Hi there! How are you? Everything okay?
Today I decided to write a little bit about Christmas in Poland.
Why? Because Christmas are already in 10 days! God.. how time flies! It's been a year since the previous Christmas, and it seems like it was just a few weeks ago! I think that Christmas traditions in Poland are interesting and today will be just about them. On the radio for a week are Christmas songs, in shops are Christmas decorations, in cities are already dressed Christmas trees ... all of this made me already in the Christmas mood.
So, how we spend these special days in Poland?
BEFORE CHRISTMAS
For days in advance, people prepares the traditional foods and decorations. In Poland the stores are really busy and crowded before Christmas, everyone want to buy gifts for their friends and family. At every corner street are shiny bulbs, stars, sparkles and all kinds of decorations. Cities are full of their Christmas atmosphere. Before the Christmas Eve the family puts decorstions on a Christmas tree.
CHRISTMAS EVE
Cgristmas Eve is the most holy and meaningful day of the year in Poland.
It's a day of waiting for a Santa Claus and day of celebration of the birth of the Christ Child.
In Polish this day is calleh "Wigilia". Early in the day, the family start preparing the meal, which traditionally consists of twelve meatless dishes, and includes many kinds of fish, beet or mushroom soup, various dishes from cabbage, mushrooms, potatoes, "pierogi", followed by dried fruit compote and pastries for dessert. You need to try all of them if you want to have good lack in the next year.
Polish Christmas tradition requires inviting not only the people we like, but primarily those who are lonely, sick and unhappy. With agreement in this it is customary to set an extra place waiting for lonely traveler who may knock that night on the door, or for the love ones who are far away, but may join their families in spirit.
According to tradition, when the first star appears in the night sky, the meal can finally begin.
Before sitting down at the table, everyone breaks the traditional "Oplatek". This moment is very unique tradition for the Polish people and quintessence of the Polish Christmas. "Oplatek" is known as the bread of love, friendship and forgiveness, person who do not approached the Christmas Eve table without forgiving and forgiveness, without being able to wish everybody well with a whole hart.
After the meal the members of the family sing Polish Christmas Carols called the "koledy" and wait impatiently around the Christmas tree for the gifts to be exchanged.
Christmas Day is very peaceful in Poland. People rest, pray, visit relatives and friends.
This is the day that is meant to be spent with more family.
This is the day that is meant to be spent with more family.
Finally I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8gmARGvPlI
