Polish Christmas Traditions

Although they are not well-known worldwide, Polish Christmas traditions are full of important symbolism. If you have connections to Poland via your ancestry, perhaps incorporating a few Polish Christmas traditions will help you feel more connected to your family's heritage.

Christmas Trees-Polish Style
On Christmas Eve, known as Wiglia, families decorate the Christmas tree and follow traditions introduced in the 1400s. Apples, candies, wrapped chocolates, lights, paper chains, glass ornaments and foil-wrapped chains are the traditional décor of the Christmas tree.

Oplatek
Thin wafers play a part in the Wiglia tradition and are used to reinforce family bonds and express good wishes for the coming year. It is also known as "anielski Chleb," or angel bread. On Christmas Eve, the family gathers around a table covered with a white cloth and straw. The senior member of the family breaks a wafer in half and gives it to his wife. Each person then breaks pieces off the wafer and gives the pieces to other family members. Expressions of joy and long life are exchanged, and the family then enjoys a meatless meal, followed by Christmas carols and a midnight mass.

Holiday Celebrations
The entire season is dedicated to different festivities, beyond celebrating Christmas. Saint Nicholas Day takes place on December 6, when the kindly old saint, known as Swiety Mikolaj in Poland, visits children who have been good and leaves treats and toys. St. Stephen's Day takes place on December 26 and is celebrated with costumed processions and Christmas carols. Many people re-enact the story of the nativity from house to house, and eventually the performers are given money and refreshments.

Szopki
An elaborate nativity scene, known as a szopki, adorns many homes and shops. They can be delicate miniatures or grand life-sized versions and often feature magnificent spires and castle-like features. Most are made of wood with multi-colored foil coverings. Many communities hold competitions and award prizes for the most elaborate.

Holiday Food
Christmas Eve meals are traditionally meatless, but plentiful nonetheless. Fish is a popular main course, and carp is preferred by most. Vegetables are prepared in a variety of ways, such as beet soup, steamed mushrooms and cabbage and sauerkraut with beans. Pierogi, a stuffed dumpling, is also popular, as are noodles and kutia, a boiled wheat dish. Dessert includes honey cakes.