Twelve-dish Christmas Eve supper facts for kids
A twelve-dish Christmas Eve supper is a special meal prepared in many countries in Central, Northern, and Eastern Europe. This tradition is especially strong in Poland. People prepare twelve different dishes to remember Jesus's twelve disciples. Sometimes, in Poland, people even serve thirteen meatless dishes on Christmas Eve. This custom is very important in places that were once part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, a big country that existed long ago.
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What's on the Table?
The exact dishes can be different in each country, but many are similar. During this supper, people follow a special rule called the Nativity Fast. This means no meat, eggs, or milk (including cheese) are eaten. Instead, the main foods are fish, mushrooms, and different types of grain.
Soups and Starters
In Poland, the meal often starts with warm soups. These are usually mushroom soup or a red beet soup called barszcz. In Ukraine, especially for Catholics and Orthodox Christians, the meal begins with a dish called Kutia. Kutia is a sweet grain pudding.
Special Desserts
In Lithuania, Kutia is also served, along with poppy milk and small pastries called kūčiukai. These are important desserts for their Christmas Eve meal. Poppy seeds are used a lot in Christmas Eve dishes. They are a symbol of good luck and plenty of food for the future. In Ukraine, varenyky (dumplings) filled with poppy seeds are thought to bring even more good fortune.
Fish Dishes
Fish is a very common main course. Popular choices include herring, carp, or pike. In Lithuania, herring dishes are very popular. You might find silkė su morkomis (herring with carrots) or silkė su grybais (herring with mushrooms) on the table.
Mushrooms and Cabbage
Mushrooms, especially dried or pickled ones, are key ingredients. You'll often see sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) mixed with wild mushrooms or peas. Red borscht and mushroom or fish soups are also common in Poland and western Ukraine.
Dumplings and Sweets
Boiled or fried dumplings are a favorite. These include Polish pierogi, Ukrainian varenyky, and Lithuanian auselės. They come with many fillings, like cabbage, mushrooms, or crushed poppy seeds. For dessert, Doughnuts filled with jam are served in Poland (called pączki) and western Ukraine (called pampushky). However, in Lithuania, sweet dishes are not usually served. They believe the evening should be serious and calm.
Drinks for the Meal
For drinks, people traditionally have dried fruit kompot. This is a sweet drink made from stewed dried fruits. Another common drink is cranberry kisiel, which is a thick, jelly-like drink.
Christmas Eve Rituals
There's a special ritual that happens before the meal begins. When the first star appears in the sky, everyone in the family washes their face, hands, and legs in cold water. They say, "Be as healthy as this water is." Some brave people even go for a quick swim in a local river or lake!
After washing, the family gathers for a prayer, often the Our Father. Then, the head of the family will put a little honey on each person's forehead, making the sign of the Cross. They say, "In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: may you have sweetness and many good things in life and in the new year."
The First Star
The Christmas Eve supper usually starts in the evening, after the first star can be seen in the sky. This star is very important. In Christian tradition, it symbolizes the birth of Jesus. In older beliefs, it represented the souls of family members who had passed away. The whole atmosphere of the supper is quiet, with dim lighting, and feels a bit magical.
An Extra Place at the Table
In Poland, Lithuania, and western Ukraine, an extra plate and seat are always left at the table. This is because people believe that the spirits of family members who have died might visit on Christmas Eve night.
Images for kids
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Traditional Ukrainian Sviata vecheria meal. Jacques Hnizdovsky Christmas card.
See also
In Spanish: Cena de nochebuena de doce platos para niños
