POLISH CHRISTMAS POLSKIE ŚWIĘTA BOŻEGO NARODZENIA
I. Christmas Wafer (Opłatek)
The Polish family breaks the Oplatek (Wafer) on Christmas Eve (Wigilia) as their
ancestors before them have done. The sacred white wafers, much like those used for Holy Communion, are shared with each person present. During the exchange, good wishes are expressed. This is the most emotional time of the holiday for the Polish family. Those who are no longer alive are particularly remembered at this moment. The pink wafer is shared with the animals who, according to Polish tradition, because they were first to greet the Baby Jesus speak at midnight. This is the most sacred night in the PolishPolonian Home.
The Polish family breaks the Oplatek (Wafer) on Christmas Eve (Wigilia) as their
ancestors before them have done. The sacred white wafers, much like those used for Holy Communion, are shared with each person present. During the exchange, good wishes are expressed. This is the most emotional time of the holiday for the Polish family.
Traditional Wishes in Sharing the Oplatek
Na szczęście, na zdrowie z Wigilia! Health and good fortune this Wigilia! Abyśmy się doczekali następnej Wigilii! May we meet next year at this time to celebrate Wigilia! Życzę zdrowia, szczęścia i fortuny, a po śmierci niebieskiej korony! May you be blessed with health, good fortune, and happiness which do not tarnish over the years. And may you receive a crown in paradise!
Niech zawsze nad naszym domem świeci złota gwiazda! May a bright star always shine over your home! Niech Panna pszeniczna, Betlejemska, zamieni smutek w kolędę! May the Mother of Bethlehem, the wheaten Maiden change your every sorrow into a carol! Niech się spełnia wszystkie marzenia! May all our dreams come true!
II.
Christmas Eve Supper Ceremony
After sunset, the youngest family member is sent to watch for the first star of
Christmas Eve. Having sighted it, the child announces that the star has appeared. Then, the candles are lit. The head of the household continues, HOST: Niech bedzie pochwalony Jezus Chrystus! ("May the name of God be praised" is the most traditional Polish greeting.) ALL: Na wieki wieków, Amen. (Na vee-ay-kee vee-ay-koof. Ah-men.) ("For ever and ever Amen.") HOST: W imie Ojca i Syna i Ducha Swietego. On this year's shortest of days and longest of nights, a star appears shining in the darkness. "A Slowo cialem sie stalo, i mieszkalo miedzy nami." For on this night, "the Word was made flesh..." ALL: AND DWELT AMONG US!" HOST: "Bóg sie rodzi -- God is born," proclaims the majestic Christmas carol. Jesus, Son of God, is born of Mary. For this night, "the Word was made flesh..." ALL: AND DWELT AMONG US!" HOST: The star has appeared announcing His birth. The star of Bethlehem guides the Three Wise men in their search for the new-born King. For this night, "the Word was made flesh..." ALL: AND DWELT AMONG US!" HOST: This night a Child is born to us, a Son is given to us. His name is wonderful, Counselor, eternal Father, Prince of peace. "The Word was made flesh..." ALL: AND DWELT AMONG US!" HOST: Throughout the ages on this eve, as the first star appeared, our ancestors throughout the world celebrated with joy this Wigilia as we do today. "For the Word was made flesh..." ALL: AND DWELT AMONG US!"
HOST: Our forefathers celebrated this evening with the breaking of the bread, the Christmas Oplatek. Following their example we share in this sacred heritage. In the breaking of this bread and sharing of this meal, Jesus is born for us this evening, around this table, under our roof, in our hearts. Let us now listen to the story of his birth as recounted by St. Luke: [READER presents the Gospel of Midnight Mass] HOST: At this feast, we share the joy of heaven. We rejoice with the Holy Family of Bethlehem. Having sighted the first star, we gather at this table to hear glad tidings of comfort and joy. Summoned to the festival we break bread and share the holy wafer. The breaking of this bread brings with is a promise of reconciliation and peace. As we share it with each other, we are bound to forgive each other all the wrongs we have done in the past, and never return to them. Through forgiveness the Lord is born in our family, as Bethlehem, "the house of bread," happens once again among us. For this reason the holy wafer is called the "bread of love." Chwala na wysokosci! Glory to God in Highest Heaven! And Peace... ALL: PEACE TO HIS PEOPLE ON EARTH! Before the Oplatek is passed, the head of the household traditionally extends Christmas wishes and remembers those who are not able to be present. A mention may be made of family members who have departed during the year. Remembering those with whom the vigil supper was celebrated in the past also summons them to share the festival. It is customary for the eldest person to initiate the sharing of the wafer. All share the holy wafer exchanging greetings and joyful wishes for the coming year. Weso³ych Swiat! Merry Christmas! III. Szopka These elaborate creations of tin paper are entered into competition each year on the square of Mariacki (St. Mary's Cathedral) in Krakow. The largest collection of past exhibits can be found in the Ethnographic Museum of Krakow in the Kazimierz district.
The SZOPKA is the Krakowian Creche.
IV.
Carols and pastorale ( Kolędy i pastorałki)
Poland boasts a long and exquisite tradition of carols and pastorals (Koledy i
Pastoralki) which are the heart of Polish Christmas. These ancient and most beautiful songs are sung in families and in church throughout the holiday season.
V.
The Midnight Mass ( Pasterka )
Poles call the Midnight Mass the Shepherd's Mass or Pasterka. Traditionally, the
family's Wigilia celebration culminates when all go together to Mass. The Midnight Mass is usually preceded by communal singing of the beloved Polish Koledy. The Mass itself is a joyous and majestic liturgical event, because Bog Sie Rodzi--God is Born, as the great Polish Carol says. It is also traditional for families to visit the Crèche to pray together to the Infant Jesus. This is particularly emphasized in families with young children. Following Mass, many families return home for a snack and more celebration.