Customs and traditions of Christmas in Poland

Christmas is preceded by a period of Advent, a time of joyful expectation for the coming of the Lord. To adopt the habits of Advent should include participation of the faithful in the Mass celebrated at dawn roratnich dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Historically, in some regions of the country was a popular custom of braiding Advent wreath. On the first Sunday of Advent, was suspended from the ceiling in rooms wreath made of branches and decorated with choiny red ribbons. On the one candle lit wreath in each subsequent Sunday added another. Another custom falling in the season of Advent is the gift giving to children on St.. Nicholas (6 December). Gifts are usually put under the pillow or the shoes. Christmas Eve is one of the best Polish family Christmas. Large role in creating a festive atmosphere plays a decorated apartment. In all houses, beautiful Christmas tree reigns supreme. When all the dishes are already prepared, start store for the table. This involves, among others with a specific custom-laying under the tablecloth for each person of dried fish scales, hay or small coins, which after the feast, each of those present at the supper carefully hides the "purse" for the whole year does not run out of money. White tablecloth - snowy whiteness, covering the surface of the table. The most beautiful crockery and cutlery. On a white plate with a napkin or Christmas wafers are made. Table is decorated with boughs of Christmas trees, adorned with colored decorations. On the table is preparing additional cover, designed for stray wanderer. Empty plate is also an expression of remembrance of loved ones who have departed. Under the Christmas tree is made up gifts for loved ones.Christmas Eve meal is preceded by reading the passage of the Gospel according to Luke. Luke about the birth of Jesus. Then they all household members share the wafer and make a wish. Christmas wafer is typically Polish tradition. It symbolizes universal reconciliation and brotherhood. Christmas table is set with the brim with delicious home themselves. Most of their 12 cooks, because so many months of the year. It can be found at, among others: pea soup, other than the usual almond soup, or mushroom or bean. After drinking the soup with vegetables cooked carp polanego butter with bread or fried carp with butter and potatoes. Poppy-heads are a real delicacy. Drawn depending on the region: the milk or water, with rolls or biscuits with raisins and poppy seeds and honey, or earlier depending on the wealth of home with the same poppy, rolls, milk and sugar. After the poppy capsules is time consuming moczki. There are the dried plums, apples, pears, raisins, and rarity - dried figs. Part of the evening was the Christmas and singing carols przy Christmas crib. Songs that tell of the birth of Jesus we have a lot of Polish tradition. Ends on Christmas Eve Midnight Mass-Mass is celebrated in churches, exactly at midnight. Christmas is the most solemn holidays in our tradition. Christmas, which we all look forward with longing. Holidays, to which we prepare for a long and carefully. These are the days when we devote more time and warmth to your family, relatives and strangers.