What do Polish people call Christmas Eve?

This day is called Wigilia. Wigilia (Polish pronunciation: [viˈɡilʲa]) is the traditional Christmas Eve vigil supper in Poland. People are convinced in the fact that in the way they spend Christmas Eve the whole year will pass.

What do Polish call Christmas Eve?

Wigilia (Polish pronunciation: [vʲiˈɡʲilja]) is the traditional Christmas Eve vigil supper in Poland, held on December 24.

How to wish Christmas Eve in Polish?

Just as you would use Merry Christmas - you could say Wesołych Świąt (literal translation being Happy Holidays in Polish) to all people a few days prior to Christmas Eve and on the first days of Christmas.

Why does Polish have Christmas on 24th?

Many Poles wait until the first star appears in the sky before sitting down to eat family dinner on 24th December. This tradition commemorates the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the Wise Men to the birthplace of Jesus Christ.

Is Christmas Eve a holiday in Poland?

Christmas Eve is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. A traditional Polish Christmas Eve meal with white wafer on top of hay.

How do Polish People Celebrate Christmas?

What happens on the 24th of December in Poland?

The highlight of the holiday is Christmas Eve on 24 December; Christmas trees are traditionally decorated and lit in family rooms on the morning of Christmas Eve. The Polish Wigilia supper begins with the appearance of the first star, which corresponds to the Star of Bethlehem.

Do Polish people work on Christmas Eve?

The lower house of parliament, the Sejm, has approved a bill making Christmas Eve a day off work in Poland, with the changes set to take effect from next year. The legislation would also allow shops to open on three Sundays leading up to Christmas.

Do Polish drink on Christmas Eve?

This dessert is prepared only once a year for Wigilia. As a rule, Poles do not drink alcohol on Christmas Eve. A special compote is made of dried fruits, primarily plums and apricots.

Who is the most famous person in Poland?

Politicians, statesmen and national heroes. Probably the most famous Pole ever, Pope John Paul II was born Karol Jozef Wojtyla in the small town of Wadowice in Poland. By being elected pope by the Catholic Church in 1978, he became the first non-Italian pope in 455 years.

Which countries have Christmas on the 24th?

In Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden and Switzerland, presents are traditionally exchanged on the evening of 24 December. Children are commonly told that presents were brought either by the Christkind (German for Christ child), or by the Weihnachtsmann.

What do Polish eat on Christmas Eve?

Christmas Eve carp: This is a traditional Polish dish that is often served on Christmas Eve. The carp is usually fried or baked and served with horseradish and potatoes. Herring: This traditional Polish dish consists of pickled herring, often served with onion and potatoes.

What is the Polish version of Eve?

Ewa is a feminine given name in Eastern Europe and a feminine given name specifically in Poland, the Polish counterpart of English Eve or Latin Eva.

What do I say on Christmas Eve?

In the UK, people say “Happy Christmas” or “Merry Christmas” on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and sometimes during the earlier part of December. In the US, Australia, and Canada, people usually say “Merry Christmas” on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or other days in December.

Why do Polish not eat meat on Christmas Eve?

Not eating meat

Leaving a chair empty at the Christmas table may be one of the most popular customs, but few people know its interesting history. Christmas in Poland is a pescatarian's dream. In strict keeping with old Catholic tradition, Poles usually abstain from meat and hard liquor on Christmas Eve.

What do Polish people say on Wigilia?

Wigilia. Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia! That is the way to say "Merry Christmas" in Polish. Among Poles, wherever they are, the most beloved and beautiful of all traditional festivities is that of Christmas Eve.

What is the drowning of Marzanna?

An old folk custom that survived in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Lithuania, is drowning (or burning, or both) a straw effigy dressed in female clothes - Marzanna. Marzanna symbolizes death and rebirth of nature. Setting it on fire or drowning it is supposed to chase winter away and make spring come sooner.

What is xmas Eve called in Poland?

This day is called Wigilia. Wigilia (Polish pronunciation: [viˈɡilʲa]) is the traditional Christmas Eve vigil supper in Poland. People are convinced in the fact that in the way they spend Christmas Eve the whole year will pass.

Why do Polish people leave an empty chair on Christmas Eve?

The 12 Dishes of Polish Christmas

One of these rituals was called Obiat. It was a huge feast, celebrated in memory of ancestors and recently-deceased tribe members. A participant would have to sweep their empty chair before sitting at the table to 'excuse' the soul that might be seated on it.

Do Polish people open their presents on Christmas Eve?

Christmas Eve is a bigger day than Christmas Day in many ways, despite being a normal working day for many people. There's a traditional feast eaten after sunset followed by attending church. Kids are usually allowed to open their gifts after dinner.

What do Polish people say on Christmas Eve?

You can add Eve, but few do. Most often used on Christmas Eve, but also on Christmas itself and before, you will see a lot of people wishing each other Wesolych Swiat, when say neighbours meet or even with a cashier at a supermarket.

What happened on 11.11 in Poland?

On November 11, 1918, Poland became a sovereign state after centuries of conflict against German, Austro-Hungarian, and Russian Empires.

Why is Christmas Eve more important than Christmas in Poland?

Poles see Christmas Eve as probably the most important day of the month, because it is the last day to prepare for the arrival of Jesus. Traditionally, it is a day of fasting and meat was not eaten in any form. Christmas Eve is known as Wigilia (pronounced vee-GHEE-lee-uh).

Can I say "Merry Christmas" on 24th?

The festivities begin on December 24, evening, often known as Christmas Eve. But on this day, individuals greet each other with the greeting “Merry Christmas” and not “Happy Christmas”.

What do Catholics say on Christmas Eve?

Other, more simple Christmas Eve prayers also capture the significance of the occasion: “Heavenly Father, we thank You for this day and the many blessings You've given us. Grant us a restful night of sleep as we await the celebration of the birth of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.”

How do I wish my man happy Christmas?