Christmas Eve is the most holy and meaningful day of the year in Poland. It is a day of waiting for and celebration of the birth of the Christ Child. Wigilia comes from the Latin word “VIGILIARE’’ which means to wait.
Early in the day, the women of the family start preparing the meal which traditionally consists of twelve meatless dishes symbolizing the Twelve Apostles.
Typical dishes include:
- barszcz wigilijny z uszkami (Christmas Eve borscht with mushroom uszka dumplings)
- carp in aspic
- herring (sledze)
- breaded whitefish
- meatless cabbage rolls (golabki)
- and noodles with poppyseed
- kutia, a kind of gruel with cracked wheat and honey
Desserts might include nuts, tangerines, chocolates, makowiec (poppyseed roll), mazurek (a jam-filled flat pastry), piernik (honey-spice cake), pierniczki (gingerbread cookies), kompot (fruit compote), cognac, liqueurs, mead and krupnik (a honey-spiced vodka).
While the meal is being cooked, the men and children decorate the Christmas tree and set the table.
Hay is usually placed in the corners of the room and on the tablecloth, recalling Christ’s humble birth in a stable.
An extra place setting is added in memory of those who are not able to join the family for Wigilia.
Traditionally, the Christmas trees are decorated with glass baubles, garlands and many homemade ornaments including gingerbread cookies, painted eggshells, shiny red apples, walnuts, wrapped chocolate shapes, candles, etc. They are lit on Christmas Eve before Wigilia.
When the first star appears in the sky, the meal can finally begin. A prayer is said first and then the family members share the oplatek and exchange wishes. Sharing of the oplatek is the most ancient and beloved of all Christmas traditions. Oplatek is a thin wafer made of flour and water, similar in taste to the hosts that are used for communion during Mass.
Everyone at the table breaks off a piece and eats it as a symbol of their unity with Christ. They then share a piece with each family member. Wishes for peace and prosperity are exchanged and even the pets and farm animals are given a piece of oplatek on Christmas Eve. Legends said that they will be able to speak in human voices at midnight.
After Wigilia, the family gathers under the tree, to exchange gifts and sing carols. Shortly before midnight, the family gets ready to go to Midnight Mass called Pasterka which means Shepherd’s Mass. When Jesus was born ,only humble shepherds came to adore him and to spread good news.
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