Christmas in Poland Boże Narodzenie. Environmental and Cultural History of the Baltic Sea Region -...

Christmas in Christmas in PolandPoland

Boże NarodzenieBoże Narodzenie

Environmental and Cultural HistoryEnvironmental and Cultural History of the Baltic Sea Region - Comeniu of the Baltic Sea Region - Comenius 2.1s 2.1

The preparations for The preparations for Christmas Christmas

BBegin many days before the egin many days before the actualactual ceremony. People are ceremony. People are cleaning windows in their cleaning windows in their houses and apartments just houses and apartments just before Christmas. before Christmas.

Farmer markets are crowded Farmer markets are crowded with people who want to buy with people who want to buy some rare components for some rare components for Christmas food, Christmas Christmas food, Christmas trees and decorations. trees and decorations.

Some food products can be Some food products can be bought only before Christmas bought only before Christmas since some of Christmas since some of Christmas dishes are prepared only once dishes are prepared only once a year, just for Christmas. a year, just for Christmas.



Certain types of groats or Certain types of groats or seeds are available only seeds are available only during this time of the year during this time of the year and only in the certain and only in the certain regions of Poland where regions of Poland where people used to eat it through people used to eat it through generations. For instance generations. For instance carps are eaten just this carps are eaten just this single day during the year single day during the year (like turkey in the USA during (like turkey in the USA during Thanksgiving). Thanksgiving).



A couple of days before A couple of days before Christmas Eve farmer Christmas Eve farmer markets are changed markets are changed into fish markets with into fish markets with carps and other fish carps and other fish almost everywhere almost everywhere available as alive, fresh available as alive, fresh and frozen. and frozen. Shops are crowded and Shops are crowded and streets of many cities streets of many cities are embellished with are embellished with Christmas decorations, Christmas decorations, Christmas trees, Christmas trees, branches and colorful branches and colorful lights. lights.


Polish Christmas TreePolish Christmas Tree Christmas tree should Christmas tree should

be tall enough to be tall enough to reach a ceiling after it reach a ceiling after it is put on a stand and is put on a stand and topped with a star or topped with a star or a pointed ornament a pointed ornament

Poles decorate the Poles decorate the Christmas tree the Christmas tree the day before Christmas day before Christmas Eve and no earlier Eve and no earlier


Christmas ornamentsChristmas ornaments

Polish Christmas Polish Christmas ornaments derive ornaments derive from a very old from a very old tradition. tradition.

They are usually They are usually mouth-blown, mouth-blown, hand-decorated, hand-decorated, and are very and are very delicate and brittle. delicate and brittle.

They are of They are of different shapes different shapes


Christmas FoodChristmas FoodMany Christmas dishes have Many Christmas dishes have very old tradition. Some very old tradition. Some dishes are made out of dishes are made out of products that are not very products that are not very common to use anymore. common to use anymore. Simply, many dishes are Simply, many dishes are eaten just once a year, for eaten just once a year, for Christmas! Partly because Christmas! Partly because the preparation of dishes is the preparation of dishes is time-consuming, partly time-consuming, partly because some products for because some products for preparation are not easy to preparation are not easy to purchase in any other time purchase in any other time during the year (for instance during the year (for instance carp fish).carp fish).


Christmas FoodChristmas Food

Some Christmas dishes are Some Christmas dishes are common to every family in common to every family in Poland but some are Poland but some are specific only to certain specific only to certain Polish regions. The Polish regions. The traditional Christmas Eve traditional Christmas Eve supper in Poland is still a supper in Poland is still a part of advent because it is part of advent because it is consumed during consumed during Christmas Eve therefore Christmas Eve therefore only fish but no meat is only fish but no meat is allowed. allowed.


Christmas FoodChristmas Food The traditional Christmas Eve The traditional Christmas Eve supper consists of twelve dishes supper consists of twelve dishes representing the twelve months representing the twelve months of the year. No meat is served of the year. No meat is served during the supper, only fishduring the supper, only fish ((usually herring, carp or pikeusually herring, carp or pike)). . In the summary, in spite of such In the summary, in spite of such variety of dishes in different variety of dishes in different regions and among different regions and among different families there are some families there are some similarities, Christmas Eve similarities, Christmas Eve (Wigilia) is meatless. The basic (Wigilia) is meatless. The basic dishes for Christmas contain dishes for Christmas contain fish, mushrooms, sauerkraut, fish, mushrooms, sauerkraut, poppy seeds and dry compote. poppy seeds and dry compote.


OplatekOplatek WWhen everybody is gathered at the hen everybody is gathered at the

table the candles are lit and the lights table the candles are lit and the lights turned off. After the prayer the family turned off. After the prayer the family members share holy wafer (called members share holy wafer (called "oplatek" and blessed by a priest) "oplatek" and blessed by a priest) with each other. It starts with the with each other. It starts with the oldest person, she/he share the oldest person, she/he share the "oplatek" with the rest. "oplatek" with the rest.

Finally when everybody has a piece of Finally when everybody has a piece of oplatek people spontaneously share oplatek people spontaneously share good wishes everybody with good wishes everybody with everybody. This is a right time for everybody. This is a right time for reconciliation and good wishes. The reconciliation and good wishes. The misunderstandings (which misunderstandings (which accumulated during the year), accumulated during the year), injustice, harms and old grudges injustice, harms and old grudges should be forgotten.After sharing the should be forgotten.After sharing the wafer the Christmas Supper finally wafer the Christmas Supper finally begins. begins.


PresentsPresents

Christmas and St.Nicolas Days are not celebrated in the Christmas and St.Nicolas Days are not celebrated in the same time in Poland but three weeks apart. St. Claus (called same time in Poland but three weeks apart. St. Claus (called rather St. Nicolas) Day is celebrated on the December 6th, rather St. Nicolas) Day is celebrated on the December 6th, name-day of St. Nicolas. This is a day when St. Nicolas is name-day of St. Nicolas. This is a day when St. Nicolas is visiting all kids - some children in person during the evening, visiting all kids - some children in person during the evening, some secretly during night. In some regions of Poland only some secretly during night. In some regions of Poland only St. Claus was bringing gifts on the 6th of December. St. Claus was bringing gifts on the 6th of December. Gifts Gifts were not given under Christmas tree during Christmas! were not given under Christmas tree during Christmas!

There is one gift that almost all children in Poland receive There is one gift that almost all children in Poland receive from Santa. It is a birch for beating (Polish, "rózga"). Usually from Santa. It is a birch for beating (Polish, "rózga"). Usually it is attached to the bag with candies and it serves as a it is attached to the bag with candies and it serves as a warning for all kids that if they would not improve their warning for all kids that if they would not improve their behavior the only gift they will receive next year... will be behavior the only gift they will receive next year... will be just a bigger birch and nothing else. But, nobody takes it just a bigger birch and nothing else. But, nobody takes it seriously, although mischievous kids as a rule receive seriously, although mischievous kids as a rule receive usually bigger birches than the good ones.usually bigger birches than the good ones.


CarolsCarols In the Still of the NightIn the Still of the Night Angels from heaven sang a Angels from heaven sang a

thrilling psalm,thrilling psalm,Waking the shepherds from Waking the shepherds from their drowsy calm.their drowsy calm.Rise ye shepherds, hurry Rise ye shepherds, hurry onwards,onwards,Greet the newborn Son of Greet the newborn Son of David,David,King Emmanuel !King Emmanuel !

They found the Savior with They found the Savior with His Mother mild,His Mother mild,Laid in the manger, Infant Laid in the manger, Infant Jesus Child.Jesus Child.Bow ye shepherds to the Bow ye shepherds to the Christ King,Christ King,Bring to Him your humbling Bring to Him your humbling offering,offering,King Emmanuel ! King Emmanuel !


Christmas FoodChristmas FoodOther traditional dishes present among all Other traditional dishes present among all Poles is red borscht (soup from red beets) Poles is red borscht (soup from red beets) with dumplings filled with mushrooms or with dumplings filled with mushrooms or sauerkraut and dried fruit compote (usually sauerkraut and dried fruit compote (usually from prunes). The mushrooms are usually from prunes). The mushrooms are usually from wild-growing species and are dried from wild-growing species and are dried before using as a filling. North from Krakow before using as a filling. North from Krakow people eat white borscht cooked on the people eat white borscht cooked on the essence of mushrooms. essence of mushrooms. In Silesia special soup from hem seeds (Polish In Silesia special soup from hem seeds (Polish "siemie konopne") with kasha (kasza "siemie konopne") with kasha (kasza gryczana) is still popular. This soup called in gryczana) is still popular. This soup called in Silesian dialect "siemieniotka" is very good Silesian dialect "siemieniotka" is very good and revitalizing especially in winter but the and revitalizing especially in winter but the preparation is time-consuming because the preparation is time-consuming because the seeds need to be several times cooked in seeds need to be several times cooked in order to press enough essence (through the order to press enough essence (through the strainer) for soup. strainer) for soup. In another Polish regions fermented rye soup, In another Polish regions fermented rye soup, fish or dry mushroom soup with noodles is fish or dry mushroom soup with noodles is eaten. Another dish consists of sauerkraut eaten. Another dish consists of sauerkraut withwith wild mushrooms or peas.wild mushrooms or peas.


BarszczBarszcz

12 medium beets 1 onion sliced12 medium beets 1 onion sliced1 qt. water juice of 1 lemon1 qt. water juice of 1 lemon1T sugar 2 cups 1T sugar 2 cups vegetable bouillonvegetable bouillonsalt and pepper 1/2 cup sour salt and pepper 1/2 cup sour creamcreamWash and peel beets. Cook beets and Wash and peel beets. Cook beets and onion in water until beets are tender. onion in water until beets are tender. Add lemon juice, sugar, salt and Add lemon juice, sugar, salt and pepper. Leave overnight. Strain and pepper. Leave overnight. Strain and add bouillon. Heat and add sour cream. add bouillon. Heat and add sour cream.


Dough for Pierogi or Dough for Pierogi or UszkaUszka

14 oz of flour14 oz of flour1 egg1 eggpinch of salt pinch of salt lukewarm waterlukewarm waterOn a pastry board mix flour, egg and On a pastry board mix flour, egg and salt, slowly adding water and kneading. salt, slowly adding water and kneading. The dough is ready if it does not stick The dough is ready if it does not stick to the hand or pastry board. Divide to the hand or pastry board. Divide dough into four parts, and roll each one dough into four parts, and roll each one out thinly. With a wine glass cut out out thinly. With a wine glass cut out circles that are 2 - 21/2 in. in diameter. circles that are 2 - 21/2 in. in diameter. (For Uszka, cut out small squares). (For Uszka, cut out small squares). Place a teaspoon of the filling on each Place a teaspoon of the filling on each circle, fold over and press the edges circle, fold over and press the edges firmly. Cook for 5 minutes. firmly. Cook for 5 minutes.


Sauerkraut and Mushroom Sauerkraut and Mushroom Pierogi FillingPierogi Filling

2 cups of sauerkraut 1 cup mushrooms2 cups of sauerkraut 1 cup mushrooms1 onion chopped butter, salt, 1 onion chopped butter, salt, pepperpepperCook sauerkraut for 10 minutes. Drain and Cook sauerkraut for 10 minutes. Drain and chop well. Fry onion and chopped chop well. Fry onion and chopped mushrooms in butter, add sauerkraut and mushrooms in butter, add sauerkraut and fry until flavors are blended. Cool and fill fry until flavors are blended. Cool and fill dough circles.dough circles.


Steps in preparing pierogiSteps in preparing pierogi


Pickled HerringPickled HerringSledzie MarynowaneSledzie Marynowane

3 whole salt herrings 4 peppercorns3 whole salt herrings 4 peppercorns2 large onions chopped 4 whole 2 large onions chopped 4 whole allspiceallspice1 cup vinegar 1 tsp. sugar1 cup vinegar 1 tsp. sugarSoak herrings in cold water for at least 24 Soak herrings in cold water for at least 24 hours changing it every 8 hours or more hours changing it every 8 hours or more often. Remove the milt, skin, bones and often. Remove the milt, skin, bones and cut each herring into 4 pieces. Arrange cut each herring into 4 pieces. Arrange onions and herring in layers in a jar, pour onions and herring in layers in a jar, pour boiled vinegar mixed with sugar. Keep in boiled vinegar mixed with sugar. Keep in cool place overnight. cool place overnight.


Christmas FoodChristmas FoodAmong fish the most popular is carp, Among fish the most popular is carp, sometimes herring or pike. The carp's sometimes herring or pike. The carp's preparation differs in different regions. preparation differs in different regions. In Silesia (Southwest Poland) carp is In Silesia (Southwest Poland) carp is backed with parsley root, in other backed with parsley root, in other regions it is prepared as a fillet, fried, regions it is prepared as a fillet, fried, jellied, in sweet sauce, in beer-almond-jellied, in sweet sauce, in beer-almond-ginger sauce or stuffed. It was already ginger sauce or stuffed. It was already recorded that the usage of water is the recorded that the usage of water is the lowest … just before Christmas since lowest … just before Christmas since carps are occupying Polish bathtubs. carps are occupying Polish bathtubs. Polish carps are cultivated in the Polish carps are cultivated in the special ponds just for this Christmas special ponds just for this Christmas event therefore they are bigger than event therefore they are bigger than the average carps in any other place on the average carps in any other place on the world and supposedly more tasty. the world and supposedly more tasty. Also herring is popular in vinegar and Also herring is popular in vinegar and onion, in crème or vine. Herring in onion, in crème or vine. Herring in vinegar and onions is also typical dish vinegar and onions is also typical dish for Ash Wednesday in Poland.for Ash Wednesday in Poland.


Carp in AspicCarp in AspicKarp w GalarecieKarp w Galarecie

3 lbs. carp 1 T gelatin 3 lbs. carp 1 T gelatin 4 cups vegetable stock 2 T water4 cups vegetable stock 2 T water4 peppercorns 1 egg white 4 peppercorns 1 egg white 3 bay leaves3 bay leavesClean fish. Remove head and clean it. Clean fish. Remove head and clean it. Cook head and spices in vegetable Cook head and spices in vegetable stock for half hour. Strain. Place whole stock for half hour. Strain. Place whole fish in a pan. Cover with strained stock fish in a pan. Cover with strained stock and simmer for half hour until tender. and simmer for half hour until tender. Remove fish and place on a serving Remove fish and place on a serving platter. To clarify stock, add slightly platter. To clarify stock, add slightly beaten egg white and bring to boiling beaten egg white and bring to boiling point, stirring lightly. Strain through point, stirring lightly. Strain through napkin twice. Dissolve gelatin in water, napkin twice. Dissolve gelatin in water, add stock. Pour over the cooled fish. add stock. Pour over the cooled fish. Garnish with carrot rings, hard boiled Garnish with carrot rings, hard boiled eggs, and lemon slices. eggs, and lemon slices.


Christmas FoodChristmas Food

Dessert is different in Dessert is different in different regions. In Silesia different regions. In Silesia dessert consists of dessert consists of poppy poppy cakescakes made of poppy with made of poppy with bagels soaked in milk. In bagels soaked in milk. In eastern Poland eastern Poland kutia kutia (containing poppy seeds, (containing poppy seeds, honey, walnuts, currants, honey, walnuts, currants, figs and dates) figs and dates) - a pudding - a pudding dessert is very popular. dessert is very popular. Somewhere else people eat Somewhere else people eat jelly with cranberries and a jelly with cranberries and a cheesecake. cheesecake.


Steps in preparing Steps in preparing makowiec (1)makowiec (1)


Steps in preparing Steps in preparing makowiec (2)makowiec (2)


Dried Fruit CompotDried Fruit CompotKompot z Owocow Kompot z Owocow

SuszonychSuszonych

1 lb. mixed dried fruit1 lb. mixed dried fruit2 cups of water2 cups of watergrated rind and juice of 1 grated rind and juice of 1 lemonlemon6 whole cloves 6 whole cloves 1 1/2 cups of sugar1 1/2 cups of sugarRinse and soak fruit in 2 cups Rinse and soak fruit in 2 cups of water overnight. Add sugar of water overnight. Add sugar and heat till it dissolved. Add and heat till it dissolved. Add lemon juice, rind and cloves. lemon juice, rind and cloves. Refrigerate. Refrigerate.


PasterkaPasterkaAfter the supper the family usually After the supper the family usually

gather around Christmas tree, the gather around Christmas tree, the gifts are distributed and the carols gifts are distributed and the carols are sung. The last accent of are sung. The last accent of Christmas Eve is usually a Christmas Eve is usually a participation in Christmas mass at participation in Christmas mass at 12 in the church. This mass has a 12 in the church. This mass has a special name "pasterka" which can special name "pasterka" which can be translated into English as a be translated into English as a "Shepherd's Mass". "Shepherd's Mass".

After pasterka people go home and After pasterka people go home and have a glass of hot compote or vine. have a glass of hot compote or vine. They can also eat a traditional Polish They can also eat a traditional Polish hot dish called "bigos" which consist hot dish called "bigos" which consist of sauerkraut and sausage (since it of sauerkraut and sausage (since it is already a Christmas Day and lent is already a Christmas Day and lent time is over). time is over).

On the Christmas Day usually the On the Christmas Day usually the leftovers from Christmas Eve are leftovers from Christmas Eve are eaten. Also ham and meat and spice eaten. Also ham and meat and spice cake (Polish "piernik", German cake (Polish "piernik", German "Lebkuchen") made of flour, honey, "Lebkuchen") made of flour, honey, almonds and other spices enrich the almonds and other spices enrich the Christmas table. Christmas table.


CarolsCarols Jesus, Tiny BabyJesus, Tiny Baby Jesus Blessed wonder,Jesus Blessed wonder,

Lay in lowly manger,Lay in lowly manger,With cold trembling, while With cold trembling, while beside Himbeside HimMother's heart was aching.Mother's heart was aching.

Mary was resourceful,Mary was resourceful,Covered with head shawl,Covered with head shawl,Then with fresh hay Then with fresh hay wrapped Him gentlywrapped Him gentlyKept him warm on this Kept him warm on this day.day.

Jesus had no cradle,Jesus had no cradle,Nor a downy pillow,Nor a downy pillow,So in small crib Mary So in small crib Mary placed Him placed Him On hay, soft and mellow. On hay, soft and mellow.


SzopkiSzopki A long-time tradition in Poland A long-time tradition in Poland

during the Christmas season is the during the Christmas season is the building of "Szopki" (pronounced building of "Szopki" (pronounced shop-key). Szopka is a nativity shop-key). Szopka is a nativity scene, usually more elaborated scene, usually more elaborated and ornamented than the real and ornamented than the real place where Jesus was born. place where Jesus was born.

The tradition of szopka reaches The tradition of szopka reaches the 13th century. Krakow became the 13th century. Krakow became a place of the competition among a place of the competition among szopka builders since 1937. The szopka builders since 1937. The awards are distributed in different awards are distributed in different categories (depending on size). categories (depending on size). Many szopka's are highly priced Many szopka's are highly priced and sold immediately abroad after and sold immediately abroad after the competition. the competition.


ChristmasChristmas Days Days

During the first and second day During the first and second day of Christmas usually shops are of Christmas usually shops are closed also the main museums, closed also the main museums, theatres and so on do not work. theatres and so on do not work. There are hundreds of churches, There are hundreds of churches, almost all in a walking distance almost all in a walking distance one from the other. People just one from the other. People just walk from the church to church walk from the church to church and visit the nativity scenes in and visit the nativity scenes in numerous churches in the old numerous churches in the old town especially since the town especially since the nativity scenes are not open to nativity scenes are not open to the public until the Christmas the public until the Christmas day. day.

Christmas in Poland Boże Narodzenie. Environmental and Cultural History of the Baltic Sea Region -...

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