Poland is a land of fascinating traditions, superstitions, and legends. Its people have always combined religion and family closeness at Christmas time. Gift giving plays only a minor role in the rituals, emphasis being placed instead on making special food and decorations.

The lucky children of Poland receive presents twice. On St. Nicholas' Day on 6th December and on Christmas Eve.

The highlight of Christmas celebrations in Poland is Christmas Eve as the family watches for the first star of the night in remembrance of the Star of Bethlehem. The moment the star appears, everyone exchanges greetings and good wishes. Families unite for the most carefully planned meal of the year, Wigilia, the Christmas supper which ends a 24-hour fast. The Wigilia derives its name from the Latin word vigilare which means to keep watch or keep vigil.

Christmas Eve tableThe first star in the sky on 24th

December

Christmas trees are decorated with shiny apples, gifts, walnuts, wrapped chocolates in different shapes, homemade decorations and candles and are kept inside and outside homes and churches. At the top of the tree, is a sparkling Christmas ornament, usually a star. Sparklers are hung on the branches of the tree to make it look heavenly. Sometimes, Christmas trees stand as late as 2nd of February.

Traditionally, there is no meat served during Wigilia. Still, the meal is plentiful and luxurious. It begins when the head of the household breaks the Oplatek, a wafer of unleavened dough stamped with scenes of the nativity, and shares with the family (and sometimes, the family's

livestock in the barn).

The remainder of the evening is given to stories and kolędy (carols) around the Christmas tree. Polish Christmas carols are almost all anonymous, having been composed by the people. Their origins date from the fourteen century, many from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. „W Żłobie Leży”, credited with originating in the fourteenth century, is considered the first Polonaise. The most famous carols sung in Poland are : „Cicha Noc”, „Przybieżeli do Betlejem”, „Do Szopy, hej Pasterze”, „Wśród nocnej ciszy”.

In the rural areas carollers(kolędni-cy) go door to door, one carrying a star, one dressed as King Herod, and others as angels and shepherds.

In the days leading up to Christmas Szopka creche competitions are held in Krakow's Market Square. The elaborate and colorful Szopka are constructed to resemble the local architecture and they take hundreds of hours and great patience to complete. It's considered a great honor to be selected for the first prize.

After the competition they can be seen on display in the cathedrals and churches throughout the area.

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Made by Eliza Starz