Poland's Santa

by Przemek
[ He is a student of European Affairs in Poland ]


We have a religious holiday, All Saints' Day, in Poland on the 1st of Nov. During this day you go to a cemetery to light a candle for people who were very close to you - some members of your family, friends who have gone.. It's a sign of remembering them.

When I'm telling you about holidays in Poland I must mention Christmas which is regarded as the most important religious holiday in my country. It's the time when people try to be more friendly and generous to others. They want to forget about their daily problems. On Christmas Eve (24th Dec) everybody decorates their Christmas trees with baubles, sweets, candles, paper chains and paper angels. It's believed in Poland that everything that happen on this day has an influence on the coming year. And when a first person who visit us that day is a man that means you and your family will be lucky in the New Year.

When the first star appears in the sky the whole family sit around the table. You leave one empty plate for an unexpected guest. There is a white cloth on the table and there's some hay under it. The other custom is connected with the number of dishes - you should prepare the twelve ones. The traditional dishes are: beetroot soup with pies, boiled dough pockets filled with meat and sour cabbage, some fish (generally carp), poppyseed cake and some more. Before starting eating everybody wishes to each other all the best. The wishes are usually very personal. During this celebration people share a special wafer baked only for Christmas. It's a unique Polish tradition which goes back to the 15th century. After the Christmas supper you sing Christmas carols. And what is more you can take your presents which lie under the Christmas tree (children believe that presents are brought by Santa Claus). In addition I can tell you that it's believed that animals can speak. At midnight a lot of people go to church to a special mess.

On 25th Dec, Polish people usually stay at home with their close family. On 26 Dec, people usually pay visits to their relatives and friends.

It's the most beautiful and charming religious holiday for everyone in Poland.