Customs & Traditions
in Poland
WIECZÓR WIGILIJNY - The Christmas Eve
Poles start to celebrate Christmas on 24th of December. It means that the The Christmas Eve is celebrated
very ceremonially. “Wigilia” is the day before Christmas, the day of preparing and awaiting, it comes from
Latin language and means vigil.
In the past people believed that miracle happen on this day. It was believed that trees have fruits even in
wintertime and animals start to talk to people. It is obligatory to finish all work before sunset because work
during Christmas Eve is not allowed. And – people fast strictly.
After the revelation of the first star on sky (symbolizes the Star of Bethlejem) the family gathers and the
celebration starts. Very important is the table with traditional dishes. On the table normally there is a bit of
hay what symbolizes the hay in the barn in Bethlejem. The family gathers and at midnight all together go to
the midnight mass to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
We celebrate Christmas Eve since the 18th century.
WIGILIJNY OPŁATEK – The Christmas Eve Wafer
Nobody really imagines a traditional Christmas in Poland without the wafer. The
family gathers but before we start to eat we share the wafer (polish – dzielic sie
oplatkiem) It symbolizes the sharing of bread during The Last Supper. In Poland
doing this we say wishes, forgive each other and are friendly. Everybody has to take
one piece of the wafer
UBIERANIE CHOINKI – To decorate the Christmas tree
Before Christmas Eve nearly every polish family buys a Christmas tree and decorates it
colorfully. It is one of the modern customs, it came from Germany on the turn 18th to
19th century. On the beginning, when thre tree was unknown Poles decorated one branch
and put on the celing. It was decorated with red apples, colorfull chains and wafers.
Then similar the first trees were decorated – with nuts, cookies, gingerbread, some art
made of hay, paper and feathers. Today we decorate the tree with Christmas tree
decorations made of glass – angels, tiny shining stars etc. on the top of the tree there is
big star, the decoration is powered by electricity . The tree stays until 6th January.
ŚWIĘTY MIKOLAJ – Santa Claus
In Poland Santa Claus comes on 6th December or on Christmas Eve. Of course he brings gifts, he
leaves them under the Tree. He wears a red kaminsims and he carries a heavy bag full of gifts.
It is not long ago that he came together with a angel and a devil. The angel gave sweets for
the polite kids, and for the bad ones the devil handouted sticks.
KOLĘDA – Carrols
An inseparable part of polish Christmas Tradition is singing of Carrols with religious lyrics
praising the birth of Jesus. The oldest carrols are from 15th century, a the most famous is
“Angel spoke to the shepherds” “Silent night” “Sleep well tiny Jesus” and “God is born” The
carrols are sung after Christmas Eve Supper.
JASELKA – Christmas native play
It is a artistic performance done by children about the birth of Jesus Christ.
A Christmas native play begins usually with the wake up of shepherds by angels. Kids play
the role of the Holy Family standing by the manger, they are shepherds and the Three Kings
with gifts.
A Christmas native play is performed in churches, schools and kindergartens