Polish Christmas Traditions
Here you will find decriptions of and links to recipes for a traditional Polish Christmas.
Polish Christmas Customs, Traditions and Recipes
Christmas is one of the most important religious holidays in Poland, with Christmas Eve taking precedence over Christmas Day. But Christmas preparations begin four weeks before Dec. 24 with the start of Advent. In the old days, people fasted for Advent, homes were cleaned from top to bottom, grudges were forgotten and the birth of the Christ Child was eagerly anticipated.
Christmas is one of the most important religious holidays in Poland, with Christmas Eve taking precedence over Christmas Day. But Christmas preparations begin four weeks before Dec. 24 with the start of Advent. In the old days, people fasted for Advent, homes were cleaned from top to bottom, grudges were forgotten and the birth of the Christ Child was eagerly anticipated.
Polish Christmas Eve Supper - Wigilia
Wigilia, which literally means "vigil," is the most important aspect of Polish Christmas. It is a meatless Christmas Eve meal also known as the Star Supper because dinner does not begin until the first star of the evening appears.
Wigilia, which literally means "vigil," is the most important aspect of Polish Christmas. It is a meatless Christmas Eve meal also known as the Star Supper because dinner does not begin until the first star of the evening appears.
Wigilia Dinner at the Polish Museum of America
The Polish Museum of America holds a wigilia or Christmas Eve dinner every year to acquaint or reacquaint Polish Americans and those of other ethnicities with this beautiful tradition.
The Polish Museum of America holds a wigilia or Christmas Eve dinner every year to acquaint or reacquaint Polish Americans and those of other ethnicities with this beautiful tradition.
Polish Christmas Ornament Making
The Polish Museum of America is a treasure trove of artifacts from Poland and of Chicago's Polish history. The museum offers workshops throughout the year to keep alive the traditions of the homeland. Here are pictures of an ornament-making workshop in 2008.
The Polish Museum of America is a treasure trove of artifacts from Poland and of Chicago's Polish history. The museum offers workshops throughout the year to keep alive the traditions of the homeland. Here are pictures of an ornament-making workshop in 2008.
How St. Nicholas Day Is Celebrated in Poland - Dzien Swietego Mikolaja
Dec. 6 is St. Nicholas Day - Dzien Swietego Mikolaja - celebrated with feasting, religious pageants and treats for good boys and girls.
Dec. 6 is St. Nicholas Day - Dzien Swietego Mikolaja - celebrated with feasting, religious pageants and treats for good boys and girls.
Polish Christmas Traditions
Polish Christmas Eve - Wigilia - and Christmas Day are two of the holiest days of the year to Roman Catholics along with Easter.
Polish Christmas Eve - Wigilia - and Christmas Day are two of the holiest days of the year to Roman Catholics along with Easter.
Krakow Creche Competition Tradition - Szopka
Szopka are colorful tinfoil puppet theaters that recreate the nativity scene. There is a great competition in Krakow, Poland, every Christmas for the best depiction.
Szopka are colorful tinfoil puppet theaters that recreate the nativity scene. There is a great competition in Krakow, Poland, every Christmas for the best depiction.
Polish Christmas Dessert Recipes
Baking started on Dec. 6, St. Nicholas Day, in my Polish family. Enjoy these long shelf-life desserts (except for the chrusciki!).
Baking started on Dec. 6, St. Nicholas Day, in my Polish family. Enjoy these long shelf-life desserts (except for the chrusciki!).
Polish Christmas Cookie Recipes
Cooking baking in Polish families starts around Dec. 6, St. Nicholas Day.
Cooking baking in Polish families starts around Dec. 6, St. Nicholas Day.
Feast of the Three Kings in Poland - Trzech Kroli
Poles celebrate the Feast of the Three Kings by inscribing their doors with the initials of the Magi.
Poles celebrate the Feast of the Three Kings by inscribing their doors with the initials of the Magi.