Polish Christmas Traditions, Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve, Wagilia, is an important part of the Polish Chrismas, in fact, the most important rituals are celebrated on this day. The very word Wigilia, which in Poland was formerly known as the day before a feast day is now used only as the day before Christ's birth. The Wigilia supper is so special there is no other like it throughout the year. With cheerful feeling all members of the family partake of the Wigilia supper, which traditionally starts at dusk, when the first star appears. As the day begins to darken and family members ready themselves for the evening meal, a child is sent out to look for the first star in the sky. With the appearance of the first star, the Wigilia meal would begin. A Christmas tree and a manger would have been decorated prior to the meal.

After supper all the family gathers around the christmas tree. They sing Christmas carols and open presents. Traditionally carol singers would go from house to house carrying a great paper star lantern, singing carols. At the end of the evening, everyone would go to midnight mass.

Polish Traditions