02.10.2025
Christmas is a time that most of us associate with Christmas trees, Christmas wafers, presents and singing carols together. However, behind these customs lie many stories and interesting facts that few people have heard of. Some of these stories are surprising, others are entertaining, and still others show the differences in how Christmas is celebrated in different parts of the world. Discover some Christmas trivia that few people know about.
Although today it is difficult to imagine Christmas without a decorated tree, in Poland the Christmas tree tradition only took hold in the 19th century – first in cities, then in villages. Previously, Polish homes had podłaźniczki, or spruce or fir branches hung from the ceiling and decorated with apples, nuts and colourful paper decorations.
Before electric lights appeared, Christmas trees were decorated with real candles. Their light was supposed to symbolise the victory of good over darkness and remind people of the birth of Jesus – the Light of the World. At the beginning of the 20th century, candles were replaced by safer and more practical electric lights.
In many Polish homes, the custom of giving pieces of Christmas wafer to farm animals is still practised today. This custom is supposed to keep the animals healthy and bring prosperity to the home. According to folk tradition, on this one night, animals can speak with human voices.
The giving of presents at Christmas refers to St. Nicholas, the bishop of Myra, who was known for his generosity towards those in need. Over time, this custom has become one of the most eagerly awaited traditions. In many regions of Poland, gifts are brought by Santa Claus, in Greater Poland by Gwiazdor, in Silesia by Dzieciątko, and in Lesser Poland by Aniołek.
The first star was not always a ‘real’ star
Today, to begin Christmas Eve dinner, we wait for the first star to appear in the sky. In the past, however, especially in times when the winter sky was heavily overcast, the hosts themselves decided that the first star was already shining. Thanks to this, no one had to wait too long to sit down at the table.
The oldest Polish Christmas carol is considered to be the 15th-century song Zdrow bądź, krolu anjelski (Be healthy, angel king). Since then, hundreds of Christmas songs have been written, which still accompany us during the holidays today. It is worth noting that Poland is one of the countries that can boast an exceptionally rich repertoire of Christmas carols and pastorals.
Gingerbread was already popular in Europe in the Middle Ages. Interestingly, however, spices such as cinnamon, cloves and ginger were considered a luxury item at the time, and gingerbread was only served on special occasions. Over time, however, they became a symbol of Christmas – their scent is still associated with the warmth of the family hearth and the festive atmosphere.
Christmas customs hold many surprises. Some of them have survived to this day, others have been forgotten, but they all show that Christmas is more than just decorations and presents. It is a time when magic meets tradition, and every symbol has its own history and deeper meaning.
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