On February 15, 2025, there was an crucial step in protecting cultural heritage in Poland. Christmas Eve traditions in Poland were officially included on the National list of intangible cultural heritage. The decision of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage underlines the importance of this customized in Polish culture.
The national list of intangible cultural heritage is simply a registry of traditions, rites and cultural practices that are an crucial component of Polish identity. Poland, as a signatory to the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Immaterial Cultural Heritage, is obliged to invest and advance customs of peculiar importance to national culture.
Christmas Eve is 1 of the most crucial holidays celebrated in Poland. The name “Christmas” comes from the Latin word meaning “awareness”, which refers to waiting for Jesus to be born. This tradition, although rooted in Christianity, besides has a deep cultural and social dimension, connecting generations at a common table.
The Christmas Eve supper begins with the appearance of the first star in the sky. It symbolizes the Bethlehem star that led the 3 Kings to the birthplace of Jesus. The Christmas table traditionally adorns itself with 12 fast dishes, referring to the number of apostles and months a year. Depending on the region, the dishes can include: borscht, cabbage, peas, herring, dumplings and many more.
Breaking a wafer is 1 of the most beautiful and touching moments of Christmas Eve. This is simply a motion that symbolizes unity, forgiveness, and common wishes of prosperity. The tradition of leaving empty space at the table is due to Polish hospitality and symbolizes the willingness to welcome an unexpected guest.
Carols and presents are an integral part of Christmas Eve. After Christmas dinner, the household sings carols together. Depending on the region, presents come from Santa Claus, Angel or Star. The shepherd who takes place at midnight is simply a solemn mass commemorating the birth of Jesus.
Poland is simply a country with a rich tradition, which is reflected in various Christmas customs. In Kaszubach, the houses are visited by “gwiôzdki”, or cross-dressers in masks, singing carols. In the Tucholski Borach, “stars” carol, and in the vicinity of Kalisz, the tradition is continued by “Wilijars”, presenting humorous scenes.
Christmas Eve celebrations vary according to religion: in Orthodox and Greek Catholic families, Christmas Eve is celebrated on December 24 or January 6, and conventional dishes are akin to those in the Catholic Church. In the Evangelical tradition, Christmas Eve is spiritual, with reading the Scriptures and singing carols.
The decision to enter Christmas Eve tradition on the National list of intangible cultural heritage underlines its crucial function in Polish culture. This is an crucial step in documenting and protecting traditions passed from generation to generation. Minister of Culture and National Heritage in cooperation with the National Heritage Institute is liable for keeping the list. Anyone can study to it a phenomenon that they consider applicable to Polish culture, ensuring its protection and popularisation.
In 2022, The national list of intangible cultural heritage included 108 traditions that play a key function in preserving national identity and transferring heritage to subsequent generations. According to data from the National Heritage Institute, in the last 5 years, this list has grown by 20 fresh traditions.
Protecting cultural heritage in Poland is an crucial component of the state's cultural policy. According to data from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, in 2022, over 100 million zlotys were allocated to the protection of cultural heritage. Over the next 5 years, it is planned to increase this budget by 20% in order to defend and advance Polish cultural heritage even more effectively.
It is worth noting that Christmas Eve is not only a spiritual holiday, but besides an chance for social integration and cultural exchange. According to investigation conducted by the Institute of Sociology of the University of Warsaw, as many as 75% of Poles declare that Christmas Eve is the most crucial vacation of the year, and 60% believe it is simply a time of common relationship and solidarity.
Therefore, the inclusion of Christmas Eve tradition on the National List of Immaterial Cultural Heritage is an crucial step in documenting and protecting this highly crucial tradition. It is besides a reminder that Polish cultural heritage is rich and valuable, and its protection is our common responsibility.
More here:
Holy Tradition: Conservation and Conservation of Cultural Heritage in Poland
