Christmas Around the World Series: in Poland
En Pologne, la fête de Christmas prend une signification familiale et religieuse. Les cadeaux sont distribués aux enfants le 24 décembre au soir, mais les adultes fêtent davantage le lendemain, jour convivial par excellence. On se couche tard puisque, le 26, tout le monde a congé!
Traditions
In the past, children waited for St. Nicholas to distribute their gifts, but today it is said that it is "the lucky star" who brings the gifts to the foot of the tree when the children have been good.
Before the Christmas meal, small hosts are shared by breaking them into small pieces. Each piece must be accompanied by a wish (health, love, happiness, or something else). Since the Poles would never dream of skipping Christmas Mass, the churches are filled and there is an atmosphere of both reverence and jubilation.
While the meal on the 24th is rather frugal (no meat), the one on the 25th is a real feast of gluttony! The table usually presents 12 different dishes (in reference to the 12 apostles). Jewish-style carp and stuffed turkey are always part of the menu. The hymns sung together are one of the essential traditions at New Year's Eve.
In Poland, on Christmas Day, people get up early to maintain, according to custom, strength and health throughout the year. They should also avoid lying down during the day, as this could attract illness and poor harvests. They should also not borrow money at Christmas, so as not to cause a loss of property in the months that follow. Finally, in the countryside, all agricultural work must be completed by noon; the rest of the day is spent decorating the house with woven wreaths and decorated tree branches.
