorations for the Wigilia
Poles set up Christmas trees in their homes, and decorate them with shiny apples, walnuts, wrapped chocolate shapes, beautiful hand blown glass baubles, and homemade ornaments. Traditional decorations include the pajaki, which are handmade stars and decorated eggshells, and paper chains and cut-paper figures of animals, birds, and fanciful shapes are also made at home. The top of the tree holds a star or other shiny piece. A Nativity Creche will frequently be placed on a table or mantelpiece, and candles may be lighted throughout the house to enhance the festive atmosphere.
Polish Family Traditions
Christmas is the perfect time to explore family roots, and traditional foods and decorations can help bring a sense of history to the celebration. Those interested in exploring Polish genealogy further will find that learning about their grandparents' holiday traditions such as Christmas Eve or the Easter meal, is a rewarding aspect of that study.
Katharine Garstka - Katharine Garstka specializes in genealogical research and in historical and genealogical writing.
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