Christmas Eve - (24 December)

The Christmas decoration in Poland, both in rural cottages, manors and aristocratic residences, mostly appeared sheaves of grain, straw, hay, grain of flax, hemp, poppy, peas, beans. Sheaves erected in the corners or hung in the Chamber resolved, hay was placed under the table. Spreading straw on the whole floor or covered with her bench, which sits at the Christmas table. They did so to commemorate the birth of the Child in the stable and abundant harvest intentions.

Animals wake up from its winter sleep, to celebrate the Nativity. All the forest animals and home are in this night

There was a belief that Christmas Eve night in the souls of the dead leave the afterlife and the unseen, or in human form as beggars and pilgrims could haunt houses of their relatives. Was placed on a table or extra cover, left to the remnants of Christmas Eve dishes or a piece of the wafer. Such an invitation to supper spirits, however, was associated with a certain fear, asked, therefore, that after a meal, rest, and heated up, returned to his world.

According to tradition, of hay have been spread beneath the tablecloth as a reminder that Christ was born in a manger. In some places an empty place setting is left at the table for the Baby Jesus or a wanderer who can come in need or if a deceased relative should come and would like to share in the meal. The meal begins with the breaking of the Oplatek. Everyone at the table breaks off a piece and eats it as a symbol of their unity with Christ. There should be 12 meals- symbol of 12 apostles.