December 2023
Polish Christmas Traditions to Treasure & Share
Poland has a rich and diverse set of Christmas traditions, blending both religious and folk customs that continue to be celebrated within Polish families around the world. Here are just some that many of us, young and old, continue to treasure:
Wigilia (Christmas Eve):
This is the most important day of the Christmas season within Polish families. The main Christmas meal, known as Wigilia, is served in the evening. The meal traditionally begins with the breaking of opłatek, a thin, unleavened wafer, which is shared among family members with wishes for the upcoming year.
Twelve Dishes:
The Wigilia feast consists of twelve meatless dishes, symbolizing the twelve apostles. Common dishes include pierogi (dumplings), barszcz (beetroot soup), and various fish dishes.
Candlelit Christmas Tree:
After the Wigilia meal, families exchange gifts. Many Polish households decorate their Christmas trees with candles. While electric lights have become more common for safety reasons, some families still use real candles to decorate the tree, a tradition that dates back to the 19th century.
Midnight Mass:
Attending Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is a widespread tradition. The Pasterka, or Shepherds' Mass, is a beautiful and solemn celebration of the birth of Jesus.
Caroling (Kolędy):
Singing traditional Christmas carols, known as kolędy, is a cherished tradition. Groups of carolers often go from house to house, singing and spreading festive cheer.
Szopka Krakowska:
In Krakow, there is a unique tradition of creating elaborate nativity scenes called Szopka Krakowska. These are colorful and intricate displays featuring miniature figures and buildings, often made from materials like paper, wood, and clay.
Santa Claus (Mikołaj):
While the Western tradition of Santa Claus has become more popular, in Poland, gifts are traditionally brought by Gwiazdor (Star Man) or Aniołek (Little Angel) on Christmas Eve.
St. Nicholas Day (Mikołajki):
Celebrated on December 6th, St. Nicholas Day is a time when children receive small gifts and sweets from St. Nicholas, often left in their shoes.
Opłatek in the Hay:
In some regions, it is a tradition to take a piece of the Christmas wafer (opłatek) and place it in the hay under the tablecloth or under the table. It is believed that this gesture brings prosperity and good fortune to the household.
Kutia:
This is a traditional Christmas dish made from wheat, poppy seeds, honey, and sometimes nuts. It is symbolic and is often the first dish served during the Wigilia meal.
These traditions vary across regions in Poland, and, therefore, within families across the world with roots in various regions of Poland, but they all contribute to a festive and meaningful Christmas celebration.
The Officers & Directors of the PACCF extend warm wishes to you and your families for a Blessed & Merry Christmas & a New Year filled with Peace and Prosperity!
Help for Ukraine
The Republic of Poland has opened its hearts and arms to welcome its brothers and sisters to give them refuge. To date, there are now over 3,000,000 displaced citizens from Ukraine in Poland. With the atrocities of the Russian army bombing schools, apartment buildings, hospitals, and towns, numerous numbers of Ukrainian civilians are being hurt or killed in the conflict. During the conflict, it is always the most vulnerable - who suffer the most.
The Polish American Congress Charitable Foundation is doing its part as well by donating $100,000.00 to assist our brothers and sisters in Poland to continue this great humanitarian mission they have chosen. If you would like to help, donations can be made directly to:
Visit our website and click the "Donate" tab here