WHAT IS WIGILIA?

Wigilia (pronounced vee-GHEE-lya) is the traditional Polish Christmas Eve celebration, deeply rooted in cultural and religious customs. The word “Wigilia” means “vigil” or “eve,” emphasizing the anticipation of Christmas Day and the birth of Christ. It is one of the most important and cherished holidays in Poland.

Christmas Eve (Wigilia), observed on December 24, is both the day before Christmas and a cherished family tradition in Poland. The celebration begins with the appearance of the first star, followed by prayer, a reading from the Gospel about Jesus’ birth, sharing opłatek (a thin wafer), and exchanging good wishes. Gift-giving and a family-style dinner are central to the evening.

Traditionally, the meal includes symbolic customs like placing hay under the tablecloth and setting an extra plate for a deceased loved one or unexpected guest. The Christmas tree, symbolizing Christ as the “Tree of Life,” is decorated and often accompanied by a Nativity scene and gifts.

Wigilia emphasizes family unity and is widely regarded as the most important day of the year in Poland. While fasting is no longer required, it remains a valued tradition for many. Similar customs exist in Lithuania, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, but sharing opłatek is unique to Poland and Lithuania.

Traditional Key Elements of Wigilia:

Fasting and Abstinence: Traditionally, people abstain from eating meat on Wigilia, opting instead for a variety of vegetarian and fish dishes’
Preparation and Decoration: The home is often decorated with a Christmas tree, and a white tablecloth is placed on the dining table to symbolize purity. Hay may be spread underneath or on the table as a reminder of Christ’s birth in a manger.
Breaking the Opłatek: The celebration begins with the breaking and sharing of opłatek (a thin, unleavened wafer). Family members exchange pieces of the opłatek while offering each other wishes of health, happiness, and prosperity.

Number of Dishes: A traditional Wigilia meal includes 12 dishes, representing the 12 apostles. Common dishes are:

Barszcz z uszkami (beet soup with small dumplings)
Pierogi (dumplings with fillings like sauerkraut and mushrooms)
Carp or other fish dishes
Makowiec (poppy seed roll) or other desserts
An Extra Place Setting: An additional place is set at the table for an unexpected guest or to honor the memory of absent loved ones.
First Star: The meal starts when the first star appears in the evening sky, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem.
Singing and Midnight Mass: After the meal, families may sing Christmas carols (kolędy) and attend Midnight Mass (Pasterka) to commemorate the nativity.

Wigilia is much more than just a meal – it’s a profound cultural and spiritual experience that emphasizes family unity, forgiveness, and the religious meaning of Christmas. Christmas Eve (Wigilia) is the day preceding the celebration of Christmas.

Since 2003, according to guidelines approved by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, fasting on Christmas Eve is no longer obligatory. However, Polish bishops encourage the faithful to uphold this longstanding tradition. Fasting is only required when Christmas Eve falls on a Friday.

In Poland, Christmas Eve gained widespread popularity in the 18th century and became a common tradition by the 20th century. On this day, rural homes and manors would place bundles of wheat, rye, barley, and oats in the four corners of the main room to ensure the Christ Child would bless the New Year with sufficient food for people and animals. Hay was spread under the tablecloth, and an extra setting was prepared for a deceased family member or an unexpected guest.

In Pasco County, the Polish American Social Club celebrates Wigilia on December 24^th, at 5:00 PM, in a smaller, family-style gathering. You are warmly invited to join and are welcome to bring a dish to share with the group, embracing the spirit of togetherness and tradition.
Bring your family & friends, don’t let anybody be alone this evening.

POLISH AMERICAN SOCIAL CLUB OF PASCO COUNTY
7615 New Jersey Ave.
Hudson, Fl
(727) 207-8662

Mark Stys, President