Does Poland celebrate Santa Claus?
Presents are brought by “Święty Mikołaj” (St Nicholas/Santa Claus), but in some parts of Poland there are different present bringers (because during the 19th century the borders of Poland were different, so people had different traditions).
What day does Santa come in Poland?
December 6
Santa Claus (Mikolaj) generally does not come on Christmas Eve/Day but appears on December 6, the feast of St Nicholas. Christmas festivities continue on December 26, which is also a day off work in Poland.
How do they celebrate St Nicholas day in Poland?
In many Polish households, the morning of December 6th, in Polish referred to as Mikołajki, is a blissful moment. This is when children find small gifts under their pillows, in their slippers or (nowadays more and more often) in a stocking carefully hang out for that purpose the evening before.
What happens on 6th December in Poland?
The Day of Saint Nicholas on 6 December is the unofficial beginning of the festive season in Poland. Well-behaved children receive small gifts on the day, whereas naughty children receive a lump of coal or a twig, called “rózga”.
What does Poland call Santa?
In Polish, he’s called Gwiazdor (gvia-zdoohr) and he’s an older fellow dressed a bit like a bishop. He not only carries presents with him but also the aforementioned birch switch – if you’ve been bad, you’d better watch out.
Why do Poland celebrate Christmas on 24th?
Many Poles wait until the first star appears in the sky before sitting down to eat family dinner on 24th December. This tradition commemorates the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the Wise Men to the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
Is Saint Nicholas Santa Claus?
Saint Nicholas was a Christian bishop who helped the needy. After his death, the legend of his gift-giving grew. Saint Nicholas transformed into the legendary character called Santa Claus, who brings Christmas presents to children around the world.
Is Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus the same person?
The Dutch call him Sinterklaas – which has come into American English as ‘Santa Claus’ – short for Sint Nicolaas or St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas and Santa Claus are historically the same man.
What is Polish Christmas called?
Wigilia
Traditionally, the celebration of Christmas in Poland begins on the evening of December 24th. This day is called Wigilia.
What does Polish Santa Claus look like?
Nowadays he might disguise himself as a regular Santa, but a Starman who stays true to his nature will be wearing sheepskin, a fur hat and a bearded mask on his face. Those Starmen who are not very fond of masks, may also apply a little bit of snoot on their cheeks.
Who brings Christmas presents in Poland?
Santa Claus
Gift giving following Christmas dinner – One of the best loved Polish traditions. Traditionally, it Santa Claus who brings gift or, optionally, they are placed under the Christmas tree.
What is Polish Christmas Eve called?
Christmas Eve dinner, also known as Wigilia, starts when the first star appears in the sky. Nothing is to be eaten until all members of the family have broken the Christmas wafers (opłatek) together and exchanged wishes for good health and prosperity.
When is St.Nicholas day in Poland?
To make this story work, I also have to mention that Santa is called St. Nicholas here, or “Święty Mikołaj” in Polish. And on December 6th, you guessed it, Nicholas has his name day. This, boys and girls, is how we get an extra day of presents in the Polish calendar.
When do they celebrate Christmas carols in Poland?
Christmas carols are not celebrated in Poland until during-and-after the Christmas Vigil Mass called “Pasterka” held between 24 and 25 of December. The Christmas season often runs until February 2.
What do they give children for Christmas in Poland?
Christmas in Poland is called “Boże Narodzenie”, which translates to ‘God’s Birth’. The Day of Saint Nicholas on 6 December is the unofficial beginning of the festive season in Poland. Well-behaved children receive small gifts on the day, whereas naughty children receive a lump of coal or a twig, called “rózga”.
When do they put up Christmas trees in Poland?
Other trees are placed in most public areas and outside churches. Christmas in Poland is called “Boże Narodzenie”, which translates to ‘God’s Birth’. The Day of Saint Nicholas on 6 December is the unofficial beginning of the festive season in Poland.