What the Second Day of Christmas Means in Poland
In Poland, 26 December is celebrated as the second day of Christmas. It is widely known as Drugi Dzień Świąt Bożego Narodzenia ("the second day of the Christmas holidays") and is also observed as the feast of Saint Stephen (święty Szczepan). Because it falls immediately after Christmas Day, it forms part of the broader Polish Christmas season rather than a separate, unrelated holiday. For many Poles it is a continuation of the family-centered celebrations that begin on Christmas Eve (Wigilia) and Christmas Day.
Origins and Religious Background
The observance of a second day of Christmas is rooted in Christian liturgical tradition. In Western Christianity, 26 December is the feast of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, and the day has long been associated with him in the church calendar. In Poland, as in many historically Catholic countries, the religious character of the day has been preserved alongside its popular customs. The Polish name for the day, święto Szczepana (the feast of Stephen), reflects this dual identity: it is both a Marian and Christmastide celebration and a saint's day.
Over time, the day also acquired folk traditions connected with the Christmas season, such as caroling and visits between family and friends. These customs developed within a predominantly rural, Catholic society and were passed down through generations, though the precise historical origins of individual practices are often difficult to date with certainty.
Customs and Traditions
Polish observance of 26 December combines religious practice with family and community customs. Common elements include:
- Church attendance: Many Poles attend Mass on 26 December, which is celebrated as the feast of Saint Stephen. The day remains a holy day of obligation in the Catholic calendar in Poland.
- Caroling (kolędowanie): Groups of carolers, sometimes dressed in costumes, traditionally go from house to house singing Christmas carols (kolędy). In some regions this practice is especially associated with the period around the second day of Christmas.
- Family visits and gatherings: The day is often spent visiting relatives and friends, extending the festive atmosphere of Christmas Day. It is a time for shared meals and conversation rather than the more solemn, intimate supper of Christmas Eve.
- Continued feasting: The Christmas table remains laden with traditional dishes, and the second day is an occasion for further festive meals.
Food and Drink
Polish Christmas food is closely tied to the season as a whole, and the second day of Christmas typically features the same repertoire of dishes served on Christmas Day. These include:
- Bigos: A hearty stew of sauerkraut and meat, often considered a staple of the Polish Christmas table.
- Pierogi: Dumplings filled with various ingredients, including sauerkraut and mushrooms, which are especially associated with Christmas.
- Fish dishes: Carp is the most traditional Christmas fish in Poland, though other fish may also be served.
- Cold cuts and meats: A variety of hams, sausages, and other meats are common on the festive table.
- Sweets and baked goods: Cakes, cookies, and poppy-seed pastries are typical, along with compotes and other drinks.
Alcohol may be served, but the emphasis is generally on conviviality rather than excess. The specific dishes vary by family and region, and no single menu is universal.
Religious and Civic Observances
The religious character of 26 December is marked by Masses and church services throughout Poland. Because it is the feast of Saint Stephen, some parishes hold special observances in his honor. In civic terms, the day is a public holiday in Poland, so government offices, schools, and many businesses are closed. This allows families to travel and spend time together, and it contributes to the busy travel period between Christmas Eve and the end of the Christmas season.
Public Festivities and Regional Variations
Public festivities on 26 December are generally modest compared with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, which are more private and family-oriented. Nevertheless, some towns and villages organize caroling events, nativity plays (jaselka or szopki), and community gatherings. In larger cities, Christmas markets and decorations often remain in place through the second day of Christmas and beyond.
Regional variations exist, but they are often subtle and tied to local folk traditions rather than to a sharp division between regions. For example:
- In some areas, caroling groups are more active on 26 December than on other days of the season.
- Certain regions preserve distinctive Christmas dishes or baked goods that may appear on the second day as well.
- Local parishes may have their own customs for the feast of Saint Stephen, such as processions or special blessings.
Because these practices are rooted in local custom rather than formal regulation, they can differ from one community to the next. Travelers and visitors should expect the day to be quiet and family-centered in most places, with public activity concentrated around churches and, in some towns, community events.
Practical Notes for Visitors
- Holiday closures: 26 December is a public holiday, so many shops, restaurants, and attractions may be closed or operate on reduced hours.
- Transport: Public transport often runs on a holiday schedule, and roads can be busy as people travel between family homes.
- Etiquette: If invited to a Polish home on the second day of Christmas, it is customary to bring a small gift, such as sweets or a bottle of wine, and to join in the festive meal.
- Language: Wishing someone "Wesołych Świąt" (Happy Holidays) remains appropriate throughout the Christmas season, including 26 December.
Summary
The Second Day of Christmas in Poland is both a religious feast—the day of Saint Stephen—and a continuation of the family-centered Christmas celebrations that begin on Christmas Eve. It is marked by church attendance, caroling, family visits, and festive food, and it is a public holiday that allows people to extend their time with loved ones. While regional and local variations exist, the day is generally quieter and more domestic than the commercial festivities found in some other countries, reflecting the enduring importance of family and faith in Polish Christmas traditions.