Traditionally on the Christmas Eve table twelve dishes appear, which are not only a manifestation of culinary tradition, but also carry a deep message. Each dish has its own specific meaning, which is related to faith, rituals and the desire to ensure prosperity and happiness in the coming year.
In the past, the preparation of the Christmas Eve supper was based not only on religious principles, but also on beliefs related to magic, including the magic of numbers. Observing specific traditions, such as the number of dishes or the number of seats at the table, was intended to ensure the family’s prosperity in the new year and God’s protection.
Recurring number 12 could have several meanings. Above all referred to the 12 months of the year. It was also supposed to symbolize the number of apostles. However, it didn’t always work in the past. It was often much more important to the number of dishes on the Christmas Eve table was odd. For this reason, in wealthy households you could find 11 dishes, and in poorer families – five or seven.
The Christmas Eve table included products that were stored in the home pantry. They were meant to symbolize gifts of nature from the field, forest, orchard and water. These elements were to ensure the well-being of families – nothing would be lacking in the new year. The menu varied greatly due to the history of a given region and the wealth of a given family. For this reason, for example, poorer households served pike or zander in wealthier households. Regardless of the type and species, the dishes had similar symbolism.
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Since Christmas Eve was a fast dinner, fish was served instead of meat. Those available were selected and prepared in various ways – fried, boiled, baked or in jelly. They were supposed to be in folk symbolism a metaphor for fertility and new life. In turn, in the Christian faith they appealed to baptism and rebirth. They were intended to ensure harmony and peace in the new liturgical year. Carp, one of the most popular Christmas fish was supposed to symbolize longevity. Whoever ate it on Christmas Eve was supposed to enjoy a long life. Fish were also supposed to be brought during Christmas wealthas evidenced by fish scales hidden in the wallet.
The Christmas Eve table also included crops from the fields. It couldn’t be missing cabbage, peas and cereals. Superstitions said that the appearance of dishes with these ingredients on the table would ensure prosperity for the coming months. Sauerkraut was supposed to protect against evil and provide household members with strength and vitality.
The main characters of the supper were also mushrooms, i.e. the wealth of forests. In the past, it was believed that they came from “out of this world”. They were believed to have magical powers that would bring happiness and prosperity during Christmas Eve dinner.
At the end of the dinner, desserts were served, consisting of poppy seeds, honey and nuts. was one of the ingredients that was believed to have magical effects. He was his own kind connecting the world of the living and the dead, probably because of its intoxicating properties. It was also supposed to symbolize family unity, happiness and prosperity. Honey eaten on Christmas Eve had a similar function. He was recognized for the food of divine beingswas supposed to protect against evil and provide joy and abundance. Nuts, in turn, were a symbol of wisdom and wealth.
We cannot forget that drinks were also important, and more precisely, like other dishes, it was composed of the harvest of the land. The dried apples, plums and pears used were supposed to symbolize happiness, prosperity, love and health.
Source: Terazgotuje.pl, Nauka.uj.edu.pl
