CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS OF POLAND

The first star in the Christmas Eve sky signals the beginning of the Wigilia (Christmas Eve) celebration. Before the Christmas Eve meal is served, the head of the house distributes an oplatki (peace wafer) symbolizing friendship and peace. A straw-strewn place setting is reserved for the humble Christ. Decorations include an elaborate creche and choinka (Christmas tree), straw stars, and colorful wycinanki (paper cut-outs). Often young men carry a lighted star on a pole to Pasterka (Shepherd’s Mass) at midnight.

Add comment December 24th, 2008