Twelve-dish Christmas Eve supper
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (October 2023) |
Twelve-dish Christmas Eve supper is a traditional meal in Central Europe and Eastern Europe, particularly in countries such as Poland, Lithuania, and Ukraine. This festive meal is celebrated on Christmas Eve and is an integral part of the Christmas traditions in these regions.
Overview[edit | edit source]
The Twelve-dish Christmas Eve supper, known as Wigilia in Poland, K__ios in Lithuania, and Sviata Vecheria in Ukraine, is a significant cultural and religious event. The meal consists of twelve distinct dishes, symbolizing the Twelve Apostles or the twelve months of the year. Traditionally, the supper is meatless, focusing on fish, grains, and vegetables, reflecting the fasting practices of the Advent season.
Customs and Traditions[edit | edit source]
The supper begins with the appearance of the first star in the sky, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. Before the meal, family members share a special wafer called op_atek in Poland or kal_daitis in Lithuania, exchanging wishes for health and prosperity.
Dishes[edit | edit source]
The specific dishes served can vary by region and family tradition, but common elements include:
- Borscht or mushroom soup
- Herring prepared in various ways
- Pierogi or dumplings
- Cabbage rolls
- Kutia, a sweet grain pudding
- Kompot, a fruit drink
Symbolism[edit | edit source]
Each dish has its own symbolic meaning, often related to prosperity, health, and the hope for a good harvest in the coming year. The meal is also a time for family reflection and remembrance of deceased loved ones.
Cultural Significance[edit | edit source]
The Twelve-dish Christmas Eve supper is more than just a meal; it is a time for family unity and spiritual reflection. It is a moment to honor traditions passed down through generations and to celebrate the cultural heritage of the region.
Related pages[edit | edit source]
Gallery[edit | edit source]
Traditional dishes served during the Twelve-dish Christmas Eve supper.
Artistic depiction of a Christmas Eve supper.
Twelve-dish Christmas Eve supper
Twelve-dish Christmas Eve supper
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
