Christmas in Poland

Christmas Eve refers to the evening or entire day preceding Christmas Day, a widely celebrated festival commemorating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth that takes place on December 25. It is a culturally significant celebration for most of the Western world and is widely observed as a full or partial holiday in anticipation of Christmas Day. Christmas Eve

Since Christian tradition holds that Jesus was born at night (based in Luke 2:6-8), Midnight Mass is celebrated on Christmas Eve, traditionally at midnight, in commemoration of his birth. The idea of Jesus being born at night is reflected in the fact that Christmas Eve is referred to as "Heilige Nacht" ("Holy Night") in German, "Nochebuena" ("the Good Night") in Spanish and similarly in other expressions of Christmas spirituality, such as the song "Silent Night, Holy Night".

Roman Catholics and Anglicans traditionally celebrate Midnight Mass, which begins either at or sometime before midnight on Christmas Eve. This ceremony, which is held in churches throughout the world, marks the beginning of Christmas Day. Religious traditions

In some parts of Central and Eastern Europe such as Russia, Ukraine, Poland and Lithuania, a traditional meatless 12-dishes Christmas Eve Supper is served on Christmas Eve before opening gifts. This is known as the "Holy Meal". The table is spread with a white cloth symbolic of the swaddling clothes the Child Jesus was wrapped in, and a large white candle stands in the center of the table symbolizing Christ the Light of the World. Next to it is a round loaf of bread symbolizing Christ Bread of Life. Hay is often displayed either on the table or as a decoration in the room, reminiscent of the manger in Bethlehem. The twelve dishes (which differ by nationality or region) symbolize the Twelve Apostles. Meals

Christmas table

During the Reformation in 16th–17th century Europe, many Protestants changed the gift bringer to the Christ Child or Christkindl, and the date of giving gifts changed from December 6 to Christmas Eve. It is the night when Santa Claus (or some variant thereof) makes his rounds delivering gifts to good children. Gift giving

First Day of Christmas Christmas Day is celebrated as a major festival and public holiday in Poland. In Catholic countries, the people hold religious processions or parades in the days preceding Christmas. In other countries, secular processions or parades featuring Santa Claus. Family reunions and the exchange of gifts are a widespread feature of the season. Gift giving takes place on Christmas Day.

Singing Christmas carols Carol took its name from kalendae, which determine the first day of the month by the Romans. Starting the new year was celebrated solemnly kalendae January, making a wish. This custom took over the Slavs, adding it to songs that around the fifteenth century changed its character to the religious.

First day of Christmas in Poland is spent in the quiet and solemn mood, accompanied by family

Second day of Christmas Patron of the second day of Christmas is Saint. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Holy days. Stephen opens a time of fun, celebration carolers, lasting until the feast of Our Lady of Candlemas, and sometimes even to the end of the carnival. The second day of Christmas is a time of visits, meetings and receptions

The New Year’s Eve

Is observed annually on December 31, the final day of any given year in the Gregorian calendar. In modern society, New Year’s Eve is often celebrated at social gatherings, during which participants dance, eat, consume alcoholic beverages, and watch or light fireworks to match the incoming year. The observance of New Year’s Eve generally extends through midnight of January 1. The New Year’s Eve

Fireworks

Midnight

A New Year is the first day after New Year's Eve. It is free from work. Poles usually spend this day at home. They meet up with friends and family. initiates new year carnival. Carnival is the time from New Year to Ash Wednesday. It is a time full of games and events. A New Year

Best wishes from Poland: Much health, happiness and fulfillment of dreams.