WIGILIA: A Polish Village Christmas Eve

It is Christmas Eve. The night is cold and snow drifts across the fields. Children sit by the windows eagerly waiting for the appearance of the first star. “There it is!” cries Janek (Johnny). “Yes, we see it!” they all chorus. “Wigilia can begin!”

Advent, which is a time of reflection and anticipation, ends on the 24th of December. On this day, all of Poland will celebrate Wigilia. Wigilia, pronounced “vee-geel-ya“, is a simple word meaning vigil. However, to all Poles, the word has a very special meaning. Wigilia is the traditional Christmas Eve family celebration when the most important meal of the year is shared.

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