One of the most important holidays in Poland – Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December. Just like in most other European countries, in Poland Christmas trees, streets and houses get decorated for the occasion. This is supposed to be done on Christmas Eve, which has a special meaning for Catholics: December 24 is the day of Adam and Eve, and the fir tree decorated with baubles symbolizes the fruit tree of paradise. Gifts are also usually given on December 24th, Christmas Eve. It is believed that St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) brings gifts to children, however the character is portrayed differently depending on the region: in Western Poland it is Gvazdor (Polish Starman), in Lesser Poland it is an angel, in southwestern Poland it is a little star, in Silesia it is Baby Jesus.

Nowadays, Christmas is more a family event and it has far less religious character. On December 24th, relatives and friends gather for a joint meal, which precedes the ritual of breaking the wafers. Christmas wafer is a thin rectangular unleavened bread that resembles a waffle.

The practice of family members breaking off small pieces from each other’s wafers symbolizes unity and reconciliation, and also reminds Christians of the sacrament of the Eucharist. The tradition is so important that relatives who cannot attend the party are often sent a piece by mail. By breaking and biting the wafer, relatives and friends wish each other health, happiness and success.

On that note, we wish you, our readers, all the very best.