Christmas in Poland

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Many of the oil painting artists have 10-20 years full time worki (Redirected from Polish Christmas traditions)It does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve it by citing reliable sources. Tagged since May 2007.It may contain original research or unverifiable claims. Tagged since December 2008.It may require general cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. Tagged since October 2006.In Poland, Christmas Eve is a day first of fasting, then of feasting. The feast begins with the appearance of the first star; there is no meat in the feast, and it is followed by the exchange of gifts.The following day is often spent visiting friends. In Polish tradition, people combine religion and family closeness at Christmas time. Although gift giving plays a major role in the rituals, emphasis is placed more on making special foods and decorations.Special tasks carried out during Advent are the baking of the Christmas piernik (gingerbread), and the making of Christmas decorations. Pierniki are made in a variety of shapes, including hearts, animals and St. Nicholas figures. Traditional decorations include the pajaki, which are handmade stars and decorated eggshells.Lit Christmas trees are placed in most public areas, outside churches and in homes. Traditionally the trees are decorated with shiny apples, walnuts, wrapped chocolate shapes, hand blown glass baubles, and many homemade ornaments and candles. On the top of the tree is a star or a glittering top piece. In many homes, sparklers are hung on the branches of the trees for ambiance. Sometimes the trees are left standing until February 2, the feast day of St. Mary of the Candle of Lightning.During Advent, the "Gwiazdory" or star carriers, wander through the towns and villages and this continues until Epiphany. Some of the Gwiazdory sing carols; others recite verses or put on "Szopki" (puppet shows), or "herody" (nativity scenes). The last two customs are developments from traditional manger scenes or "Jaselka" (crib). One tradition unique to Poland is the sharing of the "op?atek", a thin wafer into which is pressed a holy picture. People once carried these op?atki from house to house wishing their neighbors a Merry Christmas. Nowadays, the bread is mostly shared with members of the family and immediate neighbors. As each person shares pieces of the wafer with another person, they are supposed to forgive any hurts that have occurred over the past year and to wish the other person all the happiness in the coming year.On Christmas Eve, so important is the first star of the night that it has been given the affectionate name of "little star" or Gwiazdka, in remembrance of the Star of Bethlehem. On that night, all watch the sky anxiously, hoping to be the first to cry out, "The star!" The moment the star appears, people start eating. Families unite for the most carefully planned meal of the year, Wigilia, the Christmas supper. The Wigilia derives its name from the Latin word vigilare, which means "to watch" or keep vigil.According to tradition, bits of hay are spread beneath the tablecloth as a reminder that Christ was born in a manger. An even number of people must be seated around the table or, tradition states, someone may die in the coming year. Wigilia is a family feast. In some places an empty place setting is symbolically left at the table for the Baby Jesus or for a wanderer who may be in need, or if a deceased relative should come and would like to share in the meal. The meal begins with the breaking of the op?atek. Everyone at the table breaks off a piece and eats it as a symbol of their unity with Christ. They then share a piece with each family member giving good wishes for the following year. There should be twelve dishes, as a symbol of the Twelve Apostles, or an odd number of dishes for good luck (usually five, seven, or nine). Poppy seed cake, beet soup, prune dumplings, carp, herring and noodles with poppy seed are universal Polish Christmas foods. Traditionally, there is no meat eaten on Christmas Eve. Often there is compote of dry fruits. The remainder of the evening is given to stories and songs around the Christmas tree. In some areas of the country, children are taught that "The Little Star" brings the gifts. As presents are wrapped, carolers may walk from house to house, receiving treats along the way.See alsoB si? rodzi Krak szopka Wigilia the Christmas Eve vigil supper Christmas worldwide External linksChristmas in Poland - Polish Tradition Polish Christmas. How to celebrate Christmas in Poland v?d?eChristmasMainChristmas Eve Christmas Day History The Nativity Bringers of gifts Decorations Economics CustomsChristianityNativity of Jesus Nativity of Jesus in art Nativity scene Nativity of Jesus in later culture Jesus Christ Mary Joseph Angel Gabriel Adoration of the Shepherds Three Wise Men Star of...(and so on) To get More information , you can visit some products about Gum Paste Flowers, Chair Seat Cushions, . The Sell Handmade Oil Paintings and Frames products should be show more here!