Wigilia w rodzinie przed uroczystością Narodzenia Chrystusa

Abstract

The celebration of Christ’s Birth in the Polish tradition is preceded by the Christmas Eve with the ritual fasting supper (postnik). This family feast follows the model of the old-Christian agape in the spirit of unity, brotherhood and love. It has the features of the old-Slavonic feast accompanied by remembering the dead, to whose tombs food was taken, which was made from the fruits of the earth. Among the dishes (3, 5,7, 12) kutia (cooked wheat with the addition of honey, nuts and dried fruit) and the white wafer (eulogium) shared by the participants of the supper when they exchange wishes. Worshipping God for the gift of bread and the Eucharist that are reminded by the wafer the members of the family give their thanks to Christ for this spiritual food of life and for the promise of immortality. The spiritual joy emanating from the celebration of Christ’s Birth is worshipped by the world of nature, of plants, animals, people and pure spirits. This is especially emphasized by Christmas carols that are called kolęda in Polish.