Christmas Day in Poland ― Date, History, and Details
Christmas Day in Poland may be something you want to learn more about, and we want to help with that.
Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of Christmas Day in Poland and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of Christmas Day in Poland and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Christmas in Poland is celebrated on December 25th, just as it is in many other countries around the world. However, there are some unique traditions that make Christmas in Poland special.
One of the most important traditions is the sharing of the opłatek, a wafer that is blessed during mass and then broken and shared among family and friends. This symbolizes the breaking of bread and the sharing of love and goodwill among those who partake in it.
Another popular tradition is the giving of gifts to loved ones on Christmas Eve, rather than Christmas Day. This is often done after attending mass, and the gifts are often placed under the Christmas tree or in shoes that have been left out for Santa Claus.
Christmas dinner in Poland is typically a large meal, often featuring traditional dishes such as pierogi, kielbasa, and borscht. For dessert, a popular choice is makowiec, a sweet poppyseed cake.
After dinner, many families will attend midnight mass, known as Pasterka. This mass is traditionally followed by the exchanging of more gifts, as well as caroling and singing around the Christmas tree.
All in all, Christmas in Poland is a time for family, friends, food, and faith. It is a time to come together and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, and to enjoy the company of those we hold dear.