By Marta Dabrowska
Christmas Eve is the most holy and
meaningful day of the year in Poland. Before Christmas Eve there is an Advent.
It is a time when all families with kids go to daily mass called “roraty”. The
special masses are dedicated to Mary for receiving the good news from the Angel
Gabriel. Kids bring to the mass special candles that are light up just before
the mass, stay lit until the Gloria in excelsis Deo is sung, and light up again
at the end of the Mass.
During Advent, some people also give up
their favorite food, or drinks. People try to be nicer towards others, more
likely to help and dedicate some time to volunteer. Every member of the family,
even kids, are being included with cleaning the whole house. Despite the
freezing weather people still wash their windows and clean carpets.
Traditionally, Christmas Eve day is the day of
fasting and abstinence of meat. Early in that day, the women of the family
start preparing the meal, which traditionally consist of twelve meatless dishes
and include many kinds of fish, beets or mushroom soup, various dishes made
from cabbage, mushrooms or potatoes.
While the meal is being cooked, the men and
children decorate the Christmas tree and set the table. Hay is usually placed
under the tablecloth that reminds nativity of the Godchild. At the supper table
there is an additional seat kept for somebody unknown. Poles believe that no
one should be left alone at Christmas, so stranger and homeless are welcomed to
the Christmas supper. This is to remind us that Mary and Joseph were also
looking for shelter.
When the first star appears in the night sky, the meal can
finally begin. The man of the house reads a reading when Mary and Joseph were
looking for place to stay. Before sitting at the table, father or eldest member
of the family breaks “oplatek” (a thin wafer similar to the one use during the
mass), and exchanges good wishes for health, wealth and happiness in the New
Year. This is very deeply moving moment that often tears of love and joy are
evoked from the family members who are breaking the symbolic bread.
After the meal the members of the family sing Polish
Christmas Carols called “koledy” while children wait around the Christmas tree
for the gifts to be exchanged.
Shortly before midnight, the family gets ready to go to
Midnight Mass (Shepherd’s Mass). There is a custom (believe) that during this
holy night, animals assume voices, but only the innocent of heart may hear
them.
In Poland from Christmas day until the twelfth night,
Carolers (usually kids) walk from house to house, carrying a star on a pole and
a Nativity scene and sing carols. They usually wear folk costumes or dress up
as angels, shepherds or kings.
Beside Christmas Eve, there is a first and second day of
Christmas. On these days cooking and cleaning are not allowed. This time is
dedicated to families that visit each other and exchange Christmas greetings.
There is another Polish tradition where kids at school, churches
and other places reenact the story of the Nativity of Jesus and sing Carols.
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