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In Poland
On Christmas Eve, the whole
family gathers and waits
impatiently for the appearance
of the first star. With its first
gleam, they all approach a
table covered with hay and a
snow-white tablecloth. A
vacant chair and a place
setting are reserved for an
unexpected guest, always
provided for in hospitable
Polish homes.
The first star
Polish customs, especially at Christmas time, are both beautiful and meaningful.
Poles are famous for their hospitality,
especially during Christmas. In
Poland, an additional seat is kept for
somebody unknown at the supper
table. No one should be left alone at
Christmas, so strangers are welcomed
to the Christmas supper. This is to
remind us that Mary and Joseph were
also looking for shelter. In Poland,
several homeless people were
interviewed after Christmas. Some of
them were invited to strangers' houses
for Christmas; others that were not
asked inside the homes but were given
lots of food.
One of the most beautiful and
most revered Polish customs is
the breaking of the oplatek. The
use of the Christmas wafer
(oplatek) is not only by native
Poles in Poland but also by
people of Polish ancestry all
over the world.
The oplatek is a thin wafer made
of flour and water. For table use,
it is white. In Poland, colored
wafers are used to make
Christmas tree decorations.
Sometimes an oplatek is sent in
a greeting card to loved ones
away from home.
Christmas carols, as each element in the
traditions associated with Christmas have
their symbolism. These songs are meant to
symbolize and emphasize the joyful
character of this feast. There is no sad
Christmas songs, they are all happy and
thanks to emphasize the happiness of all
the Christians of the birth of the Saviour.
In contrast to other elements of the
Christmas traditions, carols are popular not
only in Poland. Very many countries have
their own songs. There is also a universal
Christmas carol "Silent Night," which has
been translated into nearly 300 languages.
Christmas carols
Pasterka is the first Mass of Christmas.
It commemorates the vigil praying in
Bethlehem shepherds who looked
forward to the birth of Jesus. In Poland,
is one of the most important Christmas
tradition.
Often, after supper, the whole family
are going to a nearby church for
midnight mass, in order to welcome
Christmas Day. After the first mention
of a shepherdess appeared in the fifth
century, the Roman documents of
ecclesiastical law.
The first crib of Bethlehem
arranged St. Francis. Bethlehem
models each year attract
thousands of visitors. Watching
them makes for a number of
great joy, family arrival of the
stable at Christmas, for many it
has become a tradition. The
most beautiful cribs is famous
Krakow.
Bethlehem models
On the Christmas table
should be 12 meatless
dishes. They symbolize the
12 apostles and 12 months in
the year, and the
consumption of each of them
bring a good fortune and
prosperity for the coming
year.
twelvedishes
Today, the most awaited moment of
Christmas Eve is a time of giving
Christmas gifts. This is one of the
youngest in the tradition of Christmas
Eve in Poland, widespread only in the
nineteenth century., Initially among the
gentry and wealthy middle-class
families, mostly of German origin. In
the country the custom of giving gifts
even in the first half of the twentieth
century. Was rare, and only children
from wealthy families received gifts in
the form of gingerbread, apples and
nuts. Depending on the tradition of
Santa Claus brings gifts (central
Poland), Star (West), white horse szemel
(Warmia and Masuria), an angel
(Greater), the Infant Jesus (Upper
Silesia).
Nobody imagines
Christmas without a
Christmas tree. This
coniferous tree is the most
prominent and ever-
present symbol of
Christmas.
Coniferous tree has long
been a symbol of life and
rebirth. In the Christian
tradition the living tree is
a symbol of Christ as the
source of life. Christ died
on the cross - the tree of
life. Christmas tree refers
to his saving passion,
because its green and
freshness means
everlasting life.
The father or oldest member of the family
reads part of the gospel St. Luke about the
birth of Jesus.
"... Joseph also went up from Galilee, from
the city of Nazareth, to Judeato the city of of
David called Bethlehem, because he was of
the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled
with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
When they were there, the time came for her
to be delivered. And she brought forth her
firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling
clothes, and laid him in a manger, because
there was no place for them in the inn. In that
region there were shepherds in the field,
keeping watch over their flock. Suddenly, an
angel stood before them, the Lord and glory
of the Lord shone around them ... "
Reading of the gospel
NATALIA GUCWA