What is the Polish tradition for Christmas?

Among the traditional Christmas, dishes are Christmas Eve carp, Jewish-style carp, the herring, pierogi, and poppy seed cake. After dinner, people start gifting the presents and singing carols. Poland really loves its Christmas carols. And there are thousands of them.

What are the traditions in Poland?

From drowning ‘winter’ to getting hitched twice, Polish traditions and customs often border on the bizarre but are certainly a highlight to discover.

• The drowning of Marzanna.
• Leaving an empty chair on Christmas eve.
• Kanapki, the open sandwich.
• Poprawiny, a second wedding party.
• Śmigus Dyngus, Wet Monday.

Does Poland celebrate Orthodox Christmas?

Members of the Orthodox and Greek Catholic church in Poland celebrated Christmas Eve on Monday. According to the Julian calendar, the holidays come thirteen days after the Christmas festivities in the Catholic church.

Why do the Polish celebrate Christmas on 24th December?

Many Poles wait until the first star appears in the sky before sitting down to eat on 24th December. This tradition commemorates the Star of Bethlehem, which according to the New Testament guided the Wise Men to the birthplace of Christ.

How do you say Santa Claus in Polish?

9. Polish: Święty Mikołaj (lit. Saint Nicholas)

How does Poland Prepare for Christmas?

The decorations include glass balls, garlands, home-made ornaments and candles, with a star or a tree topper at the top. Fasting – Christmas Eve is a day of fasting, followed by a sumptuous dinner, consisting of 12 traditional dishes, which in most homes starts with the appearance of the first star.

Why do Polish kiss three times?

Women who are acquaintances or good friends may kiss each other three times on alternating cheeks when greeting. Men and women may also do this when they become close friends. Men may kiss the cheeks of their relatives or their female family members’ long-term boyfriend/husband.

How do you say Merry Christmas in Polish?

Starts here2:48How to Say “Merry Christmas” in Polish | Polish Lessons – YouTubeYouTube

What do Polish eat on Christmas Eve?

The Wigilia Supper Fish provides the main dish of the Christmas Eve feast across Poland. There are variations of carp fillet, carp in aspic, gefilte fish (Jewish-style carp), sweet with onions, carrots, almonds and raisins. Accompaniments consist of cabbage, cooked red or Sauerkraut with apple salad.

What does wigilia mean in Poland?

Christmas
Christmas Eve dinner, also known as Wigilia, starts when the first star appears in the sky. Nothing is to be eaten until all members of the family have broken the Christmas wafers (opłatek) together and exchanged wishes for good health and prosperity.

Who brings Christmas presents in Poland?

St Nicholas/Santa Claus
Presents are brought by “Święty Mikołaj” (St Nicholas/Santa Claus), but in some parts of Poland there are different present bringers (because during the 19th century the borders of Poland were different, so people had different traditions).

What is Father Christmas called in Poland?

Saint Nicholas
Every opportunity is good when it comes to gift-giving, and if you have been a good boy or girl, you may expect small presents on December 6th – the official celebration of Saint Nicholas, also known as Santa Claus or Father Christmas.

What is the origin of Christmas in Poland?

The observance of Christmas developed gradually over the centuries, beginning in ancient times; combining old Polish pagan customs with the religious ones introduced after the Christianization of Poland by the Catholic Church. Later influences include the mutual permeating of local traditions and various folk cultures.

What are some Polish Christmas traditions?

Other aspects of Polish Christmas include nativity plays called “Jasełka” or “Herody”, outdoor nativity scenes, the singing of carols, most notably “God Is Born”, and Kulig, a sleigh ride with Saint Nicholas.

Where are Christmas trees placed in Poland?

Other trees are placed in most public areas and outside churches. Christmas in Poland is called “Boże Narodzenie”, which translates to ‘God’s Birth’. The Day of Saint Nicholas on 6 December is the unofficial beginning of the festive season in Poland.

What is the Christmas Eve supper in Poland?

Wigilia, the Christmas Eve supper. In Poland, Christmas Eve is a day first of fasting, then of feasting. The Wigilia feast begins at the appearance of the first star. There is no red meat served but fish, usually carp.