Christmas in Poland: The Tradition of Twelve Dishes
In Poland, the celebration of Christmas Eve is marked by the tradition of serving twelve distinct dishes, a custom steeped in cultural significance. The menu typically includes borscht, which is often accompanied by homemade dumplings, mushroom soup, various types of pierogi, fish, and poppy seed strudel among others. Preparing these dishes can be a daunting task, particularly for those who must balance work commitments with culinary preparations.
To address this challenge, the Left Party, part of the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, has proposed an innovative solution: designating Christmas Eve as an official public holiday. This initiative aims to ensure that citizens can devote time to family and culinary preparations without the pressure of work obligations. The proposal is framed not just as a practical measure for meal preparation but as a means to enhance family well-being and happiness.
The idea has garnered a positive reception, even from the Church, which typically maintains a distance from political matters. However, the proposal faces scrutiny from President Andrzej Duda, who has historically been reluctant to approve legislation from Tusk's administration. The relationship between the President and the current government is characterized by significant tension.
Despite this friction, the coalition has seemingly provided President Duda with a rationale for rejecting the proposal. The discussion surrounding the implementation of this public holiday has sparked debate within the Sejm, Poland's parliament, regarding whether another existing holiday should be sacrificed to accommodate this new day off. Potential candidates for cancellation include the Labor Day holiday on May 1 or the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6, which was only recently established as a public holiday in Poland in 2011.
Notably, the current proposal does not suggest eliminating an existing holiday but rather adding a new one. Countries in the region, such as Lithuania, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, have already adopted similar measures. Polish media have highlighted that Polish workers typically log an average of 40.4 hours each week, indicating that an additional holiday could be a well-deserved break.
However, the retail sector may be adversely affected by this additional day off, as it could result in lost sales opportunities on a day when last-minute shoppers would typically be purchasing gifts and holiday essentials. In response to these concerns, the legislation also proposes increasing the number of Sundays in December designated for shopping, from two to three. This adjustment aims to provide the retail industry with additional opportunities to recuperate potential losses from the new holiday.
President Duda has expressed skepticism about the increase in shopping Sundays, suggesting that prioritizing consumption over family time may not align with the holiday's intended spirit. This raises questions about the potential impact of the proposed changes on family dynamics and community values.
Moreover, a study conducted in 2021 revealed that over 60% of respondents no longer manage to prepare all twelve traditional dishes for their Christmas Eve meals, indicating a shift towards prioritizing personal time and well-being over strict adherence to tradition. This trend reflects a broader societal change where individuals are increasingly valuing leisure and family time amidst the demands of modern life.
As discussions continue in the Sejm regarding this proposal and its implications for Polish society, the outcome will likely influence not only holiday traditions but also the evolving relationship between work and family life in Poland.
