Christmas stories seen through children's eyes Christmas in the countries of Europe | Page 7

A traditional Wigilia supper in Poland includes fried carp and barszcz (beetroot soup)
with uszka (translated as "little ears", also known as meatless ravioli). The most common
dishes
are
fish
soup,
with
potato
salad, pierogi, gołąbki filled
with kasza,
pickled herring and fruit kompot. Carp provides a main component of the Christmas Eve
meal across Poland; carp fillet, carp in aspic etc. Universal Polish Christmas foods
are pierogi as well as some herring dishes, herring fillets, herring in aspic and for
dessert, makowiec or noodles with poppy seed. Often, there is a compote of dry fruits for
a drink. etc. Dishes beside fish are usually cabbage-, forest mushroom- (like boletus)
and poppyseed-based, with herring being very important. After supper the Star Man
arrives attended by the Star Boys. They are dressed as Wise Men or animals or other
figures. The Star Man examines the children in their catechism and rewards them with
small presents if they do well, even if they need a bit of coaching. The Star Boys sing
carols and are given a treat for their help. The feast begins with the appearance of the first
star. The meal is followed by the exchange of gifts. The remainder of the evening is given
to stories and songs around the Christmas tree. In some areas of the country, children are
taught that "The Little Star" brings the gifts. As presents are unwrapped, carollers may
walk from house to house receiving treats along the way.
Christmas Eve ends with Pasterka, the Midnight Mass at the local church. The tradition
commemorates the arrival of the Three Wise Men to Bethlehem and their paying of
respect and bearing witness to the new born Messiah. The custom of Christmas night
liturgy
in
the
was introduced
Christian
churches
after the second
half of the
century. In Poland
that custom
arrived together
5th