Polish Christmas Traditions and Wishes

Despite being so long under communist law, Poland has always maintained its Christmas intact. The Traditional Christmas Eve Supper (Wigilia), the uniquely Polish Crib , and a host of wonderful Christmas songs and carols have stayed alive in the tormented country with so many pressures on its borders. The following accounts cover the chief elements of the Polish Christmas which have changed little over the ensuing decades.

In the Polish ritual calendar Christmas is celebrated from Christmas Eve until Epiphany. Christmas is a special time in Poland. It is a time of deep feelings and of a behaviour aiming at a renewal of relations between people and a religeous and moral renewal.

Traditionally all of Poland will sit down to their Christmas Eve supper "Wigilia", The Christmas wafer, "Oplatek", will be shared symbolically with everyone. This is the time when our heart-felt prayers go to the Holy Child Iaying in the manger. It is He, who is God's gift of love to us, for only He is the fulfilment of our deepest yearning. He is the giver of peace, love and happiness. We ask the newborn child to bless us all, to teach us to forgive, and most of all to love and be united with each other.

While sharing this mystical bread with you, may I convey my warmest greetings to you all. May the Good Lord fulfil all your wishes and may the peace and love of the Newborn Child descend upon you, and may His Holy Mother protect you and your families at all times. On behalf of all organisations in this Parish may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very blessed and peaceful Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

The Rev. Czesław Osika

Polish Traditions