Christmas is associated with various customs and superstitions. Christmas Eve customs in Poland have a long tradition. Some are older than the Christian tradition. Many of them have more than one meaning. Even for those who do not believe in Christmas Eve traditions, knowing about them can be an interesting addition to the annual Christmas celebrations.
Polish Christmas traditions have been developing since the time of the adaptation of Christianity in our country. Interestingly, some customs and superstitions are even older. All the people of ancient Europe celebrated festivals related to the winter solstice. For people whose lives depended on the rhythm of nature, a very important time of the year was the period when daylight began to come back. Christmas was established on the ancient day of the victory of light over darkness. The Slavs called their holiday Bountiful God or Kolęda. It was probably already then that hay was placed under the plates and divination was made from straws, bread was shared and joyful carols were sung. On this day, on the border of autumn and winter, it was also believed that the passage between the world of the living and the dead was opening. Special dishes were prepared for the spirits associated with the family.
Pagan customs were superimposed on the Christian tradition, which Poles partly share with Christians around the world. Many Polish Christmas traditions, however, are celebrated locally or differently than in other countries.
Describing Christmas Eve traditions, we will mainly talk about the most popular typically Polish customs. Although today we cannot imagine Christmas without a Christmas tree, tuning the whole tree is a late custom adopted from Germany. Instead, we will talk about sharing the wafer or leaving extra space at the table, which is typical for Poland.
12 dishes
Christmas Eve dishes in Poland are fasting, which means they do not contain meat. Although an important element of Christmas dinner is fish. Nowadays, the most popular fish for Christmas Eve is carp. However, this is a recent tradition from the times of the People's Republic of Poland. Previously, these were often river fish, e.g. pike or trout, which were easily available throughout the country. Sea cod or salmon were also prepared as exquisite fish on Christmas Eve.
The key element of Christmas Eve dishes was and still are dishes made from grain plants. Grains of beans, peas, groats, or hemp in the traditional hemp soup were supposed to ensure abundance throughout the year. To this day, you can meet the term "cash for money". A similar role was played by poppy seeds, added to bread and Christmas sweets.
One of the popular superstitions is also the association of poppy seeds with fertility.
Dumplings should be among the dishes. Although they do not have the same symbolism, stuffed mushrooms and cabbage symbolize the rebirth of life, and strength, as well as contact with the world of the dead.
Hay under the tablecloth
A bit of hay must not be missing under the tablecloth or under the plates. It is one of the most typical Christmas Eve customs in Poland. It has several meanings. In a more Christian version, it refers to the birth of Jesus in a stable. However, the symbolism of hay under the tablecloth dates back to pagan times and is associated with pulling out straws. They were supposed to show whether the coming year would be successful. To this day, this custom is cultivated in some regions of Poland. Putting hay under the tablecloth thus combined the pagan symbolism of abundance and the Christian symbolism of Jesus' poverty.
Extra space at the table
During Polish Christmas, there should be no shortage of additional covers. This custom has been explained in several ways. It is most likely associated with the spirits of the ancestors, who are invited to dinner. This allows them to enjoy Christmas Eve dishes without having to organize a separate feast on the grave (which was also a popular custom). Another translation is related to the tradition from the time of the January Uprising. Some explain it more religiously - it is a place for Baby Jesus, whose family did not find a place in the Bethlehem inn.
Sharing the wafer
This is one of the oldest Polish Christmas traditions. It was probably founded in the 10th century. It is also known in Lithuania and Slovakia. The wafer symbolizes family unity, sometimes extended to include pets. It is also a symbol of friendship and love. An important element of the custom is making wishes while sharing the wafer.
caroling
Singing New Year's songs has been known since antiquity. Today, carolling is most often practiced between Christmas and New Year's. Apart from singing, it is also a tradition to dress up as traditional characters (Turoń, Gwiazda). It is associated with superstitions regarding prosperity and fertility in the new year.
Christmas in Poland and around the world
Christmas Eve traditions look very different in different parts of the world. Thanks to the popularity of Hollywood movies, we know those from the USA well. In Protestant homes, roast pork or turkey is served instead of fish on Christmas Eve. Burning pudding is also a popular dish in England.
One of the interesting customs is the Mexican Posada, which is a procession held throughout the week before Christmas Eve. It symbolizes the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Similar customs can be found in other Latin American countries.
If someone is tired of all-day fasting as one of the Christmas Eve customs in Poland, we can say for consolation that some Armenians go on hunger strikes for the whole week before Christmas. After such a fast, they must slowly accustom their stomach to food.
Christmas Eve traditions in Poland reflect the rich history and culture of our country. Even if we do not intend to practice all of them, it is worth knowing their history and meaning.
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