Poland is a predominantly Catholic nation, so Christmas is celebrated on December 25, just like in the West. Christmas traditions are celebrated both in family settings and in public. With regard to the latter, visitors to Poland can see Christmas trees installed in city squares, such as the Christmas tree in Warsaw. Christmas markets, such as the Krakow Christmas Market, attract visitors during the month of December and sell traditional food, gifts and souvenirs.
Advent in Poland
Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and is a time of religious celebrations and prayer. Special church services mark this time.
Poland’s Christmas Eve (Wigilia) and Christmas Day
In Poland, the traditional Christmas holiday occurs on Christmas Eve, or Wigilia, a day that has the same importance as Christmas Day. Before setting the table, straw or hay is placed under a white tablecloth. An additional place is established for any unexpected visitors, as a reminder that the Holy Family was rejected from the inns in Bethlehem and that those seeking refuge are welcome on this special night.
The traditional Polish Christmas meal consists of 12 dishes, one for each of the 12 apostles. These dishes generally do not have meat, although this restriction does not preclude the preparation of fish. Typically, people look at the first star to appear in the night sky before sitting down to eat. The breaking of the symbolic wafers precedes the meal and everyone shares pieces of the broken wafers.
It is on this day that the Christmas tree is decorated. The Polish Christmas tree can be decorated with gingerbread cut shapes, colored wafers, cookies, fruits, candy, straw ornaments, decorations made from eggshells, or commercially produced ornaments.
The midnight mass is part of the Christmas traditions of Poland. On Christmas Day, Poles will eat a great meal, sometimes with a goose as the centerpiece.
Boxing day
December 26, Boxing Day, is known as Santo Szczepan or Saint Stephen’s Day. Keep up the Christmas celebrations. Traditionally a day to consecrate grain crops, Holy Szczepan is now a day for church services, family visits, and possibly Christmas carols.
Traditional Polish Christmas beliefs and superstitions
Certain beliefs and superstitions surround Christmas in Poland, although these beliefs are often only observed today for fun. It is said that animals can talk on Christmas Eve. The straw placed under the tablecloth can be used for guessing. Old grudges are supposed to be forgiven during Christmas time in Poland. The first person who visits the house will predict future events: a man brings fortune, a woman – misfortune.
Santa Claus in Poland
Santa Claus does not appear on Christmas Eve. The appearance of Santa Claus (Mikolaj) occurs in his place on December 6. The feast of Saint Nicholas is part of the Advent celebrations, which are an integral part of Polish Christmas traditions.
Christmas markets in Poland
Poland’s Christmas markets rival those of Western Europe, particularly Krakow. However, markets in other cities and towns across the country use their central squares and historic places to display Christmas decorations, gifts, and souvenirs. Some of Poland’s best Christmas gifts can be found during this time of year when seasonal products and handicrafts fill vendor stalls. Poland’s diversity in folk art means that finding something special for a loved one, such as ceramics, amber jewelry or wooden figures, will be a matter of choosing from a wide selection.
