December 2024
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.
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 2025 filled with Peace and Prosperity!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PACCF makes a significant donation to Caritas Polska for Flood Victim Relief
In response to the severe flooding in Poland and other Central and Eastern European countries, that has ravaged many areas since mid-September, the PACCF Board of Directors held a Special Emergency Meeting on October 10, 2024. By unanimous vote and consent, a donation in the amount of $ 100,000 U.S. has been made to Caritas Polska, with the stipulation that the funds must be used for flood relief efforts in Poland, as provided in our Mission Statement.
As an organization, we are proud to partner with Caritas, to provide relief to those most in need at this critical time.
The true spirit of Giving as we near the blessed Christmas holidays.