Wigilia (pronounced vee-GEE-lya) is the name of the traditional Polish celebration of Christmas Eve and the feast that accompanies it. There are many customs associated with Wigilia, and though few families adhere to all, most incorporate a few into their holiday celebrations.
The house is festively decorated and includes a Christmas tree and a crèche. The dinner table itself is important as well, with a bit of straw placed on or underneath the table to symbolize the manger. Additionally, an extra place is set in case an unexpected guest arrives; a tradition connected with the belief that the unexpected guest could be Jesus in disguise.
The Wigilia dinner begins when the first star becomes visible. The host takes an oplatek(see inset photo) and breaks a piece off for himself. It is then passed around so that everyone has a piece. As it is passed, wishes of peace, happiness, and prosperity are exchanged. Then the feast begins!
The feast is strictly meatless and specific dishes are made to represent the Poles' interpretation of the five sources of food: grains from the fields, mushrooms from the forest, fruit from the orchard, vegetables from the garden, and fish from the lakes. Traditional Wigilia dishes include pierogi, barszcz or mushroom soup, beans and sauerkraut/cabbage, fish, either fried, pickled, broiled or marinated, potatoes, fruit compote, placek, babka, nuts, candy, and other sweets.
Once dinner is over the family gathers in the living room near the Christmas tree to visit and open gifts. As midnight nears, the entire family heads to church for pasterka, or Shepherd's Mass, which is what the Wigilia is really all about; keeping vigil, waiting and watching for the birth of Christ.
This Saturday and next, the Savor the Flavor cooking demonstration at the Broadway Market will honor the Wigilia tradition by featuring authentic Polish recipes. The shows will feature a number of dishes and techniques, with special guest Father Anzelm Chalupka, Pastor of Corpus Christi Church.
Dec 8 & 15th, 1PM
$11 Tickets
Broadway Market
839.5150 for Reservations
Drawing by local artist Alice Wadowski-Bak.