As the December evening deepens in Wielkopolska, families gather around tables adorned with white tablecloths, beneath which lies symbolic hay, and leave an extra place for an unexpected guest. The air is filled with the rich aromas of dishes steeped in centuries-old traditions. Like every region in Poland, Wielkopolska celebrates Christmas Eve, or wigilia, in its own distinctive way, blending history, customs, and flavours unique to this region.
The Origins of Wigilia in Wielkopolska
The term wigilia comes from the Latin word vigiliae, meaning “night watch,” referring to the act of staying awake to await an important event. In Polish tradition, it marks the evening before Christmas Day. In Wielkopolska, this special dinner begins with the sighting of the first star in the sky, symbolising the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Wise Men to the manger.
The meal traditionally starts with the sharing of opłatek – a thin wafer symbolising unity and forgiveness. Historically, even livestock were given a piece of the wafer to honour their role in the household, a practice rooted in deep respect for animals.
Culinary Traditions: Then and Now
The dishes served during Christmas Eve in Wielkopolska have evolved over time. In the 19th century, the menu was quite different from what graces tables today. Ethnographer Oskar Kolberg documented regional favourites like almond soup, pike with saffron, noodles with honey and poppy seeds, and siemieniucha – a hemp seed broth popular among rural communities. At the time, freshwater fish like pike and carp were considered luxuries for wealthier families.
Post-World War II migrations introduced new dishes to the table, such as beetroot soup with mushroom dumplings, fried carp, and pierogi, now staples of the Polish Christmas Eve feast. Unique to Wielkopolska are makiełki, a dessert made from bread soaked in milk or water, mixed with poppy seeds, honey, and dried fruits. Some families opt for noodles with poppy seeds as an alternative.
The Symbolism of Christmas Dishes
In Polish tradition, the Christmas Eve meal consists of twelve dishes, symbolising the twelve apostles or the twelve months of the year. In Wielkopolska, poppy seeds are believed to bring prosperity and happiness, while mushrooms are considered a connection to ancestors. Sauerkraut with peas or mushrooms embodies simplicity and abundance.
Other staples include dried fruit compote, herring in various preparations, piernik (gingerbread), and strucla makowa (poppy seed roll). Each dish carries a story, enhancing the festive atmosphere and sense of community.
Gwiazdor: Wielkopolska’s Christmas Hero
In Wielkopolska, it is not Santa Claus who delivers presents, but Gwiazdor – a figure deeply rooted in local traditions. Historically, Gwiazdor was a caroller dressed in a sheepskin coat, often carrying a bell and a switch to “discipline” naughty children.
While Santa Claus visits on December 6th, Gwiazdor appears on Christmas Eve, bringing gifts. His name comes from the word gwiazda(star), referencing the Star of Bethlehem carried by traditional carollers. Over time, Gwiazdor has softened into a more benevolent character, but his distinct role remains a hallmark of Wielkopolska’s holiday celebrations.
The Magic of Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve in Wielkopolska is considered a magical night. Folk beliefs suggest that animals may speak in human voices at midnight – though hearing them is thought to be a bad omen. Placing hay under the tablecloth symbolises Jesus’s humble birth and serves as a good-luck charm for the coming year. The weather on this night is also seen as a predictor of the year ahead: a starry sky heralds prosperity, while dry weather warns of a rainy year.
Preserving Unique Traditions
Despite global influences, Wielkopolska maintains its distinctive customs. Decorating the Christmas tree, which originated in Germany, replaced the earlier tradition of the podłaźniczka – a branch hung upside down and adorned with apples, gingerbread, and decorative wafers.
Carolling groups, though less common today, still visit homes in some villages, offering well-wishes in exchange for small gifts or treats.
A Return to Tradition
As consumerism reshapes holiday celebrations, many families in Wielkopolska are rediscovering the joy of simple traditions. Events like the Poznań Christmas Market promote regional products such as cold-pressed oils, dried fruits, and handmade pierogi, encouraging a focus on local heritage.
Christmas Eve in Wielkopolska is a beautiful blend of history and modernity. The region’s unique customs, from the symbolic dishes to the arrival of Gwiazdor, make the holiday season a time of joy, reflection, and connection. Around the table, as the flavours of tradition come alive, families in Wielkopolska celebrate the values that truly make this time of year special: togetherness, gratitude, and the enduring spirit of community.
