On the first day of spring, many rural parts of Poland still celebrate the … It's a time when people try to be peaceful and remember the real reason for Christmas. Jan 26, 2020 - Explore PATRICIA KENYON's board "Polish Christmas Traditions", followed by 177 people on Pinterest. She is a current board member of Generation Wheeling, also chairing the organization’s Work Committee. Let’s fast forward to the last hour of Poland Christmas Eve. Another one of my favorite Christmas traditions is our Polish/Lithuanian Oplatek Christmas Tradition. Dishes served on the 24th are made only once a year and the recipes used to make them are often family secrets that are passed down from generation to generation. The oplatek tradition begins in early Christian times, and Polish people compare it a non-sacramental sharing of the Holy Eucharist (Host), the unleavened bread consecrated into the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. Here is the example of Christmas wishes in Polish: Wesołych Świąt Bożego Narodzenia!Życzę Ci wszystkiego co najlepsze, dużo zdrowia, szczęścia i uśmiechu na każdy dzień. My name is Karolina, I was born and raised in Poland. No surprise here, during winter time they can really warm you up. Polish Regional Dress. 3. You can have it fried, flooded in aspic, or baked. , We guess eating too much is another Christmas tradition, all over the world, haha. On December 6th, they are bringing the gifts to the school and leave it in a classroom. By the 1890s, Wheeling had become a booming multicultural hub, as many left Southern and Eastern Europe looking for work in the area’s steel mills, coal mines and other labor industries. Last but not least- kompot z suszu. Do you have any questions about the Christmas in Poland? But he left a huge bag with presents for all of us! The main part of Wigilia is a solemn, family sup… Polish Christmas Customs. Wild mushroom soup {Zupa grzybowa} Wigilia (Polish pronunciation: [viˈɡilʲa]) is the traditional Christmas Eve vigil supper in Poland, held on December 24. Religion plays a huge part in Polish celebrations, as about 80% of Poles are Catholics. My family believes that the way you spend your Christmas Eve determines your whole year. The answer is simple- poverty. It doesn’t really matter- carp is a traditional Polish Christmas food and you can find it at every home during Polish Christmas Eve dinner. After Polish Xmas Eve Dinner, it’s time for unpacking gifts. What’s the Wheeling Celtic Celebration All About? Polish Christmas Eve. My mission is to show you the beauty of Poland and help you plan your trip! One way or another, it’s always served with uszka (tiny dumplings filled with dried mushrooms). Loneliness is the worst thing that could happen to anyone during Polish Christmas, that’s why there will always be one free place at the table at every home, just in case someone will come, uninvited. Last year Chase helped us to roll out the dough and started learning the system we have for making perfect pierogis.”, (Pictured: Front – Luca Guzzi Rear – Brittany Guzzi, Brandi Rose, Karen Rose and Chase Guzzi). You just need to put dried fruits (apples, pears, plums, apricots) to the big pot, add water, sugar, boil… and that’s it! Most people can imagine holidays in Poland without Santa and snow but spending time all alone- impossible! Wheeling resident Brandi Rose can trace her Polish lineage back five generations to when her great-great grandparents came to the city from Poland and settled in South Wheeling. Some people give up their favorite foods or drinks and parties and discos are not widely held. Feel free to ask me or simply comment below! In the evening, young people usually hang out and party! One thing you need to remember for sure, arrive with an empty stomach. Why carp no any other fish? The drink is served cold. Small cities like Torun in central Poland, the birthplace of astronomer … Nobody works and everybody spends time with their families. What Are The Most Popular Christmas Wishes In Polish. Polish Customs and Traditions . Christmas is probably the most important holiday for the Polish people. Then our parents opened the door and he was no longer there. Some of the most important Polish traditions for Christmas are centered around this special evening. It was important for her to keep using that affectionate term in our family.”. Poles are really into soups. They are all mixed together. Oplatek (pronounced Opwatek) is a thin unleavened wafer similar to the host that you get at church. • Wheeling native Jennifer Materkoski is a graduate of West Liberty University and Kent State University, where she earned a master’s degree in journalism and mass communications. By continuing to use this site you agree to the use of cookies. Breaking the Oplatek, which is very similar to the communion bread in the Roman Catholic Church, symbolizes the exchange of good wishes for health, wealth and happiness in the New Year. Both of them are related to Wigilia (Christmas Eve), which is a very important day in Poland during Christmas. Advent in Poland. Carp was relatively easy to breed, that’s why it became so popular. (Part 4), Bridge Street Middle School Black History Month Event, Genealogical Research – Using the U. S. Census (Part 3), New Partnership Seeks to Elevate Hospitality in Wheeling, Genealogical Research – Finding Birth, Death, and Marriage Records (Part 2), Twain Never Said ''Good As News' Keeps Me Informed', Martha Leos: 40 Years as a Wheeling Seamstress & Tailor, Add This Wheeling Icon To Your Holiday Mailing List, Haunting Tales from a Local Paranormal Investigator, Boiled Tongue and Pine Apple Cheese? As you might know, Poland is a very religious country. The night before is called ‘Wigilia’ and the three week period prior to the Christmas celebrations is called Advent. 11.14.17. World War II destroyed Poland completely, including the fishing fleet. Christmas Polish food is festive, very traditional and exceptionally good. Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and is a time of … Many traditions and customs originate from Christianity. Merry Christmas!I wish you all the best: health, happiness, and smile for every day of your life. Interesting read. Sometimes you can also find apple, onion, or leek there. My hubby’s family are Polish but we live in Australia. The second most popular fish that you can try during traditional Polish Christmas dinner. Rose says the Wigilia traditions carried on by her family today help her feel connected to her great-grandmother. All Saints’ Day is especially spectacular in Poland. It’s believed that it brings luck for each of the months in the upcoming year. Polish Christmas Mushroom Soup is made of dried mushrooms. It’s nice to experience such a cultural difference. Depending on the home, zurek z grzybami may be replaced with the red borscht. I hope the upcoming year will bring you only bright moments and joy. Families gather together to share some memorable moments, exchange presents and follow Polish Christmas traditions. The meal, consisting of Polish staples, begins when the first star appears in the eastern sky, commemorating the birth of Christ. The Oplatek Tradition and Christmas. Thanksgiving is not celebrated in Poland, however, Saint Nicholas is coming really fast in here. Poles don’t eat meat and aren’t supposed to drink alcohol on Christmas Eve. Myth or Legend: Wheeling’s Flatwoods Monster. Although kapusta z grochem may be eaten throughout the year, it’s the most popular during Christmas in Poland. It’s the time when we say sorry for our mistakes and say thank you for everything that was good. Wise. “I can remember the sights and sounds and faces of long ago. The person who will find it will have money throughout the upcoming year. Polish National Anthem (Jeszcze Polska Nie … In some houses, people would pick some straw and wrap it around fruit trees in the orchard to ensure good harvests in the next year. Each year, Rose and some of her family members get together in the weeks before the holiday for their annual “Pierogi Making Day.” Together they make two kinds of pierogi – one filled with potato and cheese and the other filled with cottage cheese and onion – and now the tradition includes the family’s youngest generation. When you spend Christmas in Poland, traditions vary slightly, depending on the family, so Christmas Eve is different for every household. Thank you Holly! What Are The Most Popular Polish Christmas Carols? The most important thing during the whole day is Wieczerza Wigilijna (Polish Christmas Eve Dinner). Christmas starts when it’s dark outside. It’s almost always served with onions. Polish Beet Soup. Polish Christian Holidays Surrounding Christmas St. Nicholas Day, December 6 — Mikołajki (mee-koh-WHY-kee) On this day in Poland, youngsters are visited by Święty Mikołaj (St. Nicholas), a figure dressed in a purple and gold robe, wearing a cape and bishop’s hat, and carrying a … Spending traditional Christmas in Poland means that at the beginning you pray and share oplatek – the Polish Christmas wafer (little flat bread) with every member of the family. The term is often applied to the whole of Christmas Eve, extending further to Pasterka - midnight Mass, held in Roman Catholic churches all over Poland and in Polish communities worldwide at or before midnight. See more ideas about polish christmas, polish christmas traditions, polish recipes. It’s the only traditional Polish Christmas drink on this list. You can find lovely mountain cottages in the Tatra Mountains to truly feel the Christmas spirit! Christmas in Poland: Polish traditions, presents, money, and Santa. Before beginning her current role as director of communications and employee engagement for a global business process outsourcing firm, Jennifer worked in local media and non-profit communications. If you don’t have time for a long read, here are the most important Polish Christmas customs in a nutshell. Christmas Holidays commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. The Polish tradition included placing straw bundles in corners of rooms, in particular, in rooms in which the Christmas Eve celebration took place. Kompot z suszu is super easy to make. So much food! Spending traditional Christmas in Poland means that at the beginning you pray and share oplatek – the Polish Christmas wafer (little flat bread) with every member of the family. “My Polish heritage and the traditions we have are so important to me because they bring our family closer and tie us to family who have since passed on,” said Rose. Don't mistake this soup for Russian beet borscht. If you spend money on Christmas Eve, you’ll do it all year (–> you will be wealthy enough). I love pierogi, I could have just those if they could be made vegan? When he was knocking at the door, we started to squeal with joy. Depending on your preferences, you can add cinnamon, cloves, and raisins to it for a more spicy taste. The "oplatek tradition," as a Christmas custom originated and spread widely throughout Poland as far back as the 17th century. Christmas Eve in Poland, known as Wigilia, has some very beautiful traditions. It’s time when most Poles go to the midnight mass (Pasterka) that lasts about 90 minutes. After the mass, young people play pranks on their neighbors by taking off gates from their hinges. Tradition calls for 12 traditional courses to be served during the Polish Christmas Eve. Although there are some traditions that developed just in Poland and have nothing to do with religion. Merry Christmas Franca . I remember when I was a kid and together with my cousins we’ve been waiting for the Santa to come. When it comes to Christmas traditions Poland is quite similar to other countries, so most people around the world that celebrate Christmas are probably familiar with this tradition. The Most Important Polish Christmas Customs. It’s quite fun guessing who you got the gift from! It is a magical time when everyone seems so much happier. People try not to have excess of anything. On this day, Poles reunite with family members to honor the deceased … The Christmas wafer is shared before Wigilia, the Christmas Eve supper. https://culture.pl/en/article/polish-christmas-eve-traditions All of the dishes are handmade and completely satisfying. So we are trying to be calm, relaxed, not fight with each other and of course… go shopping! “One of my favorite things in the world is walking into my mom’s house on Christmas Eve now,” said Rose. Poles usually put some hay under the tablecloth to commemorate the birth of Christ in the stable. The observance of Christmas developed gradually over the centuries, beginning in ancient times; combining old Polish pagan customs with the religious ones introduced after the Christianization of Poland by the Catholic Church. It’s the most popular Slavic salad that is eaten not only for Christmas but all year long. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Polish Customs, Traditions, & Folklore is organized by months beginning with December and Advent, St. Nicholas Day, the Wigilia (Christmas Eve) nativity plays, caroling and then New Year celebrations. That’s great that you are still celebrating Polish traditions :). Have you ever tried Polish Christmas food? But in the past, … Kutia is popular not only in Poland but also in neighboring countries such as Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus. Then on Christmas Eve, the father was killing it with a knife. All wishes are personal. It begins when the first star appears in the sky. At the top of the tree a star is placed. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window). Mikolajki, December 6th, is a day when Santa is giving presents to kids and adults all over the country. Polish Christmas traditions related to this beautiful family festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ have been observed with reverence for generations. It tastes amazing and to be honest, it’s different in every home. The Christmas wafer is something unique to Poland, Lithuania, and Slovakia. At the traditional Wigilia table, an additional place is set for the “wandering stranger.” Stemming from the ancient Polish adage, “A guest in the home is God in the home,” the extra place is laid at the table so that any unexpected guest that arrives during Wigilia can join in the feast. Christmas Wafer - Oplatek Sharing of the oplatek (pronounced opwatek) is the most ancient and beloved of all Polish Christmas traditions. Being in Poland at Christmas isn’t just serious, it also involves a lot of fun and games! Polish Folk Art. On December 24th, the appearance of the first star on the sky marks the beginning of one of the most beautiful evenings in the year. Polish Christmas trees are traditionally decorated with garlands, fruit, wrapped chocolate, candles, painted eggshells, and other homemade ornaments. On Christmas Day, Poles are simply spending their time with families. Polish Christmas is something everyone should experience, at least once. It’s quite popular to hide 1 grosz (small coin) inside one of the dumplings. It is one of the most important religious holidays for Poles, who follow a somewhat Cabbage with beans is usually served with bread smeared with butter. And finally- poppy seeds dishes. How does it taste? The first one is usually served warm, whereas the second one is always cold. Many Poles still stick to the old tradition and continue with consuming meatless dishes only on Christmas Eve. Even though I’ve been to 50+ countries in the world I’ve never hesitated to make Poland my base! All Saints' and All Souls' Day. “We have a fantastic recipe that was perfected over the years, and we have a great method for making, freezing, and reheating them so that the pierogis are still fresh and delicious for Christmas Eve dinner,” Rose said. Hi, In Poland, Advent is the beginning of Christmas Time. The custom is quite popular in schools- kids draw each other’s names a few weeks before Mikolajki. All Saints’ Day. While its Soviet … One thing that all kapusta z grochem have in common is the strong, sour taste. What’s the difference between the carp and the herring? My version of barszcz has evolved a bit over the years, since getting real Polish wild mushrooms was challenging, and the strict rules on eating meat on Christmas Eve loosened. Christmas in Poland is a major annual celebration, as in most countries of the Christian world. Have great holidays guys! When you think about Christmas in Poland the second thought should always be “family”. “I can never remember a time when the Polish culture was not in my life,” Rose said. Zakopane is really awesome, especially at winter time. : A 1852 McLure House Dinner Menu, Mary B. Greene: The Ohio River’s Leading Lady (Part 2), Mary B. Greene: The Ohio River’s Leading Lady (Part 1), Lunch With Books Program Sheds New Light on Historic African American Leaders of Jim Crow Wheeling, 'Frankenstein at 200' Celebration Continues at West Liberty University, Your Guide to Socially-Distant Getaways Near Wheeling, Community Needs Assessment Partnership Enters Next Phase, Wheeling Celtic Celebration is Going Virtual, WATCH: The Before & After Building Restoration of Mugshots Coffee Shop, Children of Wheeling Share Their Letters to Santa, Weelunk Writers Share Their Favorite Traditions, Seafood Traditions: Coleman’s Fish Market and the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Polish tradition also says that during Christmas we should serve things like herring in cream and oil, carp (the most popular fish during Christmas), pierogi, borscht, etc! Well, they speak more accurately, kids are getting presents again that day. 25th December – Christmas Day, holiday. They are eating, caroling, watching TV, and enjoying the new gifts on this most wonderful day! Candles, or sparklers in some homes, are positioned on the Christmas tree and lit on Christmas Eve. You can read more about Polish Christmas gifts ideas here. In Patryk’s home, Christmas Eve is a normal day until the evening.
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