Polish Christmas
In
Poland many customs, ceremonies and beliefs centre on Christmas Eve. An
important element contributing to its dignified atmosphere are Christmas
decorations, notably a beautifuly adorned Christmas tree. Today it would
be difficult to imagine Christmas without it, although it's one of the
newest traditions.
Another element of the traditional Christmas decorations was sheaves of
wheat and rye, hay and straw. They were supposed to bring good crops and
remind everyone of the poverty in which Jesus was born.
The custom has
survived in the form of a small bunch of hay put under the tablecloth. In
some houses this is accompanied today by money, a fish scale or bone put
into a wallet - all to ensure affluence in the New Year. An extra set of
plates and cutlery is laid on the table for an unexpected guest. Sometimes
an empty plate is a reminder of those who have passed away.
Traditionally, Christmas Eve dinner begins when the first star has
appeared in the sky. First, there is a prayer, sometimes with a passage
from scripture about Jesus's birth. Then the family wishes each other all
the best for the New Year and, as a sign of reconciliation, love,
friendship and peace, share opłatek Christmas wafers that symbolize
holy bread.
The dinner consists only of meatless dishes. Traditionally, there should
be twelve dishes - reflecting the number of months in the year or, in
different interpretation, Christ's apostles.
In practice, hardly anybody bothers to count them; the more food is on the
table, the more auspicious the next year will be. You at least have to
taste everything. This custom derives from the ancient tradition of
respect for the fruits of the earth. After dinner, Christmas carols are
sung. Many people end the day by attending the Midnight Mass known as
Pasterka (the Shepherds' Mass).
