What do Polish say on Christmas Eve?

So, to start things off safe: 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.

What do Polish people say at Christmas?

In Polish Happy/Merry Christmas is 'Wesołych Świąt'.

What is the traditional Polish 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. Therefore, they try to make this day really fabulous and warm.

What is the Polish word for Christmas Eve dinner?

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

How do people in Poland greet each other on Christmas?

In Polish, Merry Christmas is 'Wesołych Świąt'! You better know this phrase as everyone will be using it during Christmas! And lastly – should you celebrate it – wishing you all very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Why Poland is Divided

What do they call Santa in Poland?

Whilst Święty Mikołaj (Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus) still remains the most widespread, families in some parts of Poland recognise visits from Gwiazdor ('Starman'), Dziadek Mróz (Grandfather Frost), Aniołek (the Angel), Dzieciątko (the child) and Gwiazdka (star).

Do Polish people drink on Christmas Eve?

As a rule, Poles do not drink alcohol on Christmas Eve. A special compote is made of dried fruits, primarily plums and apricots. This tastes quite unusual and is unpalatable for some; however, it somehow always seems tasty when eaten at Christmas.

Why do Polish not eat meat on Christmas Eve?

You'll notice that meat is missing – during the Wigilia dinner, we don't eat meat (besides fish). This is a Polish pagan tradition, not a Catholic tradition, which reminds us of the fruits of the earth, forests, and water that primarily fed our ancestors (Dziura 38).

Why do Polish people eat mushroom soup on Christmas Eve?

The 12 dishes traditionally served on Christmas Eve symbolise the months of the year or 12 apostles. Trying and tasting all of them – from the savoury wild mushrooms, beetroot soups and sour cabbage stews to the sweet honey-laced poppyseed desserts and gingerbread – is said to bring luck.

How many dishes are served on a Polish Christmas Eve?

Wigilia, the centuries-old Christmas Eve vigil marked in Poland and by Christians of Polish descent everywhere, is a celebration steeped in symbolism. First, dinner must consist of 12 dishes, all of them meatless. Second, an extra chair should stand at the table.

Why do Polish people eat fish on Christmas Eve?

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. However, wine and fish are acceptable, and the latter is abundantly featured in traditional dishes.

What do Polish eat at Christmas?

What is the Polish tradition of breaking bread on Christmas Eve?

' " The wife breaks off a piece of the oplatek and eats it. She then reciprocates the good wishes and shares the wafer with her husband. And the ceremonial sharing of wafer and good wishes continues with older relatives, guests and children, starting with the oldest.

What does the Polish word Wigilia mean?

“Wigilia,” meaning to wait (for the Christ child) and celebrated on Christmas Eve, is the most symbolic Polish family celebration of the year.

What is the Polish tradition of the empty chair?

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.

Why do Polish eat carp at Christmas?

As Poland is more than 80 per cent Catholic, the Wigilia meal is meat-free with a main course of fish, most famously carp, which is meant to bring good fortune.

Is Christmas Eve big in Poland?

For Poles, Christmas Eve is one of the most important holidays, and, of course, is mostly just about eating. And Poles take their festive food very seriously. An old tradition has it that a 12-dish Christmas Eve dinner is a must.

What happens on the 6th of December in Poland?

The Day of Saint Nicholas on 6 December is the unofficial beginning of the festive season in Poland. Well-behaved children receive small gifts on the day, whereas naughty children receive a lump of coal or a twig, called "rózga".

Who brings gifts for Christmas in Poland?

Święty Mikołaj (Santa Claus)

Of course Santa Claus. Poles celebrate Saint Nicholas Day on 6th December. And on this day traditionally Santa Claus brings gifts to the children.

What is a traditional Polish breakfast?

The most popular Polish breakfast food are open-face sandwiches featuring slices of hard cheese, cold cuts, tomatoes and cucumbers. Also eaten are different style eggs (soft and hard boiled, fried, scrambled, etc.), pot cheese with radish and chives or honey or jam served with fresh bread and rolls.

What are 5 interesting facts about Poland?

Why do we eat 12 on Christmas Eve?

A twelve-dish Christmas Eve supper is traditionally prepared to commemorate Jesus' twelve disciples in Central, Northern and Eastern European cultures, especially those that were formerly part of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth and neighbouring countries.