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Christmas in Poland is a major annual celebration, as in most countries of the Christian world. The observance of Christmas developed gradually over the centuries, beginning in ancient times; combining old Polish pagan customs with the religious ones introduced after the Christianization of Poland by the Catholic Church. Later influences include the mutual permeating of local traditions and various folk cultures. It is one of the most important religious holidays for Poles, who follow a somewhat strict traditional custom. Christmas trees are decorated and lit in family rooms on the day of Christmas Eve. Other trees are placed in most public areas and outside churches. Christmas in Poland is called "Boże Narodzenie", which translates to 'God's Birth'.
A Christmas tree is a decorated tree, usually an evergreen conifer, such as a fir, spruce, or pine, or an artificial tree of similar appearance, associated with the celebration of Christmas, originating in Germany associated with Saint Boniface. The custom was developed in medieval Livonia, and in early modern Germany where German Protestant Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. It acquired popularity beyond the Lutheran areas of Germany and the Baltic governorates during the second half of the 19th century, at first among the upper classes.
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References
- ↑ Stephen Nissenbaum, The battle for Christmas, Vintage Books, 1997, p. 134.
- ↑ Carpenter, Millie W. (1989). "The Little Tea-Gatherer". The American Magazine. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
- ↑ Urbi et Orbi message of His Holiness Pope John Paul II Christmas 2003U (vatican.va). John Paul II refers to the Christmas tree as a reminder "that with the birth of Jesus the tree of life has blossomed anew in the desert of humanity."