Polish Christmas Traditions, Christmas tree (choinka)
The modern Christmas tree as we know it today came to Poland from Western
Europe towards the end of the 18th century. Initially popular only in town,
it gained popularity with peasants at the end of the 19th century, The first
Christmas trees were decorated with apples, nuts, gingerbread, miniature
loaves of bread and many colourful candles.
The Christmas tree is not only a decorative ornament. It is also deeply symbolic:
- The triangular shape is that of the holy trinity pointing up towards God
- Evergreen means forever eternal and green = life
- Needles grow upwards like hands praising God
- Candles and lights depict heaven and commemorate the souls of the deceased
- Gifts under the tree are symbolic of charity and love
In modern-day Polish homes, both in town and village, Christmas trees are decorated with factory-made colourful glass balls, ribons and tinsel. But on many trees, these decorations are accompanied by the old-style traditional home-made ornaments which have been handed down from generation to generation.
Under the christmas tree presents are laid for family members and friends. These are wrapped in coloured paper and decorated with tinsel and bows. Presents are exchanged and opened after the christmas eve supper.
Po polsku