Wigilia - Polish

I am Wigilia. I am a special meal that families in Poland eat. Polish families in other parts of the world share me, too. My name means 'vigil.' A vigil is a time for waiting. People wait together on the night of Christmas Eve. They are waiting for Christmas Day to arrive. In the Christian tradition, Christmas Day is when people celebrate the birth of Jesus. My meal is a quiet, happy time for families to be together before this big celebration.

My meal begins in a special way. It does not start until the sun goes down and the sky is dark. Families, especially children, look out their windows. They are looking for the very first star to appear in the night sky. When someone spots it, they can call out, and then everyone knows it is time to gather at the table. This tradition helps people remember the Star of Bethlehem from Christian stories. That star is said to have been very bright and guided wise men a long time ago.

Today, the food people share for me is delicious. A rule for my meal is that there is no meat. Instead, families eat many other kinds of food. They might have a warm, red beet soup called 'barszcz.' They might also eat soft dumplings called 'pierogi.' The table is set for everyone, and often, there is an extra empty chair with a plate. This extra spot is a sign of welcome for any guest who might arrive. It is also a way to remember family members who are not there, so they are part of the special night, too.